Language & Culture/Hispanic Studies
2009/2010 Year - Early Start - Academics

Academic Focus

The Spanish Language & Culture/Advanced Hispanic Studies Program at the University of Granada is designed for students of all language levels who wish to focus their studies on continued language acquisition and improvement, while taking electives focused on the Spanish culture. During the fall semester, you will enroll in two Spanish language courses and up to three electives taught in English or Spanish. During the spring semester, advanced level students must then enroll in one language course and up to four Spanish electives, while superior level students will enroll in four or five Spanish electives. Students interested in studying an additional foreign language will be allowed to do so in place of one elective. Please contact a CEA representative for more information regarding course details and available languages.

Language courses will focus on oral comprehension and expression, listening comprehension and grammar components appropriate to your language level. Your electives will help you continue to develop your language skills while allowing you to further explore the history, literature, geography and sociology of Spain and Latin America.

This program also features an Integrated Studies option, where students may select up to two courses from the University of Granada's regular course listing. This will allow you to experience partial immersion into the Spanish university system by taking content courses with host national students. Classes at the University of Granada are taught in a wide variety of subject areas, allowing you to earn credits toward your major or fulfill additional graduation requirements. Because the University of Granada does not typically release their course listing until shortly before the semester begins, you will not be provided a complete course listing until you arrive onsite.

Early Start

This program also features a unique Early Start option, where you will arrive early and take a four week intensive language preparation course. This course, focused on grammar and conversation, is designed to help you adjust to the university setting and prepare you for the semester placement exam.

Spanish language classes during the intensive language prep course meet for a total of 80 contact hours. Students generally receive 5 semester credits for this portion of their program. All semester courses meet for a total of 45 contact hours each semester. Students generally receive 3 semester credits per course, for a total of 12 - 15 credits per semester.

Schedule Summary

During the intensive language portion of the program, students will meet Monday through Friday for a total of 20 hours per week. During the fall semester, all courses will meet for 4 hours each week, while during the spring semester all courses meet for 3 hours each week. Classes will be held on Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/Thursdays at various times throughout the day. Class times vary and your final course schedule will be determined onsite.

Course Registration

All students are required to complete an elective selection form prior to departure. This form must be returned to the CEA Tempe office with your program confirmation, or no later than the application closure date for your program. You will automatically be registered for your language courses.

You will be given a language placement exam on the first day of class. Though you will register for courses prior to your departure for Spain, final registration will not take place until after your language level has been assessed. You will receive further information regarding registration deadlines after acceptance to the program. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to departure. Any changes to your course selection after registrations have been finalized must be coordinated through the onsite director.