Study Abroad

Spanish Language and Culture in Spain

May 30 - June 21, 2009 (to be confirmed)

Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Spain with Towson University in Summer 2009. Enhance your Spanish language skills in a total immersion environment.

Students take classes at the Alcalingua language center at the Universidad de Alcalá which specializes in teaching Spanish language and culture to international students. Alcalingua offers courses at all levels (beginners to advanced) in grammar, conversation, literature, and culture and civilization. Students will earn six credits in Spanish and/or Foreign Language electives.

The Universidad de Alcalá is located in Alcalá de Henares - a city of nearly 300,000 people located only 19 miles east of Madrid. Birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of “Don Quixote”, and home to one of the most prestigious universities in Spain, Alcala has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dating back to the Romans, Alcalá offers offers a glimpse of life in Castilia during the Spanish Golden Age and a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of Spanish culture. With a student population of 17,000, Alcalá offers cultural activities, theaters, movies, shopping malls, lectures, concerts and an active night life.

The program includes a guided tour through Madrid's historical center and excursions to Segovia, and Toledo.

Housing: Participants live with a local Spanish family who provide three meals a day and comfortable accommodation in double occupancy rooms.

Program Director: Prof. Arantxa Alegre-Gonzalez , Towson University Foreign Languages Department

Course: SPAN and/or Foreign Language electives (6 credits). Students will consult with the Program Director prior to departure to determine the combination of classes to be taken at the Alcalingua language center. The following courses are available:

SPAN 101: Spanish Elements I (Gramática 1 Inicial) 3 credits
Principles of Spanish grammar; drills in pronunciations; elementary conversation; composition; readings. TU GenEd II.C.1. Students taking SPAN 101 will take FORL Lower Division Elective as their second class on the program.

SPAN 102: Spanish Elements II (Gramática 1 Inicial) 3 credits
Review and further study of grammar principles; pronunciation; conversation; composition; readings. Prerequisite: SPAN 101. TU GenEd II.C.1. Students taking SPAN 102 will take FORL Lower Division Elective credit as their second class on the program.

SPAN 201: Spanish Intermediate I (Gramática II Media) 3 credits
Review of grammar and pronunciation; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or equivalent. TU GenED II.C.3. Students taking SPAN 201 will take FORL Lower Division Elective credit as their second class on the program.

SPAN 202: Spanish Intermediate II (Gramática II Media) 3 credits
Advanced grammar structures; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent. Students taking SPAN 202 will take FORL Lower Division Elective credit as their second class on the program.

SPAN 311: Culture and Civilization of the Spanish Speaking Peoples (Civilización 3 Avanzada) 3 credits
Value-system and way of life as embodied in the language, history, arts, and customs of Spain. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.

SPAN 321: Survey of Spanish Literature I (Literatura) 3 credits
Spanish literature, with collateral readings. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.

SPAN 331: Spanish for Business (Economía) 3 credits
The fundamentals of commercial correspondence in Spanish. Focuses on the form and style of Spanish currently used in a business environment. Intensive practice in speaking, writing, and translating. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.

SPAN 371: Special Topics in Spanish - Conversation (Conversación 3 Avanzada) 3 credits
Specialized topics in language and culture. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent.

SPAN 372: Special Topics in Spanish - Grammar (Gramática 3 Avanzada) 3 credits
Specialized topics in language and culture. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent.

SPAN 373: Special Topics in Spanish - Civilization (Civilización 4 Superior) 3 credits
Specialized topics in language and culture. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: SPAN 301-302, 311 or equivalent.

SPAN 391: Advanced Spanish Grammar (Gramática 4 Superior) 3 credits
Spanish syntax, idiomatic construction, word formation, original composition. Conversation and oral drill. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.

SPAN 408: Advanced Spanish Conversation (Conversación 4 Superior) 3 credits
Development of advanced skills to participate in both formal and informal conversation, social and abstract topics. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.

SPAN 471: Special Topics in Spanish - Cinema (Cine Español) 3 credits
Discussion of a special topic with changing emphasis form year to year. May be repeated for credit provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 or SPAN 322 or equivalent.

Students may also receive upper or lower division Foreign Languages (FORL) elective credit (3 credits).

TU students may receive Honors credit for their study abroad experience - click here for more information.

Costs:* TBD includes tuition (6 credits), health insurance, roundtrip airfare, housing with a local Spanish family (based on double occupancy), 3 meals a day, 2 one-day excursions, access to the Universidad de Alcala including computer labs, internet, library, and cultural and extracurricular activities. Additional costs include $150 study abroad fee, and personal expenses.

*The Towson University Study Abroad Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.

Click here for information about scholarships.

Application deadline : MARCH 15, 2009. Admission is on a rolling basis. Early application is advised as space is limited.

Application Process : Fill out an application (PDF) and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. $250 deposit required at time of application. Non-TU students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application (PDF).

For More Information: Contact the TU Study Abroad Office.