Area Courses (EN) - Advanced
| Anthropology | ||
| AN/SO320A Sports and Society in Spain |
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| This course will examin various aspects of the relationship between sport and society
in Spain, with a particular emphasis on soccer and bullfighting. We will examine both the impact of sport on Spanish society and the influence of society on the practice
of sport in Spain. The course begins with a consideration of general theoretical questions in the study of sport before moving on to an account of the historical
development of sports in general and in Spain in particular. The impact of social institutions on sports is examined in sections on the economy and the media.
The first half of the course ends with a consideration of the way sports can be used by governments as a political tool. Following the midterm, we examine the
reciprocal influences of sports on violence, gender, race and ethnic and national identities in Spain. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Dawn Hiscock Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| AN/SO320B Sports and Society in Spain |
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| This course will examin various aspects of the relationship between sport and society
in Spain, with a particular emphasis on soccer and bullfighting. We will examine both the impact of sport on Spanish society and the influence of society on the practice
of sport in Spain. The course begins with a consideration of general theoretical questions in the study of sport before moving on to an account of the historical
development of sports in general and in Spain in particular. The impact of social institutions on sports is examined in sections on the economy and the media.
The first half of the course ends with a consideration of the way sports can be used by governments as a political tool. Following the midterm, we examine the
reciprocal influences of sports on violence, gender, race and ethnic and national identities in Spain. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Dawn Hiscock Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| AN/PS340 Self and Identity in a Posmodern World |
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| This course interrogates identity and self in the postmodern era of globalization and
neo-liberalism. In a world in which economic, political, cultural and human frontiers are increasingly being torn down, the parameters that have traditionally
circumscribed self development are becoming less and less clear. This course will examine how global telecommunication, worldwide migrations, evolving values,
and an ever changing and expanding marketplace of goods, services, and ideas impact self and identity. What was once distant, strange and incomprehensible
can be instantly accessed, whereas what as once firmly established tradition is increasingly becoming distant and strange and incomprehensible. The parameters
which have previously defined our self and identity, of what is expected, good, normal, and valued, are no longer clearly and unambiguously given, such that
the self is increasingly saturated and hybridized. Contemporary Spanish identity in the context of nationalism, immigration, and commerce will be examined as
a means of elaborating upon the complexity of self and identity development. The experience of studying abroad will provide further insights into the impact
of cultural and geographical change on self and identity. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. A. Qureshi Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HP/AN345 Catalan Cultural Studies |
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| What do you know about Catalonia? Is Catalonia a nation? What makes Catalan people so different?
This course will provide you with the basic intercultural skills and necessary knowledge to be able to understand and live in the context of contemporary
Catalan culture. We will address the main ideological and political difficulties of defining Catalan culture as separate from other cultures and communities
in the Peninsula. Basic cultural items and components of our local culture (ranging from the Barca club and the 92' Olympics to newspaper materials and folk dances
and performance) will be introduced to help you investigate this general question. The goal is to respond, through cultural and political investigation, whether
Catalonia could be considered a differentiated nation or political community. This cultural and political debate will be presented through a variety of methods
and activities designed to enhance cultural awareness and critical thinking. To help students with their research, at the beginning of each class, basic Catalan
vocabulary will be introduced in connection to the issues discussed. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Xavi Alcon Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Architecture | ||
| AH/AT324 Modernism in Architecture and Design in Comparative Perspective |
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| This course will look at Modernism as an international movement in architecture
and design. Beginning with a discussion of Modernism in the arts, the course will focus upon developments in architecture and design in Europe and North America
between 1880 and 1920 (Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Secession, etc.) Special attention will be paid to Gaudí and Modernisme in Barcelona, and several relevant field visits
will be made. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Viñamata Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Art History | ||
| AH/US230 International Events in Barcelona: An Artistic Approach |
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| This course focuses on four international cultural events that have determined the worldwide
launching of the city of Barcelona as a renowned Art window: the 1888 World Fair, the 1929 International Fair, the 1992 Olympic Games and the 2004 Forum of the Cultures.
