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 Language Courses
CIEE Spanish courses are specially designed for students in the Business and Culture program. These courses meet intensively at the beginning of the semester and then continue at a regular pace throughout the semester. All students are required to take one language course.
SPAN 1003 BABC
Beginning Spanish
This course is designed for students who have never studied Spanish or have had one semester of Spanish prior to enrolling in the program. The class opens with sessions on survival language skills during the first two weeks of the program and is designed from a communicative perspective to help true beginners of Spanish language develop fundamental linguistic language skills in listening comprehension, oral communication, reading, and writing. Although the course encompasses all of the key areas of grammar and vocabulary typically encountered in a first semester Spanish course, it is specifically designed for students majoring in business, economics, marketing, and related fields.
SPAN 2004 BABC
Intermediate Spanish
This class is designed for students with intermediate language skills. The syllabus is organized functionally around objectives that students need to adjust to living and studying in the Spanish culture. Through a communicative methodology, students work to improve their language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Spanish. Students focus on real-life application of language. By the end of the course, students cover the basic range of grammatical tools necessary to communicate effectively. These include the present, past, and future tenses; direct and indirect object pronouns; prepositions and adverbs; and selected aspects of the subjective and conditional moods.
SPAN 3006 BABC
Advanced Spanish
This class is designed to challenge students with increasing language ability to improve on the skills they have already acquired. The syllabus is organized functionally around objectives that students need to adjust to living and studying in the Spanish culture. The course covers all four communicative skills (listening comprehension, oral communication, reading, and writing) with special emphasis on complex aspects of the language that are particularly challenging for English-speakers. The course covers abstract functions of language such as expressing opinions, resolving conflicts, formulating complaints, making arguments, and negotiation. Grammatically, emphasis is placed on the correct use of the tools needed to achieve these aims: complex aspects of the various past tenses, the full range of subjunctive and conditional moods, and formal and informal registers.
SPAN 4003 BABC
Advanced Spanish Grammar, Composition, and Conversation
This course is designed for advanced students with a strong background in Spanish language. The course places special emphasis on complex aspects of grammar, such as the subjunctive and conditional modes, indirect speech, and the passive voice. Students also learn how to handle different registers or styles of Spanish (for example, formal and informal) necessary to communicate effectively in all types of cultural situations. The course covers all four modalities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is specifically designed for students who take university courses in Spanish.
SPAN 4004 BABC
Advanced Spanish for Heritage Speakers
This course is designed to meet the needs of heritage students. Heritage students include native speakers who learned Spanish at home, but who have had little or no formal education in the language. The course helps students develop a formal understanding of grammar, enrich their vocabulary, facilitate their ability to speak about a wider range of topics, and to use different registers (formal, informal, etc.) in both written and spoken Spanish.
CIEE Humanities Courses—in English.
AHIS 3002 BABC
Catalonia and Spain Through the Arts
This course teaches students about Catalan and Spanish culture within the context of art history. The fundamental issues of the history and character of Spain and Catalonia, such as the Spanish Civil War and the Catalan independence movement, through the eyes of artists/witnesses including Velázquez, Goya, Gaudí, Picasso, Dalí, and Miró are studied. Relevant study tours are arranged.
COMM 3001 BABC/MKT 3002 BABC
Marketing Cultural Heritage in the Global Age
This course examines how countries, cities, and local institutions market cultural heritage to attract more visitors and donor support. The course begins by examining cultural heritage as an important resource for a local economy and ways to apply marketing theory and communication strategies to cultural tourism including e-commerce, e-business, licensing, and merchandising. The course also examines how individual sites (museums, natural parks, religious sites) have applied these principles on a local scale. Comparisons are made between Spanish and U.S. approaches. Students develop a marketing and communications plan for a cultural site in Barcelona as part of their course project. By the end of the course, students are able to apply general principles and practices of strategic marketing and communications to the world of cultural heritage as well as understand the rich historical and cultural fabric of Barcelona.
HIST 3002 BABC
Past and Present in Barcelona
Barcelona is an attractive European and Mediterranean city known for its rich history, art heritage, and welcoming attitude towards visitors. Students learn the history of the city from its founding up to the present day, with a special emphasis on contemporary life. Course content includes art, history, and urban planning. Urban development of Barcelona is analyzed using historical maps, videos, documentaries, and academic and literary texts
POLI 3001 BABC
The Politics of Western Europe
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental issues in the study of Western European politics. Topics include the nature and functioning of the Western European democratic system since the end of World War II, with emphasis on the processes, institutions, important figures, political culture, and citizens’ electoral behavior. The process of the nationalization of the electorates and the development of universal suffrage, and the creation of the current parliaments and governments are also studied. Other topics addressed in the course include the formation of political parties, party politics, and the development of current political and social conflicts.
