Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
CIEE Study Center Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.
Required CIEE Intensive Language Courses
SPAN 2503 ALLC
Intensive Intermediate Spanish II
The intensive language course consists of 45 hours of integrated language instruction covering the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The purpose of the course is to give students the skills they need to activate the knowledge they have acquired in their previous Spanish classes. Cultural fieldwork and practice with the homestay family are also integral components of the course and complement language learning. Some interactive activities and simulations take place in the local community.
SPAN 3501 ALLC
Intensive Preparation for Advanced Spanish
The Intensive Preparation for Advanced Spanish course consists of 45 hours of integrated language instruction integrating the four language skills. The purpose of the course is to review the Spanish grammar and structures, as well as their pronunciation and oral production, so that students are prepared for more advanced courses.
Required CIEE Semester Language Courses
Language classes combine the grammar, written, and oral aspects of language with cultural and social issues. Every week students attend a language and culture workshop in which they experience different approaches and share their experiences with other students and teachers. Linguistic exchange with Spanish students is also organized as social and cultural integration is a primary goal.
The semester language courses are divided into several groups of no more than 12 students to accommodate different levels of language proficiency. Tutorials may be required for students who need more individualized attention. Students take two of the following courses.
SPAN 2004 ALLC
Grammar and Written Expression
The goal of this course is to build upon the foundation students have acquired in moods, tenses, syntax, and vocabulary and to introduce students to the nuances and complexities involved in a deeper understanding and use of the language. Emphasis is placed on written proficiency and reading comprehension through the study of applied structure.
SPAN 2005 ALLC
Oral Communication and Listening Comprehension
This course is designed to help students achieve proficiency in listening comprehension and oral communication. Students become capable of communicating in a variety of registers appropriate for different social settings and understand the cultural rules of conversation in Spain. The goals of this course also include correcting the phonological and intonation errors frequently committed by English speakers who are learning Spanish.
SPAN 3003 ALLC
Preparation for Advanced Spanish Grammar
The goal of this course is to further develop the foundation students have previously acquired in moods, tenses, syntax, and vocabulary and to improve their perception of nuances and complexities involved in a deeper understanding and use of the language. Emphasis is placed on written proficiency through the study of applied structures and real texts.
SPAN 3004 ALLC
Preparation for Advanced Oral Communication in Spanish
This course is designed to further develop listening comprehension and oral communication through the study of real situations. Students should be capable of communicating in a variety of registers appropriate for different social settings, and understand the cultural rules of conversation in Spain to become fluent.
CIEE Elective Course
CLST 3001 ALLC
Seminar on Living and Learning in Alicante
The CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Alicante is designed to improve students’ intercultural communication and competence while studying abroad by considering how Spaniards are different from and similar to themselves and others. The course offers opportunities, both in and outside the classroom, to develop insights and the skills necessary to interact effectively and appropriately, and to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the cultural richness of Spain. Contact hours: 25. Recommended credit: 2 semester/3 quarter hours.
CIEE Content Courses—in Spanish
AHIS 3002 ALLC
Spanish Art and the Process of Painting
This survey course covers Spain’s major contributions to the history of Western art from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis rests primarily on painting and architecture, especially on the Spanish masters. Students learn how to analyze a painting from different practical approaches (for example, formal/thematic) and apply these methods to masterpieces of Spanish art. Students receive visual materials to complement the course instruction, as well as optional and mandatory guided visits to museums in order for them to gain get a better understanding of the arts in Spain and in the Comunidad Valenciana in particular. The theoretical component of this course is completed by an equally important hands-on art portion. The practical section consists of creating a piece of art.
CINE 3001 ALLC
Spanish Cinema
Students are asked to analyze and critique some of contemporary Spanish cinema’s most emblematic films. Through class discussion, students acquire knowledge of the changes that Spanish society has recently experienced, contrasting it with classic stereotypes of the culture, and comparing it with other U.S. films. Topics such as machismo, eroticism, gender roles, religion, terrorism, and violence are discussed while students learn about new movements in contemporary Spanish cinema. The aim of this course is to not only teach students how to analyze a film, but also to show them how cinema can be enjoyable and didactic at the same time. On a more practical level, students are asked to produce their own short film during the semester, and therefore cinematographic language, script writing, camera use, and editing notions are introduced in this course.
