Literature and civilization. Study Abroad UMH

spanish literature and civilization Miguel Hernández University of Elche Description | The Miguel Hernández University, through its Área de Estudios Hispanounidenses (Area of US Hispanic Studies), has developed a series of courses designed specifically for international students interested in learning about contemporary spain and its cultural manifestations, including its long and rich literary tradition. These courses use a comparative approach to explore aspects of today’s spain in relation to similar cultural and literary elements of the Hispanic populations of the United states. This unique approach makes study abroad a more relevant experience for students from U.S. institutions by providing an international context in which to examine current issues and cultural manifestations.

DUration | 45 contact hours per course. Fall or Spring semester.

creDits | 6 ects or study abroad credits for each subject. Official certification given by the Miguel Hernández University of Elche.

LangUage recommenDations | Intermediate level of Spanish.

Location | alicante, spain

information | - The program includes instruction, accommodations, meals, and 24-hour assistance from program coordinators and personnel.

- Airfare between the USA and Spain, medical insurance, personal expenses, and some optional activities are not included. contact | studyabroad@umh.es

Participants may tailor their program!

program Spanish Literature and Civilization is designed to meet the academic needs of international students, taking into account the real language production and comprehension skills that they have acquired before embarking on their study abroad experience. The methodology used in class sessions is based on gradually increasing the level and complexity of the information provided in Spanish as the semester progresses, thereby reflecting the improvement in language skills that students experience. This method enhances comprehension and makes it possible to maintain academic rigor while ensuring that students can keep up with the material. In addition to these classes, students can take intensive language courses, business courses taught in English, and regular university courses in a wide array of fields. The courses offered in the program are the following: 1. masterpieces of spanisH LiteratUre | An overview of the most important pieces of spanish literature from the first epic poem to works representative of the contemporary period is offered. It covers basic literary concepts and schools of analysis and uses a commentary of texts approach (Medieval literature, Golden Age Literature, Cervantes, the Baroque Period, Romanticism, Realism/Naturalism, the Generation of ´98/Modernism, the Generation of ’27, late 20th century literature, recent trends).

2. mexican-american LiteratUre: tHe past anD tHe present | Provides an overview of the most important genres of mexican-american literature from the mid-19th century to the present. Short stories, novels, poetry, theater, and essays will be studied as a means to understand the sociocultural reality of the Mexican American population of the United States and appreciate the aesthetic value of this community’s literary production.

3. contemporary spanisH society | Offers structured information about issues related to spain today such as the political system, education, the workplace, family, youth and the elderly, high and popular culture, and Spain in a broader international context. The course is also designed to serve as a forum for discussion and debate for students as they interact with the people and institutions of Spain.

4. spanisH History anD cULtUre tHroUgH fiLm | Makes use of today´s most popular narrative genre, film, to explain the history and culture of spain. The carefully selected series of Spanish films provides an excellent starting point for further discussion of the different historical periods and culture themes that comprise the course.

5. speciaL topics anD inDepenDent stUDy | Students often come with a specific interest or required subject for credit at their home institutions. In these cases, a special course is designed for individual students or small groups. Topics that have been offered in the past include, among others:

- The Spanish Civil War - History and Civilization in the Southwestern United States - Cervantes and Don Quijote - Translating and Interpreting Skills Development - Spanish for Special Purposes (Health, Tourism, Science, Business)