These key happenings highlight important periods in the History of Art along with the aesthetic changes the city has experienced. The emphasis is on Art exhibitions
celebrated during these events. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Sanchez Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| AH/US330 Architecture and Landscape in Barcelona |
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| This
course proposes looking at Barcelona's Metropolitan area not from the panoramas,
open spaces and landscapes that articulate, connect and offer continuity
between built space and voids. The formal, theoretical and cultural history
of modern gardens, parks, and public landscapes in the city will be addressed,
within a European context. The multivalent forms of modern landscape, crossing
borders between architecture, art and urban planning are examined in a variety
of oppositions and new contexts that include the public vs. private, the
rural vs. urban, the city vs. country; the rise of planning instruments
at a city and regional scale; ecological concerns; the emergence of ideologies
of nature and changing attitudes towards modernization and increased mobility.
The course will chart the emergence of the public landscape with special
focus given to developments in urban and regional planning. Landscape, by
definition, always refers to other disciplines. The interdisciplinary nature
of modern landscape design will be analyzed through critical reference to
methodologies used in the related fields of architecture, art, geography,
social and urban history, horticulture, ecology, land management and urbanism.
Landscape, historic itineraries, urban and regional parks and natural open
spaces can be seen as strategic planning tools in Barcelona and offer a
different way of understanding the city. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Suzanne Strum Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| AH223A Great Twentieth Century Painters: Dali, Miro and Picasso |
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| The work of these three international artists from Catalonia is explored individually.
In each case, we will study the acceptance and/or rejection to tradition, the interaction with French art and artists, and personal experience. We will also pay attention
to the role of both outside stimulli (war) and inner forces (memory, imagination). The course will take advantage of the Picasso and Miro museums in Barcelona. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Matthew Clear Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| AH223B Great Twentieth Century Painters: Dali, Miro and Picasso |
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| The work of these three international artists from Catalonia is explored individually.
In each case, we will study the acceptance and/or rejection to tradition, the interaction with French art and artists, and personal experience. We will also pay attention
to the role of both outside stimulli (war) and inner forces (memory, imagination). The course will take advantage of the Picasso and Miro museums in Barcelona. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Carlos Martin Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| AH/US360 The City as a Place to Live: The Barcelona Experience |
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live our city means to expand the limits of our homes. In order to understand
this concept we will study public spaces and their importance in terms of
form and qualities to help us feel part of a city. The course will focus
on the characteristics of different public spaces and the activities which
take place in them. Barcelona will serve as a case study for an overall
comparison of public spaces in both Europe and America. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Isabel Sanchez Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| AH/RL350 The Iberian Peninsula: Cultures and Religions Through the Arts |
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| This course aims to apply visual arts to he interpretation of the Spanish
and European experience of Islam, both in the past (al-Andalus) and in Modern and Contemporary times. The classes and field studies will determine
the evolution of these views through the analysis of artistic images, architecture, popular imagery and film. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. C. Martin Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HS/AH251A Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City |
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| Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, with a great international projection. This course
is an introduction to the city of Barcelona by studying its past and also analyzing its present. This course will review the most important moments in the
history of Barcelona, and will study the urban development of the city, focusing in the ways those historical events can be seen in the present layout of the
city. The course will also analyze the expression of Catalan and Mediterranean identity in its art, its buildings and traditions. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Marina Diaz Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HS/AH251B Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City |
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| Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, with a great international projection. This course
is an introduction to the city of Barcelona by studying its past and also analyzing its present. This course will review the most important moments in the
history of Barcelona, and will study the urban development of the city, focusing in the ways those historical events can be seen in the present layout of the
city. The course will also analyze the expression of Catalan and Mediterranean identity in its art, its buildings and traditions. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Marina Diaz Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Arts | ||
| AR225 Art & Design |
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| Art & Design is a practical course covering important areas of studio practice,
with drawing as its central activity. It provides an understanding of the role of design and technology in meeting human needs, and an awareness of modern
developments in their historical perspective. The syllabus emphasizes individual initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, offering an opportunity for
experiencing a reasonable balance of art and design pursuits. As a creative field with no predetermined correct answers to the problems, infinite variations
in individual interpretation and application are possible. Hence, it can be tailored to each persons current abilities and skills. Students must provide their
own materials with the exemption of the monoprinting and linocutting sessions. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Tony Evora Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Business | ||
| EC/IB441 Spains Economic Development |
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| The Spanish economy has undertaken a profound process of modernization during the last decades,
and its gradual integration in the EU has been one of the main driving force of that process. This course is aimed at analyzing the main recent developments of the
Spanish economy, its process of growth and convergence with the core European economies and the main structural problems that the Spanish economy has still to face in
the future. Special reference will be made to the impact of the EU membership on Spanish economy and institutions and also to the future prospects of economic
transformation in the context of an enlarged EU. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Marc Prat Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| IB343 Business Ethics in an Intercultural Framework |
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| Business cultures vary significantly by region, nation and supra-nationality
and over time. This course will use case studies to consider legal, ethical and cultural sensitive decision making and behavior for international business. A framework based on different ethical traditions, including philosophical, institutional and cultural, is used to analyze business ethical dilemmas. The specific trade-offs pertaining to the relation between business value on one hand and social and environmental values on the other hand are structured. Issues of reputation, credibility and communication are specifically addressed. Topics include: societal, environmental and individual business issues. Guest speakers from business and non-governmental organizations will be featured and a field trip will be organized. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Anna Penn Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| IB350 International Marketing: A European Approach |
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| International Marketing is important as the world becomes every day more globalized.