COMM 3002 ALLC
Spain in the Media: Understanding Spanish News and Advertisements
In this course, students study all aspects of Spanish society by reviewing and analyzing pieces taken from the different Spanish media resources: TV, radio, press, and advertisements. Each unit of this course consists of both a theoretical and practical component. By profoundly examining real materials, students gain a deeper understanding of present-day Spanish society. Students may visit the headquarters of a local newspaper and a radio station, and also an advertising agency. They learn about the Spanish media getting involved in Spanish society and culture. Blogging and creating their own newspaper and radio talk show, students are the real protagonists in the class.
EDUC 4001 ALLC
Second Language Acquisition and its Didactics
This course explores the process of second language acquisition and helps students understand different methodologies to be able to teach a second language by having both lectures and practical sessions, and by experiencing the role. Students who are considering the education field would benefit from this course.
HISP 3003 ALLC
The Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage: Religion, History, and Culture
The Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that runs from the Pyrenees to the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, in the Northwest corner of Spain, is a fundamental part of Spanish culture and history. Originally a spiritual journey for devout Catholics, the pilgrimage now attracts people from many cultures and religions and has developed international significance. The approach to this course is interdisciplinary, encompassing the role of the Camino in Spanish history, art, architecture, and literature. The course emphasizes different aspects of popular culture such as gastronomy, music, legends, and traditions, helping students acquire a deeper knowledge of Spanish culture. Students are evaluated on interactive travel journal, a seminar-length paper, and two short tests covering the major themes of the seminar. Students may choose to participate on a five to seven day optional trip for an additional fee paid on site.
HISP 3004 ALLC
Culture, Festivities, and Traditions through Spanish Gastronomy and Wine
This survey course is an overview of the importance of the Mediterranean diet in Spanish life. Upon completion of this course, students are able to understand Spanish topography and its effects on Mediterranean gastronomy and the wine industry in Spain. Students cover important aspects such as the culture, traditions, and festivities and their relation to Spanish gastronomy. They also study the history of food and wine and its importance in the Mediterranean area, and an overview of Spanish gastronomy and wine production.
THEA 3001 ALLC
Experiencing the Art of Theatre in Spain
This performance-oriented course is designed for students who want to learn and explore the basic principles of acting and performance skills. Classes will focus on strengthening the voice, body movement and listening skills, observation, relaxation, concentration, and use of imagination through improvisation, theater games, scene study and drama exercises. Students will become familiar with the basic terms and concepts of process work for the actor through rehearsal and performance of selected scenes and monologues in Spanish. Acting styles and contemporary approaches will be introduced and studied through the use of texts, video and live performance.
HIST 3006 ALLC
A Journey through Time: Present-Day Spain’s Historic Past
The historic events that took place in Spain during the 20th century have greatly marked the personality of present-day Spain. Historic milestones, such as the Civil War, the Franco Dictatorship, the transition to democracy, and Spain’s acceptance into the European Union, have sculpted Spain’s identity; and a profound understanding of these concepts is essential in order to fully understand Spain in the 21st century. It is impossible to grasp a complete understanding of Spain without also taking into account the international scene. In this course, we propose an historical investigation of the past and the present, which helps us discern the future. We analyze the political, economic, social, and ideological keys to these diverse historic moments, and establish a relationship between the equivalent aspects we find in present-day Spain—all from a global and cosmopolitan perspective.
INRE 3001 ALLC
Spain in the European Union
This course explores the complex relationship of Spain in the European Union. It begins with a deconstruction of the European Union (EU) through analysis of its symbols, institutional structures and history. We also analyze a new way of understanding political power at the trans-national level and discuss the Europeanization of the continent through the euro and the construction of a European Identity. The role of Spain as a political actor is interwoven throughout our exploration of these European processes. Finally, Spain´s role as a stakeholder in the EU project and the positive and negative effects of its membership to Spanish society at large will be explored.
