Spanish Language & Culture
2009/2010 Year - Academics

Academic Focus

The Spanish Language & Culture Program, offered jointly by the CEA Global Campus in Barcelona and University of Barcelona (UB), is designed for students of all language levels who are interested in acquiring and improving their language skills while gaining a thorough education in Spanish culture. This distinctive program offers study abroad students the opportunity to compliment their intensive language learning with elective study in the liberal arts and social sciences. By participating in this program, you will also enjoy the unique advantage of studying at two institutions in Barcelona.

You will enroll in one 8-credit language course at the University of Barcelona, renowned for its teaching of Spanish. In addition to your language course, you will take two to three electives taught at the CEA Global Campus in Barcelona. A wide variety of courses are available in subjects such as Spanish Literature, History, Art History, Cultural Studies, Cinema and Political Science. Courses are offered in both Spanish and English. If you are at the high intermediate level and above, you can choose to take your entire curriculum in Spanish in order to further advance your language skills. You can also opt to take electives in English if you prefer. Students at the beginner and low intermediate levels will complement their language course with electives taught in English.

UB language levels have been translated into English and associated with the levels we deem appropriate in the US educational system. Please note that the Low Intermediate level at UB is called "Elemental" in Spanish. While the word implies a course which is basic or elementary, it is a higher level course than Beginner. In reviewing the content of the course, we have chosen to call it "Low Intermediate." All students are encouraged to retain their course materials to demonstrate work accomplished and to help their advisor determine equivalency for their home institution.

Language courses at the University of Barcelona meet for a total of 113 contact hours and are typically worth 8 credits in the US semester system. Elective courses at the CEA Global Campus in Barcelona meet for 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits each in the US semester system. However, it is up to the student’s home academic advisor to determine how much credit will be awarded.

This program helps students gain insight into the history, culture and language of Spain through active engagement with the host city, people, institutions and culture. The location of the CEA Global Campus in Barcelona also helps frame the curriculum of the Spanish Language and Culture program. Program instructors use the city of Barcelona as an extended "classroom" and encourage students to draw connections between their personal observations and the related topics they address in their courses.

Program Goals

Through formal and informal learning connected to the host university, city, people and culture; and by applying appropriate cognitive, affective, behavioral, ethical and intercultural tools; students will develop and articulate:

• discipline-based knowledge in the liberal arts and social sciences;
• analytic insight into salient cultural differences in the host country’s approach to targeted concepts and issues within these fields, all considered within the larger context of globalization and;
• Spanish language and intercultural communication skills.

Schedule Summary

During the intensive language portion of the program, students will meet Monday through Thursday for a total of 9 hours of classes per week. Semester language courses taught at the University of Barcelona are typically held in the morning and meet 3 - 4 times per week Monday thru Thursday. Elective classes taught at the CEA Global Campus in Barcelona meet one to three times per week for a total of 3 contact hours. Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday, although study trips and other required fieldwork may occur on Fridays. Classes are offered at various times throughout the day. Class timetables will be released approximately 3 months before the program closure date, and your final course schedule may not be available until you arrive onsite. Please note, elective courses will begin prior to the start of the language course at UB but will coincide with the start of the intensive language prep course.

Course Registration

Students must register for courses prior to departure for Barcelona.  A course preference form will be posted to your MyCEA Account when course timetables are released.  This form should be completed upon submission of your program confirmation but no later than the program closure date. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so it is in your best interest to submit your course preference form as soon as possible.

Course preferences are considered final when submitted to CEA. You will take an online language placement exam prior to the program closure date and will receive a preliminary language level assignment. However, your final language level may be adjusted onsite. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to submitting your course preference form.