Study Abroad
Spanish Language and Culture in Spain
May 29 - June 20, 2010
Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Spain with Towson University in Summer 2010. Enhance your Spanish language skills in a total immersion environment.
Students take classes at the Estudio Sampere language school which specializes in teaching Spanish language and culture to international students. The school hosts approximately 1900 students each year from around the world. Estudio Sampere 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.
Estudio Sampere is located in Madrid- the capital and geographic center of Spain. With a population of 3 million, it is the largest city in Spain and the third largest city in the European Union. Madrid's vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere uniquely combines the old and the new. From modern high-rise apartments and bustling commercial zones to picturesque neighborhoods with quaint cafes, Madrid is a modern-day city steeped in history.
Program highlights include guided tours to some of Madrid's most famous museums and excursions to Segovia, and Toledo.
Housing: Participants live with a local family who provide three meals a day and comfortable accommodation in double occupancy rooms. Most of the families are located not far from the school. Walking distance is
usually 20-25 minutes. Public transport (subway or bus) normally takes about 15
minutes. However, as Madrid is a large city, a 30 minute commute on public transport is not uncommon.
Faculty Director: Dr. Arantxa Alegre-Gonzalez , Towson University Foreign Languages Department
Course: Students will take one of the classes listed below and earn an additional 3 credits of SPAN lower division elective. Participants will consult with the Program Director prior to departure and take a placement test upon arrival in Spain to determine the class level to be taken at the language school. The following courses are available:
SPAN 101: Spanish Elements I
(SPN 101 A-B First Semester Spanish) 3 credits
Principles of Spanish grammar; drills in pronunciations; elementary conversation; composition; readings. TU Gen Ed II.C.1.
SPAN 102: Spanish Elements II (SPN 102 A-B Second Semester Spanish) 3 credits
Review and further study of grammar principles; pronunciation; conversation; composition; readings. Prerequisites: SPAN 101. TU Gen Ed II.C.1.
SPAN 201: Spanish Intermediate I (SPN 201 A-B Second Year Spanish I) 3 credits
Review of grammar and pronunciation; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisites: SPAN 102 or equivalent. TU GenED II.C.3.
SPAN 202: Spanish Intermediate II (SPN 202 A-B Second Year Spanish II) 3 credits
Advanced grammar structures; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisites: SPAN 201 or equivalent.
SPAN 305: Readings in Spanish (SPN 350 Readings in Literary Genres) 3 credits
Improves reading and comprehension skills in Spanish, while exposing students to introductory Spanish literature. Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
SPAN 306: Spanish Phonetics (SPN 340 Phonetics) 3 credits
Analysis and laboratory drills of standard latin American pronunciation with some attention in Castilian. Not open to native speakers of Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.
SPAN 311: Culture and Civilization of the Spanish Speaking Peoples Intermediate (SPN 300 Foundations of Modern Spain) 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 (SPN 400 Survey of Spanish Literature) 3 credits
Spanish literature, with collateral readings. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.
SPAN 331: Spanish for Business (SPN 371 A-B Commercial and Technical Spanish) 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 Intermediate (SPN 330 Intermediate Conversation) 3 credits
Specialized topics in language and culture. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent.
SPAN 372: Special Topics in Spanish - Grammar Intermediate (SPN 325 Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing) 3 credits
Specialized topics in language and culture. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent.
SPAN 373: Special Topics in Spanish - Civilization Advanced (SPN 430 Spanish Civilization) 3 credits
Specialized topics in language and culture. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302, 311 or equivalent.
SPAN 391: Advanced Spanish Grammar (SPN 425 Advanced Grammar and Composition) 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 (SPN 450 Conversation and Writing Skills) 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 409: Translation (SPN 385 A-B Introduction to Translation) 3 credits
Translation theory and practice English to Spanish and Spanish to English.
Prerequisites: SPAN 301 or SPAN 302 or equivalent.
SPAN 471: Special Topics in Spanish - Cinema (SPN 349 Spanish Film) 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. Prerequisites: SPAN 321 or SPAN 322 or equivalent.
TU students may receive Honors credit for their study abroad experience - click here for more information.
Costs:* $4,300 includes academic credit, health insurance, roundtrip airfare, housing with a local Spanish family (based on double occupancy), three meals per day, two one-day excursions, and visits to a number of museums in Madrid. 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.
Application deadline: MARCH 15, 2010. Admission is on a rolling basis. Early application is advised as space is
limited.
Application Process : Students must hold a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and have a high school diploma or equivalent experience. 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 Dr. Arantxa Alegre-Gonzalez , Towson University Foreign Languages Department, 410-704-2879 or the TU Study Abroad Office.
Study Abroad Office
Administration Building, 2nd Floor
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 410-704-2451
Fax: 410-704-4703
Email: studyabroad@towson.edu
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