Overview
Spend this summer discovering how art and architecture have developed in two dynamic and distinct Iberian cities.
You’ll start in Lisbon, analyzing and contextualizing selected aspects of urbanism, architecture, sculpture, and painting, and from Roman times to the present. Next, you’ll travel east to Barcelona, a city renowned for its artwork and design. You’ll study the history of artists and movements that are inextricably linked to the city, as well as the role that urban planning, architecture and public art have played in shaping the image of contemporary Barcelona.
Study abroad in Lisbon and Barcelona and you will:
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Enhance your understanding of Iberian art history and develop tools to read any work of art
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Study artwork and architecture in loco with various field trips and site visits
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Compare and contrast styles, designs, and movements from two celebrated art communities
The CIEE Difference
INTERCULTURAL COMPARATIVE EXPERIENCE
Expand your global perspective. Choose to spend your three-day intercultural weekend in one of these European cities:
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Barcelona, Spain
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Berlin, Germany
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London, England
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Paris, France
Credit
Course contact hours are 45 hours and recommended credit for the program is 6 semester/9 quarter hours, unless otherwise indicated.
Program Requirements
All study abroad students take one course during each semester: Lisbon: City and Architecture, and Architecture, Art and Design in Contemporary Barcelona.
About Lisbon
Lisbon is the westernmost capital in mainland Europe, at the point where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic. Built on seven hills, Lisbon is navigated by funicular trains, an elevator, trams, buses, and the metro. The city presents interesting contrasts, from tiny one-of-a-kind shops with fading facades to mega malls; from narrow, steep, cobbled-stoned streets to wide-open vistas. Lisbon’s fascinating past can be seen in the faces of its multicultural citizens, its food, its architecture, and its welcoming attitude towards foreigners.
About Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain with its own distinctive history, culture, and language. Set between mountains and the Mediterranean sea, the city's population is 1.6 million, with a total of 4.5 million in the greater metropolitan area. Walking though the city, one can observe 2,000 years of architectural history—Roman remains, the network of narrow streets in the Old Town, the 19th Century Eixample district with its original examples of Modernista architecture—contrasting with the ultramodern showpieces that continue to redesign its skyline.
Where You’ll Study
Lisbon
The Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) is a public institution of higher learning founded in 1977 with the goal of contributing to the renewal of higher education in Portugal. It has five faculties, including the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (FCSH), where the study abroad program is primarily based. FCSH is a multidisciplinary unit that promotes diversity of knowledge, creativity, and freedom of thought. Facilities at FCSH include the central library, computer facilities, a student association, a drama group, a group devoted to traditional Portuguese music, and a bookstore.
Barcelona
The CIEE Study Center in Barcelona, Spain, is located in two adjoining historic buildings on Passatge Permanyer, near Passeig de Gràcia and Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona’s main square. This historic passageway provides a quiet haven in the city center and houses CIEE classrooms, a computer lab, and student lounges.
Housing & Meals
In Lisbon, study abroad students are housed in homestays located a short commute from FCSH where CIEE courses are held. Students have their own bedrooms and are given full access to bathroom and kitchen facilities. Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Students can cook in their homestays, or eat in the subsidized cafeterias at UNL.
In Barcelona, study abroad students can choose to live in either Spanish homestays (there is also an option to live in a homestay along with another CIEE student) or in a student residencia (residence hall) with other Spanish and international students. The residencias are located in urban settings throughout the city. Students living in a homestay will have breakfast and dinner provided at home, while lunch is at the students’ expense. Kitchen space is allotted the student should they wish to make picnic lunches, and many students choose to get a sandwich from local takeaway places near the center. Students in homestays will have their laundry done for them once a week. Meals and laundry are not included in the student residencia option, but students share fully equipped kitchens where they can prepare their own meals and laundry facilities are available. All homestays and residencias are located within the city of Barcelona, and within 30 minutes by public transportation to the CIEE study center.
Academic Culture
In Lisbon, all study abroad courses meet daily, Monday through Friday, for three hours. The academic calendar includes dates for mandatory trips scheduled out of Lisbon. This hands-on learning experience contributes greatly to the student’s experience abroad. Instruction is interactive and dynamic. Many lectures take place in situ, so that students can feel part of the culture they are studying.
In Barcelona, the size of the CIEE content classes varies, but there are never more than 15 students. All classes meet Monday through Friday.
Nature of Classes
Participants take classes with other CIEE study abroad students only.
Grading System
In Lisbon, students are normally graded on the basis of class participation, papers, small quizzes, and a final examination. With attendance mandatory, unexcused absences are reflected in a participant’s final grade. In Barcelona, students are graded on the basis of class participation, in-class activities, homework assignments, examinations, papers, and oral presentations, similar to standards in the United States. Grades are given on a ten point scale.
Language of Instruction
English
