21L.590 The Spanish Incubator

From its role as the crucible of the international avant-garde, to its genesis of political art and writing, to its Civil War that ignited the artistic passion of authors around the world, to the exuberant liberation after 40 years of dictatorship, Spain deeply influenced our understanding of contemporary culture. Films, readings, field trips to museums, and visits to Spanish cultural sites will enable students to understand the full context in which today’s vibrant Spanish democracy and internationally acclaimed artistic production emerged.

Students live in homestays with Spanish families. Classes are held at the Instituto Internacional (above), a vibrant, historical, American/Spanish cultural and university center in the heart of Madrid with an excellent library, café, garden and wifi. An evening reception with the MIT alums who live in Spain provides great conversation and invaluable networking.  Several long weekends give students the opportunity to travel.

This 9-unit subject (3-3-3) will count for HASS credit and the Literature concentration, minor or major. It also counts as a course in English for the Spanish minor and major. Readings are presented in a bilingual reader and students may choose to complete the readings and to write papers in English or in Spanish. 

The course is taught in English. Most students complete the reading and writing assignments in English. Spanish is not a prerequisite for this subject.

Program Dates: January 3-22, 2027

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World War I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). 

A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy, and made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. More recently, Spain has emerged from a severe economic recession that began in mid-2008, posting four straight years of GDP growth above the EU average. 

Unemployment has fallen, but remains high, especially among youth. Spain is the Eurozone's fourth largest economy. The country has faced increased domestic turmoil in recent years due to the independence movement in its restive Catalonia region.

(source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sp.html)

However, there are strong regional differences in Spain, and a person’s relationship to Spain varies greatly depending on their origin. Spaniards tend to be individualistic rather than conforming. Hierarchy is valued and communication tends to be social and non-confrontational. Spoken communication is informal whereas written communication is more stylized. To be on the safe side, foreigners should err on the side of formality expect small talk to precede the main reason for discussion.

(source: https://globesmart.aperianglobal.com/culture-guides/es)

Living in Madrid

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20120529-living-in-madrid

Requirements:

• Be a student in good academic and judicial standing
• No language requirement. This subject is taught in English. 
• Info Sessions: Attendance at one session is mandatory. Students who attend one of the info sessions will be given priority admission to the course.  Your attendance is crucial. 
  • Sunday, Sept. 20th at 1 PM in 14E-310
  • Friday, Sept. 25th at 5:15 PM. in 14E-310 

Application opens: September 28th at 5:00 PM

Application deadline: October 14th at 5:00 PM

Apply here

This 9-unit subject is taught by Professor Margery Resnick and Professor Noel Jackson . This course will count for HASS credit and the Literature concentration, minor or major, and Spanish major and minor.

A fee is required for this program. Program costs will be listed in September. Some scholarships are available. 

Homestay with a Spanish host family. Students can choose between single or double rooms. 

U.S. citizens will not need to apply for a student visa for this program. Citizens of other countries should visit the Spanish consulate website to find out whether you are required to obtain a visa and how to secure a Schengen visa to study in Spain.