Active Educational & Cultural Seminars

Catalonia Cultural and Educational Seminars and Workshops are active, contextual experiences for students, professionals and cultural enthusiasts in Barcelona and other areas of Catalonia and Spain. Led by local experts, regional guides and/or professors with the insight and knowledge in their area of expertise to effectively share, explain and bring to life the study focus whilst participants also enjoy the beauty and cultural spirit of the site(s) of interest being visited. Disciplinary approaches include history, literature, anthropology, the arts, and geography.

Participants will receive INTL 410 continuing education credit (CEU) for their participants. For detailed information, consult the ALBA INTL 410 syllabus here.

We offer three seminars, each with multiple, non-sequential modules that you can choose from.

Our Cultural, Educational, Active Seminars & Workshops

This is a full-day seminar dedicated to the study, understanding and enjoyment of some of the key sites of interest linked to various architectural movements in Catalonia, with special emphasis over those that followed the Catalan Reinaxança. Dynamic, expert-led discussions throughout the day including guided visits and narration at some of Catalonia’s most amazing, exemplary architectural works and genres including Romanesque, Gothic, neo-classical, Modernisme and contemporary contributions. We will visit at least four different monuments as well as wine cellars of cultural, historical and architectural importance including the Montserrat monastery and privately hosted visits to one or two of the Penedès wine region’s Modernist wineries for a lesson in viticulture practices of past and present. Participants learn and take part in the wine making process and sample the wines with the resident wine maker and/or sommelier. The lunch break around 14h allows for a discussion and comparative of ideas among the group while enjoying great traditional Catalan fare (lunch venue TBD on day).

For full academic details please download the syllabus (PDF).

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This is a full-day (11-12 hours) seminar outside of Barcelona to the northern border of Catalunya where Salvador Dalí was born, raised and lived and where the landscape, culture and politics helped shape and inspire his world renown art, as well as the art of several other painters, including Ramón Reig Corominas and Evarist Vallès. The day’s itinerary is very full and is essentially based around the study of the influences that such unique landscapes had over the creational process of those artists. A visit to the Dalí House Museum in Port Lligat and Dalí Museum or the Empordà Museum in Figueres will complete the practical observation “on site”.

Your guide for the day is either a local professor or art expert well studied in the life and works of Salvador Dalí and the surrealist vanguard. Beyond the continued narration, analysis and discussion throughout the day based on the three artist’s works, there is an equally important historical and architectural element pertaining to Catalunya and which is brought to life by exploring the small coastal village, artist colony of Cadaqués accompanied by a local resident, guide and/or merchant. You get to spend the day in the heart of the Catalan countryside and Costa Brava getting a true feel for the Catalan Mediterranean culture, architecture, traditions and world-class cuisine. There is a task aspect of the day when participants are invited to draw an element of the landscape given parameters and coaching by their guide. Participants are required to take part in all discussions and activities including the drawing task in Cadaqués.

For full academic details please download the syllabus (PDF).

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This is a full-day seminar dedicated to the study of the history and culture of Catalunya from two very different perspectives: the coastline that was mainly developed starting in the 18th century and the interior of Girona Province and its capital, which has strong Roman and medieval roots which are still very visible today. Special emphasis will be given to analyzing and understanding the consequences that came along with the many battles and wars that took place in this area, since the 9th century and until the War against Napoleon. The day includes guided visits in Calella de Palafrugell, Begur and other villages along the way to Girona city. The coastal traditions are rooted in the small fishing and exporting villages whose commercial and cultural origins stem from the success of the Catalan merchants who journeyed to the Spanish colonies in the Americas and returned with wealth and incredible commercial skills. In Girona a local historian takes us to the most important monuments in the city with detailed explanations of the historical and cultural evolution since Roman times. Interactive, expert-led discussions throughout the day including exclusive visits and narration at each site and the chance to speak with local residents and merchants about the provincial history and cultural and commercial development. Participants are required to take part in all discussions and activities.

For full academic details please download the syllabus (PDF).

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This is an active, outdoor seminar in the Natural Park of Montgrí on the Catalan
Costa Brava. The day is spent examining the culture, heritage, politics and natural beauty of this coast that has always been a driving force in the regions economy and that has a history dating back to the Iberians (6th century), whose ruins can still be visited today. The day may be carried out hiking along the coast or by sea kayaks*. The approach from the sea allows us to visit and appreciate the natural park in a privileged and very efficient way and gives us a direct look at the incredibly diversity of flora and fauna and discussing struggles and triumphs with degradation and restoration. This Coastal Park hosts over 600 species of fish and indigenous plants can be found alongside plant life from all over the world, creating an explosion of colors and aromas on our way to each stop. If conditions allow we’ll get a look at some of the red coral reefs and extensive meadows of Posidonia Oceanica that flank the coastline. Great opportunities to use snorkel kits (provided) to see the rocks, plants, fish and coral below the surface. Preservation of the coast is apparent and gives us a fantastic model for understanding the past and current social, political and economic aspects of the region and the benefit of conserving resources and proactively addressing issues of sustainability to educate the local community from a young age. Throughout the day we discuss the rich cultural roots from past communities (popular in year-round festivals) including the Greeks, Romans, mariners of golden age empire expansion, Spanish-American colonies and their relation to the local economic boom, the influence on the Catalan industrial revolution and the post-Franco struggles against urbanization along the coastline. *NOTE: Kayaking version requires being in good physical form and to know how to swim as the day is spent paddling to get to the points of interest.

