Embedded Spring: Echoes of Medieval Spain: The Past and Present of a Multi-religious Heritage
The Program
The architecture and archaeology, as well as the survival of languages and customs in modern culture, reveal this fascinating and at times contentious history.
In this embedded study abroad course students will learn about the rich history of medieval Spain through visits to key cities and monuments (Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada) that document the entangled histories of the three religious communities coexisting in Spain during the Middle Ages: Muslims, Christians, and Jews. During our visit students will also learn about the ways in which Spaniards today perceive their medieval past and the complex manner in which they incorporate their monumental heritage in their historical identity.
The on-campus portion of the class takes place in RU- Newark.
Program Locations
Spain
Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain and most populous city. While Madrid possesses modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets.
Spain
Toledo
Toledo is known as the " City of the Three Cultures" for the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims and Jews throughout its history. From 542-725 CE, it was the capital of the Visigothic kingdom.
Spain
Cordoba
Cordoba is a city in Andalusia. It lies on the right bank of the Guadalquivir river. Cordoba is home to the Mezquita-Catedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spain
Sevilla
Sevilla was founded as the Roman city of Hispalis. Seville became one of the largest cities in Western Europe in the 16th Century.
Spain
Granada
Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area was settled by Iberians, Romans and Visigoths. The Alhambra, a medieval Nasrid citadel and palace, is located in Granada. It is one of the most visited tourist sites in Spain.
Academics
This is an embedded course. Students will earn a total of 4 credits. Students will choose between the two courses listed below + 1 Study Abroad credit.
Students will choose one of the following courses, offered in person at Rutgers Newark:
Spanish 415- Medieval Spanish Literature: Medieval Spain: Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Spanish 415 will count towards the requirements of the Spanish major and minor.
History 374- History of Spain to 1700: Muslims, Christians, and Jews in Medieval and Early Modern Spain. History 374 will count towards the History major and minor, and the following minors in the History department: Ancient and Medieval Civilizations, and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Minor.
Both Spanish 415 and History 374 will count towards the MEIS minor.
Housing and Meals
Students will stay at hotels and hostels in shared rooms. Some breakfasts will be included, as well as a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner.
In this study abroad program we will do a lot of walking tours and we will travel by train. Students should be able to walk or go upstairs with their luggage, so packing light is essential
Financial Information
Program Costs
| All Students | |
|---|---|
| Program Cost | $2,140 |
Program Cost includes:
- Tuition (1 credit)
- Housing
- Some meals
- Excursions and cultural visits
- In country transportation
- Administrative Fees
- Emergency Medical Access Abroad
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $1,000 |
| Meals | $250 |
| Personal Expenses | $100 |
| Total | $1,350.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket, while some of these expenses, such as meals and personal expenses, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
Scholarships
Faculty Leaders
Javier Castro-Ibaseta completed his PhD from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and currently is Assistant Professor at the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies at Rutgers University–Newark. His work focuses on the literary and cultural histories of Renaissance Spain. He teaches courses on Don Quixote, laughter and society in early modern Spain, and comics and graphic novels in Spain. Before becoming an academic, Javier worked as a tour guide in Scotland during the summers.
Mayte Green-Mercado is an Associate Professor of History and the Newark-Campus director of the Institute for the Study of Global Racial Justice. She is a historian of medieval and early modern Spain and the Mediterranean, and she teaches courses on Islamic civilization, history of the Islamic West, race and ethnicity in the pre-modern world, and migration in the Mediterranean. She has led study abroad programs in Granada, Spain, Malta, and Sicily.