Courses

• Cultural Studies
• Language and Conversation
• Literature

Cultural Studies

Spain and the Spaniards — CH1041

Spanish customs and traditions in everyday Spain. Presentation of Spain and the Spanish people. Students are introduced to short newspaper articles and texts on different aspects of Spanish culture.

Discovering Spain — CH2041

Introduction to Spain, its geographical, political, socio-economical and cultural aspects through its regions and Autonomías. A look at the languages in Spain and its traditions. Reflection on Spain in comparison to other European countries.

Diverse Spain — CH3041

Study of the different comunidades autónomas, their nature, economic resources, culture and history, as well as the society and the way of life, main traditions and folklore. The most characteristic cities and villages.

Spanish Contemporary Society — CH3061

Study of Spanish society: education, work, family, youth, health, leisure, everyday life, preoccupations and values. Use of statistics and authentic materials (newspapers, magazines, etc) to understand social aspects of modern Spain.

Current Spanish Issues — CH4041

Different topics are studied, taking into consideration political, economic, cultural and social aspects. Both written and audio-visual materials are used.

Spanish Art and Civilization — CH3071

Study of the different civilizations that existed in the Iberian Peninsula throughout its history and their contribution to current Spanish culture. Study of the main historical events that have formed our history and society. A study of the most relevant artistic works.

Spanish Art at The Prado Museum — CH3181

Study of the great Spanish painters and their works in the Prado Museum focusing on El Greco,Velázquez, Murillo and Goya. Composition and style in their paintings and study of the historical period of the painters. The course will include guided visits to the Prado Museum.

Current Spanish Politics — CH4141

Study of the Spanish political transition: the parliamentary monarchy; the Constitution and its impact in all areas of society, institutions, political parties, and comunidades autónomas. Evolution of Spanish society and economy. Current foreign policy and future perspectives.

Contemporary Spain — CH4071

Study of the principal historic events of the Twentieth-century: crisis of the monarchy, the Second Republic, Civil War, The Post-war and the Franco period; the consolidation of democracy. Political and socio-economical aspects that have influenced Spanish life.

Spanish Society and Cinema — CH3171

Panorama of the socio-political evolution of Spanish society in the Twentieth-century through cinema. Each film represents a decade and is intended to establish a debate around the events of that time. Analysis and commentary of films and of the moment they represent. Latest tendencies in Spanish cinema and perspectives for the future.

Language and Conversation

Spanish Language — CH1001

Elementary course in the Spanish language based on a functional approach. Students apply the necessary lexical and grammatical contents to communicate in everyday situations. Material with cultural contents is used.

Specific Grammar Problems — CH1011

Beginners course in Spanish with a special emphasis on oral communication. Study of the basic aspects of Spanish grammar. Students learn and apply grammar contents to refer to the present, past and future. Introduction to reading and writing.

Conversation — CH1051

Intensive introductory course to the Spanish language for developing oral and written comprehension skills. Students learn to express their primary needs and are able to communicate in Spanish, both orally and in writing.

Spanish Language — CH2001

Practice of communication skills in Spanish at an intermediate level. Linguistic functions to be able to get by in everyday life. Use of essential vocabulary and grammar. Discussions on current affairs and topics.

Spanish Language — CH2021

Consolidation of learned grammar contents. Broadening the vocabulary. Practice of oral and written skills. Practice exercises on grammar and vocabulary. In this course, oral practice activities are combined with other more controlled and formal activities.

Specific Grammar Problems — CH2011

Study of the main problems of Spanish grammar with special emphasis on the uses of the past and subjunctive tenses. Applying, in both written and oral ways, grammar contents.

Spanish Language: Theory and Practice — CH2101

Practical course of the Spanish language at an intermediate level whose main objective is to work the four skills and the development of learning strategies. Practice vocabulary for everyday life. Activities and reading in an informal way. Some task working techniques will be developed.

Conversation and Composition — CH2051

Use of everyday language. Techniques and strategies to maintain a conversation. Acquisition of the necessary fluency to exchange opinions. Discussions on simple newspaper articles and current affairs topics.

Conversation and Reading — CH2031

The object of this course is to obtain good fluency in informal conversations and debates using the grammatical knowledge of the students by using a graded reading. Students will also widen their vocabulary and learn different registers of communication.

Spanish Language — CH3001

The object of this course is to work on oral and written comprehension at a high intermediate level. Study and practice of grammar structures. General review of Spanish basic morphosyntax. This course includes readings, comments and debates on contents from literary texts or newspaper articles to enrich the vocabulary and the use of colloquial Spanish.

Specific Grammar Problems — CH3011

Applied grammar course focused on achieving more confidence in the use of the language and the mastering of complex grammatical aspects. Special reference to the practical application of learned grammar structures.