In an international context, the marketing managers plan and conduct transactions across borders to create exchanges that satisfy the objectives of individuals
and organizations. The fact that a transaction takes place across national borders highlights the difference between domestic and international marketing. The course will consider the basic concepts of international marketing, the various activities necessary for international marketing planning, the beginning of international marketing activities to be conducted by a domestic firm, and relevant issues on strategy and marketing management relevant to the expanded global operations. Credits: 3 Instructor:Prof. Josep Llop Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| IB450 Global Marketing: A European Approach |
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| International Marketing is important as the world becomes every day more globalized.
In an international context, the marketing managers plan and conduct transactions across borders to create exchanges that satisfy the objectives of individuals
and organizations. The fact that a transaction takes place across national borders highlights the difference between domestic and international marketing. The course will consider the basic concepts of international marketing, the various activities necessary for international marketing planning, the beginning of international marketing activities to be conducted by a domestic firm, and relevant issues on strategy and marketing management relevant to the expanded global operations. Credits: 3 Instructor:Prof. Mitja Pirc Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| IB360 Entrepreneurship: A European Perspective |
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| While there are many definitions of entrepreneurship and
entrepreneurs, most will agree that entrepreneuship is more than just starting your own business. It is rather a practice and
discipline to be the driving force of mosst economies and societies. New entrepreneurial ventures are seen as the sources of
job creation and economics growth as well as personal satisfaction. In addition, with the outset of globalization, the ability
to become an entrepreneur across borders acquires greater importance. Students should become aware that differences exists
between regions and how different markets work. In this course, we will analyze the meaning of entrepreneurship, its linkage to innovation, what it means to be an entrepreneur and explore ways to become one. We will learn that entrepreneurship means change and that change lead to opportunities. The course prepares students to start businesses, and work in newer and/or smaller innovative firms where the emphasis is placed on finding new ideas, exploring opportunities, looking for a need or a problem in any area of special interests and developing an entrepreneurial solution. The program focuses on new venture creation, business creation, business planning, and innovation, as well as developing functional skills in marketing, finance and operations for small business management. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Jeaninne Horowitz Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| MG345 Management Across Borders |
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| What do managers need to understand in order to compete in a global marketplace?
Using Barcelonas unique economic and geographic position in Spain and the Mediterranean we will focus on value-adding organizations in multicultural
world. The course will consider organizational behavior, business strategy, human resources management, communication issues, marketing, in both Spanish
and EU environments; and international case studies, visits and independent research projects to better understand the complex issues of global management. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Beth Kuhnlein Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Communication | ||
| CM330A European Television in Comparative Perspective |
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| This course constitutes an introduction to Television Studies, focusing on the European context.
Its first part is generic: it provides the students with the basics to understand Television (genres, formats, audiences, scheduling, advertising, financing,
institutions, history, etc.). The second part explains how these fundamentals apply to specific European countries. The course discusses the intentions of the
television makers and the expectations of the various national audiences, as well as the effect of each socio-cultural environment on the programs and schedules.
It also analyzes the differences between American and European TV, the influence of US television on the European Union, and the recent but significant influence of
European formats on American TV. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Helena Medina Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| CM330B European Television in Comparative Perspective |
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| This course constitutes an introduction to Television Studies, focusing on the European context.
Its first part is generic: it provides the students with the basics to understand Television (genres, formats, audiences, scheduling, advertising, financing,
institutions, history, etc.). The second part explains how these fundamentals apply to specific European countries. The course discusses the intentions of the
television makers and the expectations of the various national audiences, as well as the effect of each socio-cultural environment on the programs and schedules.
