Study Tour: The Cultures of Andalucía, Spain
Tentative Syllabus
CRN:
May 19 – June 2, 2014
Dr: Diana Pardo and Dr.Guillermo Martínez-Sotelo (Modern Languages)
Office: 206 Thatcher Hall
Office phone: x 5853, x 5857
Email: dpardo@uco.edu gmartinezsotelo@uco.edu
Transformative Learning Objectives (“Central Six”)
Transformative learning goals (the “Central Six”) have been identified as:
*1. Discipline Knowledge.
*2. Leadership.
*3. Problem Solving (Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities).
*4. Service Learning and Civic Engagement.
*5. Global and Cultural Competencies.
*6. Health and Wellness.
This course addresses the following Transformative Learning Objectives:
1. Discipline Knowledge - through on site reports on historical figures
5. Global and Cultural Competencies - through transactions in the target language and the use of
practical culture-specific skills
6. Health and Wellness – the cities we will visit are relatively small and walking is part of getting
around. All the tours are a minimum of 2 hours of walking.
Course Description
This study tour will explore the collage of cultures that has shaped Spain’s intriguing identity. Students
will get an understanding of the legacy the Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Jewish and Christians have left
on the country’s cuisine, art, literature, and traditions. Students will experience the cultural mosaic and
witness Spain’s unique architecture, visit museums, historic monuments, cuisine, dance, and music.
Permission Required for Enrollment.
Credit toward major 3 credits count toward the Modern Languages Major/Minor or an elective.
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Course Objectives
This course is intended for those who have particular interest in the culture and civilization of the south
of Spain. The objectives are:
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to gain a basic knowledge of the contributions of Roman, Visigoths, Muslims, Christians, and
Jewish people to subsequent Spanish civilization
to get an impression of Andalucía, Spain’s geography, arts, architecture, art, language, music,
cuisine…
to learn how to prepare a variety of assignments based on first-hand observations
to combine formal academic study with experiential travel
to acquire a fresh perspective that deeply enriches learning and global awareness
to inspire students to lead their own travel ventures
to expose students to a country where another language is spoken
to provide learners of the Spanish language an environment in which they can put to use their
Spanish language skills
Required Textbooks and Supplies
- The Golden Age of the Moor, by Ivan Van Sertima, ISBN-13: 978-1560005810, Chapters 1, 2, 5
- Supplies: pocket dictionary, notebooks, journal pad, and digital camera.
Course Policies
Students will be responsible for all university policies outlined in the current UCO undergraduate catalog
as well as the university’s Student Conduct Code. All students must fill out and sign a Summer Foreign
Studies Tour application form, a Summer Foreign Studies Tour Student Agreement, and a Waiver and
Release of Liability. These forms will be provided to students at least a month prior to the trip and must
be filled out, signed, and returned to the professors prior to the start of class.
Students will not have time to travel on their own during the trip. Students must attend all meetings,
classes, and lectures, be punctual, participate in all class activities, trips, and excursions, and complete all
assignments on time.
Pre-departure classes
Pre-departure draft of short term paper
On-site presentations
Journal (final report due June 25, 2014)
Research/experiential paper (due June 27, 2014)
Participation, cooperation, and conduct
Grading scale: 90-100: A 80-89: B 70-79: C
10%
10%
20%
25%
25%
10%
60-69: D
0-59: F
Course Requirements/Grading
1. Four organizational meetings/class sessions will be held Feb. 17, Mar 10, April 11, and May 16,
2014, at 3:30p in the Liberal Arts building, room 234.
2. Prior to departure students will be required to read chapters 1, 2, and 5 of The Golden Age of the
Moor and turn in a 2 page paper based on 3 themes from the text.
3. Students will be required to give an on-site oral presentation on a cultural or literary aspect of
Spain. This presentation consists of two components: research (which begins before departure)
and personal experience gathered during the trip. Possible topics include:
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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
history of previous civilizations (ibero-celtic, roman)
Muslim conquest of Spain/Islamic Golden Age
the Alhambra
history of Azahara Medina
history of el barrio Santa Cruz in Sevilla
history of flamenco dance
history of the Mezquita
short stories of Washington Irving
works of Federico Garcia Lorca
the dramas Don Juan Tenorio by Tirso de Molina or Fuenteovejuna by Lope de Vega
The presentation should include and reflect:
1. factual information on the importance of this topic
2. what you learned from the activity
3. what was interesting about it
4. the impact of the cultural immersion in Andalucía.
