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Spain: Madrid and the Mediterranean - Academics

Palazio Real, home to many Spanish Kings.

Courses

Prerequisites:

• One semester of college level Spanish or its equivalent. Students who have not taken a Spanish course at AU may be able to place out of this requirement by taking the placement exam in the Language Lab and having the results send to AU Abroad.

Students earn a full semester of American University (AU) credit. Following are descriptions of the courses offered. All courses are taught in English, unless otherwise indicated.

All students participate in an Intensive Spanish language program during the first week of the program. The intensive language program is avialable at all levels.

Mediterranean Seminar
(SIS-316-001S; 6 credits - Required)
This interdisciplinary course acquaints students with ancient civilizations' history, politics, and economies that have profound and enduring influence on our modern way of thinking. Students look at the birth of democracy in Greece in its historic context as a response to urban growth. The course explores early philosophers, their general cultural milieu, and the formation of the classical worldview.

Mediterranean Politics
(SIS-317-001S; 3 credits)
The course reviews the Mediterranean region's role in the European Union through patterns of conflict and resolution. It covers politics of the Arab world, bilateral relations between countries, focusing on conflicts in Israel, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Balkans. Also the course examines the strategic importance of the Maghreb, which combined with southern Europe, plays an important role in the decision making process of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and the U.S. The course will address strategic interests, security concerns, defense policies, migration pressure and risks of nuclear and missile proliferation.

Mediterranean Literature
(LIT 365-001S; 3 credits)
The course surveys the major Mediterranean classic writers, with emphasis on Greco-Latin literary works. From Homer's the Illiad and the Odyssey to Dante's Divina Commedia, texts will include essays, drama, short stories, and narratives. Students will discuss literary movements within the historical contexts including the political, philosophical views and aesthetics, as well as social vision that represented the times.

Mediterranean Art History
(ARTH 201-001S; 3 credits)
This course intends to give a general and complete vision of Mediterranean art by studying the different cultures born in the region and will rely greatly on the diverse museums within Madrid. The subject is explored chronologically from prehistory to contemporary art.

Cross Cultural Cinema
(LIT 379-001S; 3 credits)
This course features Mediterranean films that are rich sources for the study of intercultural relations. Students study the cinematic medium as both a data source and a language. Different traditions of film are analyzed to discover stylistic conventions that vary from culture to culture and cinema’s potential for intercultural communication.

Contemporary Mediterranean Cultures, new for fall 2006
(3 credits)
The Mediterranean has been a crucible of human cultures since the beginning of recorded history. This interdisciplinary survey course will explore the distinct "ways of living" that have developed around the shores of mare nostrum : their similarities and differences; conflicts and solutions; and the contemporary social problems facing the people of the Mediterranean region. Each of the thematic issues covered in this course -- including gender and sexuality; social inequality; society and the environment; violence and extremism; and religion in society -- will be addressed at both the regional and local level through specific case studies from around the region.

Intensive Spanish I
(SPAN-136-001S; 4 credits)
Students learn the elements of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. This course is conducted in Spanish.

Intensive Spanish II
(SPAN-236-001S; 4 credits)
Students gain proficiency at an intermediate level through literary and cultural exercises. This course is conducted in Spanish.

Intensive Spanish III
(SPAN-336-001S; 4 credits)
Students acquire fluency in comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. This course will focus on expository writing through the analysis of a variety of texts with emphasis on the study and practical application of the written discourse. Grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation will be addressed. This course is conducted in Spanish.

Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition
(SPAN-389-001S; 3 credits)
The objective of this course is to develop and improve written language skills as well as to examine advanced grammar rules used to attain linguistic fluency. The course will emphasize written abilities and analyse the different elements of creative writing, personal and work letters, legal documents, books and movies reviews. This course is conducted in Spanish.