It also analyzes the differences between American and European TV, the influence of US television on the European Union, and the recent but significant influence of
European formats on American TV. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Helena Medina Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| CM327 Language, Culture and Communication: The Spanish Perspective |
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| This course will provide students key elements to understand better what Spain is today,
the different ways Spaniards live and define their identity. Students will explore the relationship among culture, communication and language in a multilingual and multicultural context, will consider the different functions of language and learn to use communication as a tool for greater cultural understanding in a foreign country. The course will also analyse the concept of culture and cultural identity and discuss perceptions of time, society, family, religion and values in Spain. Some basic communication theory will be presented and sites of cultural interests will be visited. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Xavi Alcon Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| CM/PO335A Media and Politics in Europe |
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| The course will examine the nature and complexity of the human interactions between the
regions of the Mediterranean from the dawn of humanity in Africa until the fall of the Roman Empire: the early humans, the neolithic revolution, Mesopotamia
and Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome.
Moreover, the course wants to explore this phenomenon not only as a historical process, but as a way assess todays Western culture, economics and politics. Taking advantage of the situation of the Mediterranean region, the course aims to discusse also more intriguing issues on human history, such as what make us humans, to figure out the role of women in human history, to explore the origins of city lifestyle, to discuss on the nature of democracy and citizenship, to establish the effects of commercial and colonialist encounters, to explore curiosities of ancient daily life, and to understand why heritage is useful for our societies.
As part of this exploration, the course analyzes how this time period is presented to the general public through cinema, exhibitions, archaeological sites, and museums. The course includes also field studies to museums and archaeological sites in Barcelona and Catalonia. (3 credits)
Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Carlos Roca Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| CM/PO335B Media and Politics in Europe |
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| The course will examine the nature and complexity of the human interactions between the
regions of the Mediterranean from the dawn of humanity in Africa until the fall of the Roman Empire: the early humans, the neolithic revolution, Mesopotamia and Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome.
Moreover, the course wants to explore this phenomenon not only as a historical process, but as a way assess todays Western culture, economics and politics. Taking advantage of the situation of the Mediterranean region, the course aims to discusse also more intriguing issues on human history, such as what make us humans, to figure out the role of women in human history, to explore the origins of city lifestyle, to discuss on the nature of democracy and citizenship, to establish the effects of commercial and colonialist encounters, to explore curiosities of ancient daily life, and to understand why heritage is useful for our societies.
As part of this exploration, the course analyzes how this time period is presented to the general public through cinema, exhibitions, archaeological sites, and museums. The course includes also field studies to museums and archaeological sites in Barcelona and Catalonia. (3 credits)
Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Carlos Roca Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| CM350 Bilingualism |
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| Who really speaks Spanglish? Why? Have you ever heard of Catanyol? This course provides answers to these questions and serves as an introduction to bilingualism studies. Special attention is paid to the Catalan linguistic situation, as well as the multilingual situation in Spain as a whole. The main focus of the course is on the sociolinguistic aspects of bilingualism, including types of bilingual societies, the linguistic behavior of bilingual speakers who can produce and comprehend two languages (or more), language maintenance, language shift, and language loss. The course also explores political and policy perspectives on bilingualism, including education policies and practices both in Spain and the US.
Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Eulalia Canals Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Cultural Studies | ||
| HS/AL/CU250 Mediterranean History and Heritage: From Human Origins to Classical Civilizations |
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| Taking advantage of the situation of Catalonia and Spain as a crossroads of civilizations
and of their rich archaeological record, this course explores intriguing issues in Mediterranean history and heritage and the key topics in tracing back and
understanding Western civilization. As part of this exploration, the course analyzes how this time period is presented to the general public through historical literature, cinema, archaeological exhibitions, archaeological sites, and museums. We will examine the main ways that Spains archaeological heritage currently is managed and consider its ongoing management in a sustainable way, as a means a synthesize the course issues and topics. Field study to sites in Barcelona and Catalonia. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Laia Colomer Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Economics | ||
| EC341 The Economic Effects of Spain's EU Membership |
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| THIS COURSE IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH EC/IB441 SPAINS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE EU. Since becoming a member of the European Union, the Spanish economy has changed dramatically. Once economically isolated within the Iberian Peninsula, Spain has evolved from a backward economy to a dynamic European leader. We will consider how EU membership has influenced economic development, investment, labor relations, and entrepreneurship in the country. Political, social, and business aspects will also be studied. Special reference will be made to the impact of economic and monetary union (EMU) on the economy. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Prat Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| EC/IB441 Spain's Economic Development and the EU |
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| THIS COURSE IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH EC341 THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF SPAIN'S EU MEMBERSHIP. The Spanish economy has undertaken a profound process of modernization during the last decades, and its gradual integration in the EU has been one of the main driving force of that process. This course is aimed at analyzing the main recent developments of the Spanish economy, its process of growth and convergence with the core European economies and the main structural problems that the Spanish economy has still to face in the future. Special reference will be made to the impact of the EU membership on Spanish economy and institutions and also to the future prospects of economic transformation in the context of an enlarged EU. (3 credits). Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Marc Prat Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| EC/PO442 European Welfare States |
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| The focus of this course will be to discover how this all-encompassing concept,
the welfare state, varies across time and distance in its implementation across Europe. Emphasis will be put on the rationale behind the differences in
the social contract between otherwise very comparable societies such as the United States and Europe. The course is divided into five parts.
