Academic Focus
The Advanced Hispanic Studies Program at the Complutense University of Madrid is designed for students at the advanced language level and above who are ready to refine their language skills, while taking a closer look into the Hispanic culture. There are eight courses offered annually, developed by the Departments of Philology, Geography & History and Philosophy. They are tailored to help you explore Spanish language, literature, history and culture at an advanced level. You will choose four to eight courses from this listing based on your needs. Courses will be offered at the main university campus, just minutes from downtown Madrid.
Students participating in the fall trimester program will be allowed to complete the final exam in December, however they will be responsible for all material covered through the end of the semester which ends in January. In addition, trimester students will be required to complete additional course work to compensate for classes missed in January. Lastly, because courses are designed around a year-long curriculum, students only participating in the Spring Semester will be provided all materials relevant to the Fall Semester courses, as they will be responsible for this information on their semester final.
Optional Lectures
In addition you your regular course work, the Advanced Hispanic Studies Program also offers a series entitled “Open Class” (Aula Abierta). It consists of lectures, films, guided visits to museums, excursions and a variety of other activities. The activities and topics vary each semester. Past topics have included “Getting to Know Madrid,” “Madrid Urbanism” and “Bullfighting.” The Open Class is intended to complement your academic curriculum and credit is not given. Participation is optional, but highly recommended. The Open Class provides you with the opportunity to mingle with professors, learn more about Spain and apply “class” material to real life contexts. Throughout the semester, you will be informed of Open Class topics and dates. A minimal fee may be required for some activities.
Certificate Program
Year students in this program also have the opportunity to earn a Diploma of Hispanic Studies. This is a certificate awarded by the Complutense University of Madrid to recognize academic achievement in Spanish language and culture studies.
As students are able to design their own schedule by choosing a combination of courses, there is a great deal of variability with regard to semester credits and contact hours. Some classes meet for 30 hours per semester, whereas others meet for 45 hours per semester, for a total of 120 to 300 contact hours. This is generally worth 8 to 20 credits in the US semester system. However, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded.
Schedule Summary
Courses meet two to three times a week and students are typically in class Monday through Friday.
Course Registration
There is no placement exam for the Advanced Hispanic Studies Program and all registrations will take place onsite. You must enroll in at least four courses each semester and may enroll in no more than eight. Although there are no required courses, CEA recommends that you take at least one Spanish language course. 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.
