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Peoples of Spain: Cultural Diversity, Past and Present

Spain is one the most diverse countries in continental Europe. The Peninsula has long been a destination for peoples coming north from Africa, west from Europe, and most recently, east from the Americas. We will open with a brief exploration of the “ethnic fusion” – the native Iberian, Celtic, Latin, Germanic, and Semitic peoples that settled the Peninsula. We will then move to the historical roots of those linguistic groups that enjoy political autonomy and clamor for independence today, including Catalans and Basques. The next subject is religion. We will discuss the famous three religions of medieval Al-Andalus, address similarities with contemporary multiculturalism, and explore the return of Jewish and Islamic minorities to Catholic Spain today. The last few weeks will be dedicated to an in-depth analysis of the latest wave of migrants. These include refugee populations from war zones in Syria and sub-Saharan Africa, and more traditional economic migrants from the Americas, Morocco and Asia. Along the way, we will address resistance to diversity. To be sure, Spain has and continues to suffer from conflict, anti-semitism, and the imposition of cultural and religious uniformity. The course incorporates field studies and interactive components to ensure that students will have the opportunity to explore first-hand the successes and tensions inherent in Spanish diversity today.

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Programs

This course is available as part of these programs.

Choose from May Term, June Term, and/or July Term! Located in the heart of the city, the Barcelona SAE Academic Study Center (SIS) boasts the best local and international professors while maintaining small class sizes. Individualized attention, group projects and our Barce-Local curriculum sets this program ...

Starting at $5,395 SU

Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) - Summer

The SIS + UPF Semester Program provides students to take courses at our study center, SIS, alongside courses on a historic campus, UPF, in either English and/or Spanish. This comprehensive hybrid program provides students with the best of both worlds – small class sizes and local campus immersion.

$17,295 FA, SP

Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) + UPF

The SIS + Internship Semester Program offers students the unique opportunity to  combine 9 credits of coursework at our study center, SIS, with a 3 credit professional internship in a variety of fields. Course and internship options are available in both English and/or Spanish.

$17,295 FA, SP

Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) + Internship

Located in the heart of the city, the Barcelona SAE Academic Study Center at the School for International Studies (SIS) boasts the best local and international professors while maintaining small class sizes. Individualized attention, group projects and our Barce-Local curriculum sets this program apart.

$17,295 FA, SP

Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) - Semester