The first one considers the main theoretical concepts in welfare economics. It covers topics on market efficiency, market failures and the role of the public sector in
the economy. The equity-efficiency trade-off is also discussed. Section two provides a positive analysis of inequality and income distribution. Following an overview of
the historical development of the welfare state, part three focuses on the financing of the welfare state and the provision of different types of social services (social
insurance, pensions, health care, education, housing benefits). Comparative analysis of the European welfare regimes is conducted in part four. The contrasts with the
American systems will be discussed. To conclude, section five offers an overview of the challenges faced by the European welfare states today. An emphasis will be put
on the consequences of the European integration on the European welfare state. Credits: 3 Instructor: Andres Santana Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| EC/PO210 An Introduction to the European Union |
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| This course aims to provide U.S. students knowledge about the EU. The course
is focused on the historical evolution of the process of the European integration, how the EU institutions work, how public policy is adopted and
which are the central issues and policies in the development of the EU. We play special attention to the interaction between the processes of government
(institutional framework), public policies (policy process) and politics (interests, ideas and values of the different political actors). Credits: 3 Instructor: Alvaro Morcillo Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Environmental Studies | ||
| ES/GE311 Mediterranean Environment |
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| The course will explore what is understood by the term
Mediterranean Environment. The main characteristics of the Mediterranean will be studied from an ecological, social, economical,
political and cultural point of view. Emphasis will be given to the approaches of the different countries and the interaction
between them to tackle regional environmental problems. Attention will be paid to the effects of human activities on the marine
and coastal areas, the efforts to reverse the ecological damage and to reach sustainable development. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Luis Cardona Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| ES/GE320 Mediterranean Oceanography |
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| The warm-temperate Mediterranean is one of the remnants of
Tethys, the ancient ocean that once allowed worldwide dispersal of tropical and subtropical marine organisms. Although most of
that biodiversity vanished in the late Mioce, 5.5 million of years ago, some Tethyan species still survive in the Mediterranean,
as seagrasses whose closest relatives occur in Australia and sturgeons related to those found in the Aral Sea. These survivors
of Tethys share the Mediterranean with newcomers that colonized the basin after the Ice Age, like the monk seal, the loggerhead
turtle, and sperm whale. This course will explore the origin and characteristics of this amazing biodiversity and the dynamics
of the ecosystems where these species thrive. But the Mediterranean is also one of the most densely populated areas in the world
and one of the most attractive destinations for European tourists. Overfishing, pollution and destruction of coastal areas
threaten the conservation of marine wild life. The course will also consider the impact of these activities and whether sustained
development can be achieved in the region. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Luis Cardona Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| ES/SO350 Sustainability: Challenges and Responses |
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| Sustainability is widely regarded as one of the key challenges facing humanity in the new millennium. Having achieved great success in attaining prosperity for a large proportion of mankind through industrial development, the consequences of unfettered growth have begun to catch up with us. A diverse array of crises has begun to make itself felt, threatening many of the environmental and social support systems we take for granted.