LITT 3008 ALLC
Spanish and Latin American Literature: Two Worlds in the 20th Century
This course explores and compares literature written in Spanish from both sides of the Atlantic during the 20th century. Students discover the different aspects, as well as the mutual influences and common characteristics of both. The course focuses on the most representative literary schools and authors who have most influenced present-day culture and literature. Students explore these two worlds by reading and studying pieces of important and popular works.
SOCI 3001 ALLC/GEND 3002 ALLC
Spanish Society: Gender, Violence, Immigration Issues, the Youth, Traditions, and Leisure Time
This course explores the present social situation in modern Spain. Students examine gender issues while exploring the role of women in Spanish society throughout the 20th century, including the political transition from dictatorship to democracy and the new role of women in Spain today. Students are also exposed to current social events in terms of violence against women and how the Spanish government is taking steps to improve and solve this situation. In addition, Spain is the closest and most immediate point for immigration into Europe. Finally, they also examine the culture of young people in Spain, and the different traditions and leisure possibilities in the country. Social films, documentaries, press articles, and other current materials are explored in class.
Universidad de Alicante Business Courses – In English
Language and Culture students also have the possibility to take one course from the International Business Program. These courses are offered by the School of Economics at the Universidad de Alicante, and its population consists of Universidad de Alicante economics majors and international students. Approximately there are ten course offered every semester.
Please, check the Universidad de Alicante website for more detailed information at economicas.ua.es/es/vri/international-business-programme/international-business-programme.html
Cross-Cultural Business Behavior: Doing Business in Spain
This course focuses on the importance of culture in the business environment. Business culture is different in every country and it has become the key to success. The main objectives of this course are to introduce the student to what has influenced Spanish culture and its effects on Spanish corporate culture; to highlight aspects such as cultural differences and cross-cultural communication; and to analyze both business etiquette and the way to carry out business negotiations in Spain.
Comparative Economic System
This course examines the major economic systems of the world in theory and practice: how economic systems work and how economic theory interacts with government policies, history, and culture to explain economic performance. Comparative analysis of the economic institutions of contemporary economic systems will be also carried out.
Economies examined will comprise some of the advanced market-oriented capitalist countries such as US, Japan, Sweden or Germany, the former socialist economies of Eastern Europe that have experienced long transitional periods, the socialist market economy of China, the economies of the developing countries and some examples of distinctive economic systems such as Iran’s Islamic-based economy, India’s model of integration in the global economy or Latin American models.
Strategic Decision Making
Our goals in this course are threefold:(1)to teach you some strategic considerations to take into account when making your choices. (2) to predict how other people or organizations behave when they are in strategic settings. We will see that these aims are closely related. Game theory provides us the tools needed to enhance our understanding of these strategic situations. We will learn new concepts, methods and terminology; (3) to apply these tools to settings from business and economics and elsewhere. The course will emphasize examples, and cases. Finally, we will also play several games in class.
The Economy of the European Union: Characteristics, Economic Structure, and Institutions
This course aims to analyze the past, present, and future of European integration on the basis of historic and economic reasoning. This process and its effects are assessed, taking into account differences in European Member States economies, as well as considering the EU as a whole at the international level.
E-Management
This course aims to introduce students to the information society and the effects that it has on business management processes, strategies, and human resources management. They understand the impacts of ICT integration on a company from a managerial perspective and are given insights about possible routes for success or failure. The main learning objective is to understand how a manager could be prepared to face e-business opportunities and threats.
Entrepreneurial Initiative: Starting and Running a Business
The objective of the course is two-fold. In the first part of the course positive attitudes towards entrepreneurial initiative are developed. The students learn how to develop entrepreneurial ventures and how to transform an idea into a business. While thinking about running a new business, potential entrepreneurs are faced with many obstacles such as administrative requirements and lack of finance or skilled labor. To seize new opportunities in the changing markets, businesses should be encouraged to innovate and exploit new ideas. In the second part of the course, students learn and practice necessary skills and tools for running a firm. The main management processes (planning, organizing, and controlling) are developed, taking into account modern and classic problems like globalization, ethics, sustainability, change, stress, innovation, and technology.