*Students are responsible for reading the required reading material and to have researched their
topic prior to departure. After witnessing the unique blend of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian
cultures that still resonates in southern Spain, students will combine this experience with the
gathered information and materials to present their topics.
4. Students will keep a journal of daily activities to be turned in for a grade June 25, 2014. Students
should begin documenting their thoughts and observations starting the day of departure until they
return. This documentation will be used for a 4 -5 page paper in which students will discuss their
global experiences and explain how they have been enlightened and transformed.
5. Students must turn in the research/experiential paper on June 27, 2014. The research paper will be
centered on the same topic as that of the oral presentation.
6. The educational value of the tour is to learn through observation and discussion. This type of
experience does not lend itself easily to testing therefore exams will not be given. There will be a
grade component comprised of participation, cooperation, and conduct.
Other: Prior to departure students will be advised of cultural respect, the appropriate wardrobe
and luggage for the trip, and general conduct while traveling.
Academic Integrity: Students are expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in the
academic experiences both in and out of the classroom. More information concerning this policy
can be found at: http://www.uco.edu/academicaffairs/files/studentinfosheetfal12.pdf
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Study Tour: The Cultures of Andalucía, Spain - 14DAYS May 19 – June 2, 2014
The instructor reserves the right to modify the itinerary depending on flight and train delays or
schedules, or any unforeseen problems.
Day 1 May 19 • Flight Overnight flight to Spain • Spend the night flying across the Atlantic.
Day 2 May 20 • Touchdown in Madrid. After clearing customs, we will take the bus to the train station.
Train travel to Sevilla • After settling down and resting we will go to the center of the city. We will walk
through the geranium-laden alleys of the Barrio de Santa Cruz to admire the Andalusian-style architecture
of the 16th-century houses, fountains, and whitewashed villas in this historic Jewish Quarter of the city.
We will see the Old Tobacco Factory, setting of Bizet’s opera Carmen, and pass the Plaza de Toros, one
of Spain’s preeminent bullrings.
Day 3 May 21 • Guided tour of the Cathedral in Seville which is the world’s biggest gothic temple and
the third largest Christian cathedral after Saint Peter in the Vatican city and St. Pauls in London. We will
also climb the Giralda, the most emblematic monument of Seville. Built in 1184-96, the tower was the
culmination of Almohad architecture. It is considered the finest of the three great Almohad minarets: the
other two are in the Moroccan cities of Rabat and Marrakesh. After the reconquest the Christians added a
bell tower to the minaret in 1568. World Heritage Buildings by UNESCO. In-class instruction in the
evening (90 minutes).
Day 4 May 22 • We will visit the Archives of the Indies situated in the old "Casa de la Lonja". The plans
of the monument completed at the end of the 16th century were from Juan de Herrera, the architect of the
Escorial. Here one can see the world's largest collection of records, journals, maps drawings and other
documents covering Spanish discovery, exploration, conquest, and colonization of what was called "The
New World. In-class instruction in the evening (90 minutes).
Day 5 May 23 • Directed Learning Day. Students will have the option of visiting 1 or 2 of the
following:
- The Bullfighting Museum was created in 1989 by the support of the Real Maestranza de Caballería. It is
found between the walls of the ring. This museum shows dresses of famous bullfighters, trophies, photos
and other objects of the world of bullfighting.
- The Contemporary Art Museum joined in 1994 the Andalusian Center of Contemporary Art. It consists
of paintings, sculpture, pottery, drawings, tapestry and works of art from 20th century Spanish artists,
among them are Bacarisas, Barbadillo, Caballero, Cortijo, Gordillo, Gerrero and Mateos.
Visit the Pilates house. This particular style of architecture was inspired by the Poncio Pilate in
Jerusalem. The palace was first constructed by the first marquis of Tarifa in 1518, after he returned from
an inspirational two-year journey through Europe and the Holy Land.
In the evening we will go to a tablao to see and enjoy flamenco dancing and singing.
Day 6 May 24 • We will go to the site of the Macarena Arch, basilica, and the wall. The present arch was
constructed in the 19th century, but it already existed in the 2nd century. The wall dates back to the
time of Islamic rule; construction of the wall started in the 11th century and was completed in the
early 13th century.