The course comprises two main sections. In the first section, we will examine the tremendous challenges that we face, all around the globe. We will identify key problem areas, recognise their consequences, and attempt to understand the reasons for their persistence. Using a holistic perspective based on systems analysis, we will emphasize the interconnectedness between various spheres of social, environmental and economic systems. In the second section, we will survey various policies, technologies and social initiatives that may help us change course to a more promising and fulfilling future. (3 credits)
Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Xavier De Pedro Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
Film Studies | |
| HP/FS340 Contemporary Spanish Film |
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| This course provides an introduction to contemporary Spanish society through cinematic
representation. The year 1975 –Franco’s death and the end of the dictatorship- shall be our point of departure, because it represents the beginning of the
changes that began to conform Spanish society as it is today. The course will address cultural stereotypes and, definitions of self/other, as well as notions
of “nationality” in cinema. We shall focus particularly on representations of the city as social and symbolic space, in order to understand the important changes
that have taken place in the past 25 years. By the end of the course, students will understand that the country’s cinematic representation is linked to its
political, social and economic evolution. Students will also gain some knowledge of the conceptual tools required to study cinematic texts, and basic concepts
of film theory. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Loew Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Geography | ||
| ES/GE311 Mediterranean Environment |
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| The course will explore what is understood by the term
Mediterranean Environment. The main characteristics of the Mediterranean will be studied from an ecological, social, economical,
political and cultural point of view. Emphasis will be given to the approaches of the different countries and the interaction
between them to tackle regional environmental problems. Attention will be paid to the effects of human activities on the marine
and coastal areas, the efforts to reverse the ecological damage and to reach sustainable development. Credits: 3 Instructor: Lluis Cardona Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| ES/GE320 Mediterranean Oceanography |
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| The warm-temperate Mediterranean is one of the remnants of
Tethys, the ancient ocean that once allowed worldwide dispersal of tropical and subtropical marine organisms. Although most of
that biodiversity vanished in the late Mioce, 5.5 million of years ago, some Tethyan species still survive in the Mediterranean,
as seagrasses whose closest relatives occur in Australia and sturgeons related to those found in the Aral Sea. These survivors
of Tethys share the Mediterranean with newcomers that colonized the basin after the Ice Age, like the monk seal, the loggerhead
turtle, and sperm whale. This course will explore the origin and characteristics of this amazing biodiversity and the dynamics
of the ecosystems where these species thrive. But the Mediterranean is also one of the most densely populated areas in the world
and one of the most attractive destinations for European tourists. Overfishing, pollution and destruction of coastal areas
threaten the conservation of marine wild life. The course will also consider the impact of these activities and whether sustained
development can be achieved in the region. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Cardona Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| GE/SO340 Migration in a Globalized World |
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| In a world characterised by the increasing openness of borders for capitals, goods
and services, the free movement of people remains a strongly contested issue. Different from commodities, human beings carry with them their
own worldviews (knowledge, values, attitudes) while crossing borders, contrasting with those of the societies that receive them. The final consequence of
migratory flows is (not always peaceful) social change that transform both the receiving and the sending societies. The purpose of this course is to
analyse contemporary migration processes; framing them in their economic, social, cultural and political context; and trying to review the impact of those
processes at the individual as well as the aggregated (social) level. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Castilla Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| History | ||
| HS213 History of the Mediterranean in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance |
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| This course will debate the relations held by different civilizations through the
Mediterranean Sea during a period of intense instability. Special attention will be paid to the social and economic structure of considered societies, a well
as on commercial and cultural exchanges. Renaissance, one of the greatest cultural achievements and the basis of Western civilization, will be introduced as
a combination of opposite Mediterranean cultures (underlying the concepts of network and accumulative knowledge and resources). Finally, the course will emphasize
two transverse concepts: the idea of cultural exchange between different societies as the basis of the making of cultures and the relevance of geographic determinism. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Wim Mellaerts Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HS215 Contemporary History of Europe: Building Contempoary Europe |
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| The course surveys the most significant political, social, and intellectual trends in European history from the end
of the 18th century till the last decades of the 20th century. Prominence will be given to the variety of European