Entrepreneurship and Business Strategy
We are in times that need changes and we need people to lead these changes. This is a practical course that is intended to develop the managerial skills of future Chief Executives Officers and for people who need to lead changes in organizations. The most distinctive feature of the course is that it combines concepts and explanations with practice in a computer lab. The students follow all the phases in the process of business strategy, assisted by the lecturer as a Business Consultant. The main objectives of this course are: stimulate the entrepreneur’s initiative; learn to plan and implement strategies; and help to find good sources of innovative business ideas and turn them into real business solutions. The assessment consists of developing a business plan working in groups and presenting it to the class at the end of the course.
Introduction to Environmental Economics
The objective of this class is to assist students in observing and approaching environmental problems, as well as issues, in an objective and analytical manner without employing sophisticated models or quantitative methods. The case study approach is emphasized in this course. In particular, students are encouraged to consider how environmental economics can be applied to major environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, the impact of trade, carbon and other footprints, and the environmental costs versus the benefits of projects.
Global Issues on Quality and Environmental Management
Quality management and environmental management are key practices that have positive impacts on business competitiveness. The main objectives of this course are: to analyze the evolution of quality and environmental topics; to know the concepts and main tools about quality and environmental management; to know how to manage processes in organizations to meet customer needs; to determine how companies impact on the natural environment examining how firms can reduce their environmental impacts; to learn how to implement quality and environmental management systems.
Human Resources Management
The main objectives of this course are: keep in mind that every manager of a firm is a Human Resources Manager (HRM), give a general guide about how to manage people; argue how a HRM can be a strategic partner of any firm; have a general overview about the knowledge, skills and abilities that a HRM must have; and describe the fundamental tools, methods, and techniques that are used in a Department of Human Resources.
The International Financial Crisis and the Scope of Monetary Policy
In this course we examine the recent collapse of the international financial market and the role that monetary policy has played in its solution. We pay special attention to understand the characteristics of the banking system that have played such a prominent role in the development of the financial crisis, as well as to the development of new credit derivatives that, in an attempt to create new sources of funds and of hedging risk, have increased the exposure of banks to this type of financial troubles. Finally, students focus on the developments of monetary policy, in particular the new channels through which central banks have acted as lenders of last resort.
Marketing Variables: Decision Making in a Competitive Environment
This course focuses on the tactical and strategic decisions on marketing variables (product, price, distribution and communication) that a company faces in a changing and competitive environment. This course has a mainly practical approach. Students will manage the marketing departments of different companies competing in the marketplace. To analyze the performance of these companies, a virtual environment will simulate the real market.
Marketing in the European Union
Upon completion of this course, students should have a global overview of European marketing and be able to formulate and recognize European marketing strategies; adapt marketing concepts to practical case studies; understand national differences among countries; and create marketing plans and evaluate the implication of an enlarged European Union in global markets.
Retail Marketing
This course familiarizes students with the decisions and strategies involved in running a retail firm in national and international markets. Retailing is analyzed as one form of marketing. Attention is devoted to retail, merchandising, customer service, image, and positioning strategies. Methodology includes case study resolution in-class and presentations.
Tourism Economics
The main aim of this course is focused on providing an understanding of the basic concepts surrounding tourism as well as the fundamental role played by tourism in developed and developing countries. Different aspects of tourism are analyzed in the course such as sustainability, economic impacts, demand, supply, costs and benefits, social and environmental consequences, and tourism as a potential factor to develop destination areas.
Universidad de Alicante Direct Enrollment Courses – In Spanish
Pre-advanced students with a higher level of Spanish have the possibility to take one Universidad de Alicante Direct Enrollment course. Exams take place in mid-January for the fall semester and late may/early June for the spring. For some courses, exams can be arranged, but CIEE cannot guarantee this for all university courses. Students who are interested should talk to the Resident Director for permission to be granted and arrangements to be made. They will also meet with the Resident Director upon arrival to discuss and select University courses.
Following is a selection of subject areas. Students are advised that the Universidad de Alicante may cancel courses. Also, they can explore Universidad de Alicante course offerings at www.ua.es/es/estudios/index.html
- Arts and Humanities
- Engineering and Architecture
- Health Sciences
- Sciences
- Social Sciences and Law Studies
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