Written Spanish — CH3031

General aspects. Analysis of the different registers, for example: literary language and language in the media. Broadening and consolidation of language structures and vocabulary. Study of written texts. Literary creativity. The course objective is to improve the written expression of the participants.

Spanish for Business — CH3421

The purpose of this course is to acquire the knowledge and language needed to communicate in the business world. The contents of the course will be developed within a practical framework . Students will extend the vocabulary in this field as well as improve their oral fluency and reading comprehension skills.

Conversation and Composition — CH3051

A practical course focusing on improving oral fluency in informal and formal conversations in everyday situations. Writing skills are developed through oral presentations and debates based on compositions and editing texts.

Spanish Language — CH4001

Oral and written expressions and comprehension at the advanced level. Analysis of the most problematic grammar structures. Special attention will be paid to the use of connectors within the language.

Specific Grammar Problems — CH4011

Review of Spanish morphosyntax. Specific problems in advanced grammar for each participant. The use of prepositions, pronouns and passive voice. Idioms and expressions.

Conversation and Composition — CH4051

A practical course focusing on improving oral fluency and vocabulary in order to participate in conversations and debates using different registers. The oral practice will be developed by using audiovisual material related to sociocultural aspects of Spain.

Studies of the Spanish Language — CH4121

Proficiency course focused on formal elements of the Spanish language, from a syntactic, morphological, semantic, phonetic and pragmatic point of view. The course ranges from the evolution of the Spanish language, Spanish in the world and applied linguistics to the teaching of Spanish as a Second Language.

Preparation Course for Basic Diploma of Spanish(DEBE) — CH3021

Preparation course for Intermediate Diploma of Spanish. Special attention to understanding, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as grammar and lexical aspects of Spanish, relating to the level established by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Preparation Course for Superior Diploma of Spanish (DESE) — CH4021

Preparation course for Superior Diploma of Spanish. Special attention to understanding, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as grammar and lexical aspects of Spanish, relating to the advanced level established by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Literature

Panorama of Spanish Literature Until the XV Century — CH4191

Analysis of the most representative works (throughout reading of some fragments or complete works) and social and cultural aspects of Spanish literature of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Contemporary Spanish Novel — CH3081

A general review of Spanish prose from the post-war period to the present. Principal developments in Spanish Literature with analysis and discussion of selected texts and some complete works.

Twentieth Century Spanish Drama — CH3091

A study of the major works of Spanish theatre in the 20th century focusing on the following topics: post-war drama, and contemporary theatre. The work of García Lorca will form a major part of this course. The course includes reading complete works and visits to the theatre, when possible.

Women in Contemporary Spanish Literature (Spring Only) — CH4031

Study of women in contemporary Spanish literature. Analysis of literary work on women or written by women. Prototypes and stereotypes. Spanish women writers from the nineteenth-century to the present.

Celestinas and Donjuanes (June Only) — CH4651

A study of the two most well-known characters in Spanish Literature (La Celestina and Don Juan) by the famous writers Francisco de Rojas and Tirso de Molina, respectively. Comparisons will be made with other similar characters from the panorama of Spanish literature.

Spanish Drama of the XX Century (June Only) — CH3691

A study of the major works of Spanish theatre in the 20th century focusing on the following topics: post-war drama and contemporary theatre. The work of García Lorca will form a major part of this course. It is mandatory to read some complete works, and whenever possible, to attend an appropriate performance.

Women in the Spanish Literature of the Golden Period (July Only) — CH4631

Participation of women in Spanish Literature. Analysis of literary works on women and/or written by women. Prototypes and stereotypes. Spanish female authors from the Golden Period. Reading of some text extracts and complete works.

Contemporary Spanish Novel (July Only) — CH3681

General view of Spanish prose from the post-war period to the present day. Major trends. Analysis and comments on selected texts. Latest trends. Future perspectives of the novel. It is mandatory to read some novels.

Internships

Politics

Politics interns may work as research and administrative assistants in various political offices such as international agencies, humanitarian and relief organizations, non-governmental agencies (NGOs), and in law firms. Politics interns must be flexible and able to work without a great deal of detailed instruction or direct supervision. Past interns have worked on projects ranging from race relations to public health in Angola to European Union affairs. Some background in political science is helpful, but interns do not need to be Political Science majors. Students with good Spanish skills, who are majoring in all fields and are curious about politics, are encouraged to apply.

Business & Media

Madrid business internships include placements in the fashion industry, publishing, professional dance companies and marketing consulting companies. Students are also placed in multinational hotel companies.

Art

Students interested in the arts are usually placed in art galleries, professional dance companies and graphic design companies.