experiences in order to provide both a description and an explanation of the forces, tensions, and dilemmas that
have shaped contemporary Europe. Some political and economic notions will be outlined in connection with
concrete historical cases. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Matthew Clear Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HS332 Contemporary History of Spain |
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| This course will focus on the 20th century Spanish history, from the crisis of the Restoration,
1923, to the end of Francoist Dictatorship, 1975. Classes will be organised in three great sections. The first devoted to depict the great issues that shape the
historical debate about the Spanish Peculiarities and Modernisation. Second section will be centred on the description of the players of Spanish recent History,
paying special attention to women. Both sections will be developed using a comparative approach underlying European and Spanish differences or coincidences. Finally,
last section will attend to the historical evolution from a general and comparative perspective (politics, economy and social realities). Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Grau Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HS/AH251A Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City |
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| Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, with a great international projection. This course is an
introduction to the city of Barcelona by studying its past and also analyzing its present. This course will review the most important moments in the history of
Barcelona, and will study the urban development of the city, focusing in the ways those historical events can be seen in the present layout of the city. The course
will also analyze the expression of Catalan and Mediterranean identity in its art, its buildings and traditions. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Diaz Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HS/AH251B Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City |
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| Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, with a great international projection. This course is an
Barcelona, and will study the urban development of the city, focusing in the ways those historical events can be seen in the present layout of the city. The course
will also analyze the expression of Catalan and Mediterranean identity in its art, its buildings and traditions. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Diaz Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HS/PO320 Catalan Nationalism in Comparative Perspective |
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| This course will investigate both the theoretical issues associated with as well as the practical
political dynamics of the phenomenon of Catalan nationalism; and it will do so by situating the case of Catalonia in a broad comparative perspective. In the first part of the course, we will examine three cases of nationalism in the Iberian peninsula itself, paying special attention to how they are interconnected with one another. The cases are: (1) Spanish nationalism; (2) Basque Nationalism; and (3) Catalan nationalism. Next, we will turn to examine a host of the main theoretical issues associated with nationalism in general. We will explore the question of the relationship between nationalism and "internationalism". Then, we will explore the question of the relationship between nationalism and racism. Finally, we will explore the relationship between nationalism and communism. After having thus equipped the students with an understanding of existing general and theoretical stances, the course will turn to examine several concrete cases outside of Spain. We will spend a week on each of the following: (1) the break-up of the Soviet Union; (2) the civil war in Yugoslavia; (3) the dispute over Northern Ireland; (4) Belgium; and (5) Canada. Finally, we will conclude by addressing the normative implications of nationalism, considered as a distinct genre of political legitimation. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Andrew Davis Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Literature | ||
| LT361 Women in Mediterranean Literature |
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| Study of various representations of women in modern Mediterranean literature through an analysis
of texts by both male and female writers. Writers from Catalonia, Spain, France, Morocco, and Algeria will be included. The goal is to examine, through historical and
comparative case studies, the ways in which gender, kinship, and sexuality structure womens lives in Mediterranean culture. Readings will be drawn from poetry, novels,
drama, memoirs, travel books, and biographies. While theoretical issues are presented in lecture, the course focuses on analyzing texts according to basic strategies
for literary works. There will be also occasional screenings of films, field visits, and lectures by guest speakers. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Patricia Soley Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| LT364 Spanish and English Voices of the Civil War in Literature, Film, Drama |
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| This course provides an introduction to the Spanish Civil War through cultural representation.
The Civil War shall be studied in film, drama, prose and poetry of foreign and Spanish origin, in order to understand the cultural, historical, and ideological aspects
of this conflict, both in its domestic expression, and as an international conflict. By the end of the course, students will understand that a countrys works of art
are linked to its political, social and economic evolution. Students will also gain some knowledge of the conceptual tools required to study literary and cinematic
texts. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Camila Loew Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| LT370 The Spanish Picaresque: From Don Quixote to Huckleberry Finn |
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| This course provides an introduction to one of the most original genres of Spanish literature.