For full academic details please download the syllabus (PDF).

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This is a full-day active seminar dedicated to the study, understanding and enjoyment of some of the key elements that define 17th century Catalonia post-medieval/pre-industrial revolution as well as the opportunity for a comparative study of the Euro-Asian vegetation found in this area of the Pyrenees to that of the more prevalent Mediterranean vegetation, all of which contributed to the development, diversity and perseverance of the regional communities during that time. The day is centered on the 17th century village of Rupit located in the Collsacabra mountain range in the Catalan Pyrenees, with emphasis over the effects of the War of Segadors and the Black Plague over the economical and social order. Rupit is renown for being one of the definitive patrimonial sites of interest in Catalonia for its unique, well-preserved Baroque architecture from that era (church of Sant Miguel which is visited) and it’s classic model of economical development and sustainability during two centuries until the rural exodus that was provoked by the Spanish American colonies and subsequent industrial revolution in urban populace such as Barcelona. Additionally, the accessible natural surroundings of the Collsacabra range allow for a unique, experiential learning opportunity regarding the aforementioned Euro-Asian flora and to learn about the diverse, abundant herbs, flowers, fungi, etc. that have brought Catalan cuisine to being a leader in Mediterranean, European and World cuisine. The lunch break around 15h allows for a discussion and comparative of ideas while enjoying great traditional Catalan fare in a 200-year old restaurant.

For full academic details please download the syllabus (PDF).

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This is a full day dedicated to the origin, evolution and importance that
gastronomy and viticulture have in Catalonia’s culture and society. This is a creative study of how regional food and wine have become and increasingly important vehicle in understanding local cultures and allow us to better examine the debate between globalization and localization/regionalism. Since Roman times, Catalonia has been known throughout Western Europe for their unique climatic and topographical variations, which allows for an impressive diversity of food and wine products characteristically distinct between the interior and costal areas as well as the high altitudes of the mountain ranges and low river valleys. We visit all four of these areas to understand the vast differences in gastronomy and viticulture and to witness differences and consistencies in product type, agricultural practices and the resulting local culture and identity. We will have guided visits, tastings and sample foods at emblematic wineries in the Penedès or Priorat regions. Each winery is in a different microclimate for a clear example of varying agricultural practices based on climate and soil types but with the common denominator of being organic. Each venue is of architectural significance to the era in which it was constructed. We enjoy great private tours and explanations throughout the day as well as a great variety of local foods and wines. Each participant will be responsible for the pre-reading assigned and taking notes throughout the day in order to successfully complete the comparative paper if you want CEU credit for the day. Participants should take part in all discussions and activities but are not required to drink wine.

For full academic details please download the syllabus (PDF).

Sign up!

The primary objective of these active seminars, workshops and short courses is to experience the Catalan culture first-hand in a contextual, entertaining way with a focus on academic enrichment and personal and professional growth. These programs strengthen the development of cross-cultural skills, critical thinking, and self-reflection that participants continue to utilize long after the day or multi-day experience.

PROFESSOR/PROGRAM LEADER: Provided by ALBA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Program Leader/professor varies with area of study

LOCATION: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

CONTACT HOURS: 8–12 hours per module, paired into full seminars through multiple modules.

OUTCOMES

✴ Strengthen the development of cross-cultural skills, critical thinking, and self-reflection that participants continue to utilize long after the course experience.
✴ Enhance participant knowledge, awareness and understanding of Catalan, Spanish and global culture via study, discussion and guided visits to sites of relevant interest
✴ Recognize and apply conceptual tools required in cultural studies giving special importance to intercultural strategies and sensibility.

Our seminars provide educational credit through Continuing Education Units (CEU from ALBA Study Abroad) and for travelers on learning vacations. Our courses  are designed to enhance participant knowledge, awareness and understanding of Catalan, Spanish and global culture via study, discussion and guided visits to sites of relevant interest. Additionally, these seminars and workshops aim to correlate the local economic, political, historical, social and cultural issues with international issues and trends.

Course Structure: These seminars and workshops are shared experiences among instructors and participants that take place at varying locations around Catalonia and other regions of Spain, all of which follow a general, yet flexible structure:
✴ Pre-reading materials are suggested and provided to participants to better prepare them for the day(s) of contact time with the group leader(s).
✴ Guided day(s) out of 8–12 contact hours or more.
✴ Evaluation by a predetermined method and which is typically a paper or presentation that is to be turned in by a determined date and following specific, designated criteria.

DETAILS

SUGGESTED PRE-READINGS: Will be assigned at least one week prior to the day of the event.

EXAMS AND ASSIGNMENTS: If relevant, will vary between participants based on the program and participants educational and/or professional requirements for accreditation. Should be established before registering.

CREDIT: CEU for ALBA Study Abroad: 1 Unit (minimum of 10 contact hours required)

DURATION: 8-12 hours

OFFERED: Year-round

PROGRAM FORMAT: Seminar, workshop, short course, hybrid

LEVEL OF STUDY: Undergraduate, professional CEU, General Ed.

AREA/DEPARTMENT: International Global Studies

EVALUATION: Pass/fail, Certificate of participation

PRE-REQUISITES: None

MATERIALS NEEDED: Provided
* Course credit may be adjusted proportionately to reflect modified programs,
academic calendars and formats of study.