Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
2011 Fall Semester - Academics

Academic Focus

The Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Program at the CEA Global Campus in Barcelona is designed for students of all language levels who wish to take courses in English and Spanish from a wide variety of subject areas within the liberal arts and social sciences. The diversity in curriculum allows you the flexibility to choose courses that best meet your individual academic and personal needs.

You will enroll in one Spanish language course or one core elective course as well as three to four additional electives of your choice. You can opt to take all of your courses in English in order to earn credit toward your major or graduation requirements. You can also choose to take electives in Spanish if your level of language allows you to take content courses to further your language skills.

All language courses and electives meet for a total of 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits in the U.S. semester system. If students enroll in 5 classes, they can earn up to 15 credits in the U.S. semester system. However, it is up to the student’s home academic advisor to determine how much credit will be awarded.

Program Goals

Through formal and informal learning connected to the host 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/or intercultural communication skills.

Global Career Development Certificate

The optional certificate program consists of a 1 credit Career Development Seminar and Externship where students are paired with a professional career mentor who works in an industry aligned with the student’s major. The components of the certificate are designed to engage students in learning about career development and global competence, with an emphasis upon reflection on learning “in action” while participating in study abroad. Students learn first-hand what it means to be globally competent through reflection upon the interaction between culture and communication and the global workplace. If accepted, a Global Career Development Certificate program fee of $250 applies which provides

• Dedicated time with a career mentor
• Coaching and feedback on career preparation including assistance developing a resume and cover letter to effectively showcase your study abroad experience
• Connection with peers with similar career interests
• Opportunities to build an international network, practice networking skills, and enhance global competency to better compete for jobs/graduate school entry
• Guidance on how to meaningfully articulate your study abroad experience

Schedule Summary

Semester classes at the Global Campus 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 three months before the program closure date, and your final course schedule may not be available until you arrive onsite.

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.