From its historical context in the Golden Age (16th and 17th centuries), students will recognize picaresque patterns in modern Spanish literature and culture. At the
same time they will be able to compare the Spanish picaro to other well-known characters from American and European fiction. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Veronica Fajardo Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| LT252 Travel Writing in Spain/Europe: Between Self and Other |
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| This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of contemporary travel
writing. After defining the reaches and limits of the travel genre and examining issues in canonical contemporary travel texts, we shall focus on travel
writing in Spain, by both English and Spanish authors. Special attention will be paid to the ways in which travel writing negotiates notions of identity
and otherness, the self and difference. Because we are aiming at a truly intercultural focus, texts in both English and Spanish will be read (readings in
Spanish will be optional for those students able to read in Spanish). Students will also produce their own travel writing in a workshop-style format. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Camila Loew Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Methodology Seminar | ||
| RE496H Methodology Seminar |
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| For a detailed course description, please visit
the Honors Program section of our academics website. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Adil Qureshi Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Music | ||
| MS215 Introduction to Music |
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| This course is a survey of Western musical practice from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. While learning how to develop critical listening skills, the student will explore each different stylistic period, its historical context and certain musical parameters that may be emphasized in the music (pitch, rhythm, counterpoint, harmony, sound, etc). The main goal is to show the student that music has the capacity to codify multiple layers of meaning and how s/he can develop the tools to uncover them. The course is organized in units that pair a musical style or period with particular theoretical or technical concept(s). In addition, these pairs will be discussed in connection to particular historical events or prevalent social currents of the time (in italics). (3 CREDITS)
Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Adil Qureshi Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| Political Science | ||
| CM/PO335A Media and Politics in Europe |
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| The main purpose of this course is to provide the student with a complete understanding about
the main dimensions of such a complex and evolving issue as Media and Politics. Media and Politics are commonly analyzed throughout academic literature from two
different perspectives. On one side, the consideration of mass media as a crucial site for political activity; that is, from its historical origins to contemporary societies, European Media cannot be understood aside from the State political activity, since its early consideration as a public service to recent phenomena such as the so called Globalization or the Information Society, in which European States play a defining role. On the other side, the contents of Media play a key role on political consciousness and the political identity of citizenship. This political identity is not restricted to the activity of political parties but especially involves more subtle issues such as the media construction of gender, age, class, nation and social stereotypes, all of them embedded with controversial political aspects. Credits: 3 Instructor: Prof. Carlos Roca Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| CM/PO335B Media and Politics in Europe |
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| The main purpose of this course is to provide the student with a complete understanding about
the main dimensions of such a complex and evolving issue as Media and Politics. Media and Politics are commonly analyzed throughout academic literature from two
different perspectives. On one side, the consideration of mass media as a crucial site for political activity; that is, from its historical origins to contemporary societies, European Media cannot be understood aside from the State political activity, since its early consideration as a public service to recent phenomena such as the so called Globalization or the Information Society, in which European States play a defining role. On the other side, the contents of Media play a key role on political consciousness and the political identity of citizenship. This political identity is not restricted to the activity of political parties but especially involves more subtle issues such as the media construction of gender, age, class, nation and social stereotypes, all of them embedded with controversial political aspects. Credits: 3 Instructor:Prof. Carlos Roca Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| EC/PO210 An Introduction to the European Union |
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| This course aims to provide U.S. students knowledge about the EU. The course is
focused on the historical evolution of the process of the European integration, how the EU institutions work, how public policy is adopted and which are the
central issues and policies in the development of the EU. We play special attention to the interaction between the processes of government (institutional framework),
public policies (policy process) and politics (interests, ideas and values of the different political actors) Credits: 3 Instructor: Alvaro Morcillo Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| EC/PO442 European Welfare States |
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| The focus of this course will be to discover how this all-encompassing concept,
the welfare state, varies across time and distance in its implementation across Europe. Emphasis will be put on the rationale behind the differences in
the social contract between otherwise very comparable societies such as the United States and Europe. The course is divided into five parts.
The first one considers the main theoretical concepts in welfare economics. It covers topics on market efficiency, market failures and the role of the public sector in
the economy. The equity-efficiency trade-off is also discussed. Section two provides a positive analysis of inequality and income distribution. Following an overview of
the historical development of the welfare state, part three focuses on the financing of the welfare state and the provision of different types of social services (social
insurance, pensions, health care, education, housing benefits). Comparative analysis of the European welfare regimes is conducted in part four. The contrasts with the
American systems will be discussed. To conclude, section five offers an overview of the challenges faced by the European welfare states today. An emphasis will be put
on the consequences of the European integration on the European welfare state. Credits: 3 Instructor: Andres Santana Schedule: Download schedule for IES Courses |
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| HS/PO320 Catalan Nationalism in Comparative Perspective |
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| This course will investigate both the theoretical issues associated with as well as the practical
political dynamics of the phenomenon of Catalan nationalism; and it will do so by situating the case of Catalonia in a broad comparative perspective. In the first part of the course, we will examine three cases of nationalism in the Iberian peninsula itself, paying special attention to how they are interconnected with one another. The cases are: (1) Spanish nationalism; (2) Basque Nationalism; and (3) Catalan nationalism. Next, we will turn to examine a host of the main theoretical issues associated with nationalism in general. We will explore the question of the relationship between nationalism and "internationalism". Then, we will explore the question of the relationship between nationalism and racism. Finally, we will explore the relationship between nationalism and communism. After having thus equipped the students with an understanding of existing general and theoretical stances, the course will turn to examine several concrete cases outside of Spain. We will spend a week on each of the following: (1) the break-up of the Soviet Union; (2) the civil war in Yugoslavia; (3) the dispute over Northern Ireland; ( | ||