-We will visit the Archeological Museum found in the Plaza de America in Maria Luisa Park in the
building made by Aníbal González as the Fine Arts Pavillion for the Iberoamerican Exposition in 1929.
Here you can see some of the Roman ruins from Itálica. One of its highlights being the "CarambolTreasure" of the old-iberian tribe Tartessos, dating of 7th or 8 th century before Christ.
Day 7 May 25 • Bus trip to Córdoba the former Islamic capital was once a draw for intellectuals and
known as one of Europe’s cultural centers. After settling in, we will walk to the site of the festivities of
the Feria de Córdoba 2014.
Day 8 May 26 • Visit to the Mezquita with a local expert • We will tour the main historical sights of
Cordoba including the medieval Jewish quarters “La Juderia,” the Mezquita and the old synagogue.
Journal writing in the late afternoon.
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Day 9 May 27 • Granada guided day excursion of The Alhambra We will tour Spain’s most
celebrated 14th-century Alhambra and see the exotic mosaics and richly ornamented courtyards of the
country’s last Islamic stronghold. Then walk in the footsteps of sultans as you tour the Generalife,
surrounded by magnificent rose gardens, where they often spent their summers.
Day 9 May 28 • Tour of the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. While the Alcázar displays Islamic features,
almost all of the structure was built under Christian rule. Originally the Visigoths had a fortress on the
site. When the Visigoths fell to the Umayyad conquest of Hispania, the emirs of the Umayyad Caliphate
in Damascus rebuilt the structure. Alcázar palace - Los Reales Alcázares Abd Al Ramn III ordered the
construction of the Alcazar in 913. It was a fortified palace which later became the residence of various
monarchs. World Heritage Buildings by UNESCO.
Day 10 May 29 • Students will give presentations. In-class instruction (90 minutes). Tentative Guided
day coach trip to the Medina Azahara • The ruins of the Medina Azahara, situated just a few kilometers
outside Cordoba, are the remains of the most far-fetched Islamic Palace ever built in Spain. Caliph Abd
ar-Rahman III spent over a third of the annual budget on its construction and named it after his favorite
wife “Azahara” (the radiant).
Day 11 May 30 • Students will give presentations in the morning. In-class instruction in the evening
(90 minutes). Directed Learning Day Students will have the option of visiting one of the following:
- Museum of Archeology which features treasures from Cordoba’s rich cultural heritage, including
prehistoric crafts, Roman statues and mosaics, as well as artifacts of Roman, Iberian, and Visigoth origin.
- Palacio de Viana. There are 12 patios that surround the palace. The palace also holds a wealth of
historical items, such as paintings, tapestries, furniture, porcelains and so many other treasures.
Day 12 May 31 • Students will give presentations in the morning. Directed Learning Afternoon. We
will go to the site of the festivities to participate in the last day of the Feria de Córdoba 2014.
Day 13 June 1• Last day for students to give presentations. Preparation for return trip home.
Day 14 June 2 • Return home
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PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES:
■ Round-trip airfare
■ Lodging with private bathrooms for 15
■ Spanish breakfast daily
■ 3 dinners
■ Select guides and entrances to special attractions as per itinerary
■ Express train
■ Flamenco evening
■ Approximate non-refundable cost of tour $3600.25, plus tuition.* Although there is no refund on
airline ticket if one is unable to make the trip, there will be available funds towards the purchase of any
new ticket (exchange fees will be charged) to be used by a certain date.
Payments:
1. January 24, 2014
$200 non-refundable down payment
2. February 10, 2014
$700
3. March 7, 2014
$900
4. March 31, 2014
$900
5. April 14, 2014
$900.25
Address and phone numbers to the lodge.
1. Albergue Inturjoven de la Creatividad
Plaza de Juda Leví s/n
14003 Córdoba (Córdoba)
cordoba.itj@juntadeandalucia.es
Teléfono: 34 955 035 886
Fax: 957 355 044
2. Albergue Inturjoven Sevilla
Isaac Peral, 2 (Reina Mercedes)
41012 Sevilla (Sevilla)
sevilla.itj@juntadeandalucia.es
Teléfono: 955 035 886
Fax: 955 056 508
The instructor reserves the right to modify the schedule according to the needs of the course.
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