Study Abroad 
Spanish Language and Culture in Spain
June 3 - July 1, 2012
Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Spain with Towson University in summer 2012. 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 1,900 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.
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 of the city and some of Madrid's most famous museums and sites ( Mueso del Prado, Mueso Reina Sofia, Palacio Real, Mus eo Thyssen Bornemisza) a Flamenco performance and excursions to Segovia and Toledo.
Housing: Participants live with a local Spanish family who provides three meals a day and comfortable accommodation in double occupancy rooms. Most of the families are located not far from the school and are between 20-30 minutes from the school via public transport (subway or bus). However, as Madrid is a large city, a 45 minute commute on public transport is not uncommon.
Program Director: Dr. Colleen Ebacher - Towson University Dept. of Foreign Languages.
Course: Students will take 6 credits (3 Spanish credits and 3 unspecific elective credits). Students 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 Estudio Sampere. Students will take one of the following course combinations:
SPAN 101: Spanish Elements I (3 credits) plus Unspecific Lower Divsion Elective (3 credits).
Principles of Spanish grammar; drills in pronunciations; elementary conversation; composition; readings. TU Gen Ed II.C.1 and
Core (5) Arts and Humanities.
SPAN 102: Spanish Elements II (3 credits) plus Unspecific Lower Divsion Elective (3 credits).
Review and further study of grammar principles; pronunciation; conversation; composition; readings. Prerequisites: SPAN 101. TU Gen Ed II.C.1 and Core (12) Global Perspectives.
SPAN 201: Spanish Intermediate I (3 credits) plus Unspecific Lower Divsion Elective (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 and
Core (5) Arts and Humanities.
SPAN 202: Spanish Intermediate II (3 credits) plus Unspecific Lower Divsion Elective (3 credits).
Advanced grammar structures; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisites: SPAN 201 or equivalent. TU GenED II.C.3 and Core (12) Global Perspectives.
SPAN 305: Readings in Spanish (3 credits) plus Unspecific Upper Divsion Elective (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 311: Culture and Civilization of the Spanish Speaking Peoples Intermediate (3 credits) plus Unspecific Upper Divsion Elective (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 (3 credits) plus Unspecific Upper Divsion Elective (3 credits).
Spanish literature, with collateral readings. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.
SPAN 371: Special Topics in Spanish - Conversation Intermediate (3 credits) plus Unspecific Upper Divsion Elective (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 (3 credits) plus Unspecific Upper Divsion Elective (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 (3 credits) plus Unspecific Upper Divsion Elective (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 (3 credits) plus Unspecific Upper Divsion Elective (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 (3 credits) plus Unspecific Upper Divsion Elective (3 credits).
Development of advanced skills to participate in both formal and informal conversation, social and abstract topics. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.
TU students may receive Honors credit for their study abroad experience.
Costs: *$3,700 includes academic credit, housing with a local Spanish family (based on double occupancy), health insurance, 2 one-day excursions, 3 meals a day, and visits to a number of museums in Madrid. Additional costs include $150 study abroad fee, international airfare (approx. $1,515), local transportation in Madrid, 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.
Eligibility: Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, a high school diploma or equivalent experience, and be at least 18 years old.
Application Process: Fill out the application and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. $250 deposit is required at time of application. Non-TU students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application.
Application Deadline: MARCH 15, 2012. Admission is on a rolling basis. Early application is advised as space is limited.
For further information: Contact Dr. Colleen Ebacher, Dept. of Foreign Languages, 410-704-5370 or the TU Study Abroad Office.
Study Abroad Office
Administration Building, 2nd Floor
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 410-704-2451
Fax: 410-704-4703
Email: studyabroad@towson.edu
|