CLST 3001 BABC
Branding and Cultural Icons: The Case of Barcelona
Students study the city of Barcelona, which typifies the cultural icons patterns—the creation of the Icon, its explosion, the mass influence that it creates, and the timelessness that it acquires. Student will also analyze the emotional connection that a cultural icon establishes with people and how this connection works in marketing and managing a city brand.
CIEE Humanities Courses—in Spanish
AHIS 3003 BABC
Catalonia and Spain through the Arts
This course teaches students about Catalan and Spanish culture within the context of art history. The fundamental issues of the history and character of Spain and Catalonia, such as the Spanish Civil War and the Catalan independence movement, through the eyes of artists/witnesses including Velázquez, Goya, Gaudí, Picasso, Dalí, and Miró are studied. Relevant study tours are arranged.
CATA 1001 BABC
Introduction to Catalan Language in its Social Context
This course is designed to help beginning Catalan learners develop the fundamental linguistic skills needed to communicate. This course assumes students already have intermediate to advanced knowledge of Spanish. Special emphasis is placed on the socio-cultural context in which students live.
HISP 3003 BABC
Spain Today: Politics and Society
This course focuses on the transition years from 1975 until the present. The course focuses on both political and sociological aspects. Spain’s return to democracy and its implications are analyzed in detail. Topics such as the 1978 constitutional system and creation of a decentralized political system, and an analysis of the different political parties are covered. The course also addresses important sociological aspects such as the dramatic change undergone by the traditional Spanish family in this period, and the role of mass media in Spanish society. Other topics include the contemporary migration movements in Spain, the development of national identities, and the independent movement in the Basque Country and Catalonia.
HIST 3003 BABC
Past and Present in Barcelona
Barcelona is an attractive European and Mediterranean city known for its rich history, art heritage, and welcoming attitude towards visitors. Students learn the history of the city from its founding up to the present day, with a special emphasis on contemporary life. Course content includes art, history, and urban planning. Urban development of Barcelona is analyzed using historical maps, videos, documentaries, and academic and literary texts.
CLST 3002 BABC
Branding and Cultural Icons: The Case of Barcelona
Students study the city of Barcelona, which typifies the cultural icons patterns—the creation of the Icon, its explosion, the mass influence that it creates, and the timelessness that it acquires. Student will also analyze the emotional connection that a cultural icon establishes with people and how this connection works in marketing and managing a city brand.
CIEE Business Courses—in English
The following courses are offered for CIEE Business and Culture program participants only and may not be offered every semester. These courses are not open to students with six or more semesters of Spanish. Each CIEE business course includes a visit to a location of business interest. In the past, students have visited the Barcelona Stock Exchange, Cavas Codorniu Winery, City Hall, La Vanguardia (newspaper), Mango (Spanish clothing chain) headquarters, and Port of Barcelona.
BUSI 3001 BABC/MGMT 3001 BABC
International Management
This course provides students with the framework, tools, and factual knowledge required to understand the institutional and competitive environment and managerial challenges of firms in international competition. It analyzes the socio-cultural, political, and economic characteristics of a country and how they influence the behavior of firms; and studies the main economic flows around the world, its barriers, and their impact on firms. It also introduces briefly the study of internationalization methods used by firms.
BUSI 3002 BABC/MKTG 3001 BABC
International Marketing
The future of all business is stated and recognized to be global. This course is designed to enhance the student’s understanding and appreciation of the importance and relevance of international marketing in today’s global economy. The course emphasizes the knowledge of world geography, regional alliances/conflicts, and cultural diversity in the world. It approaches the complexity of marketing environs and decisions, and the global marketing issues that challenge American companies. It focuses on marketing strategy, development, and implementation.
ECON 3001 BABC
The Spanish Economy in the European Union
This course examines the social structure and economic history of modern Spain. The course starts with an overview of Spanish history necessary to understand the ways in which the economy has developed in recent times. Special emphasis is placed on economic developments during the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the post-war transition. The effect of Spain’s entrance in the EU is also discussed. Classes consist of a combination of lectures and discussion about major periods. Company visits are an important part of the course as they give students insight into the structure of modern Spanish business.
ECON 3004 BABC
International Economics
(Prerequisite: prior coursework in microeconomics)
This course is composed of two parts—international trade theory and policy, and international finance. The first part of the course describes a number of different theories that explain why nations trade, as well as the effects of different policies that nations follow to affect the flow of trade. The European common market and NAFTA are analyzed in detail. The second part of the course is intended to provide students with knowledge of the international finance environment, foreign exchange theory, exchange exposure, and financial management strategies for multinational companies.
ECON 4001 BAEC
The Capitalist System: A Critical Review
Students gain in this course an in-depth understanding of the economic roots and rules of capitalism and be able to explain the role of capitalism in shaping their own lives. In addition, students will be capable of tracing the reasons behind the most severe problems facing humanity and be able to take a standpoint with regard to globalization and to the alternative economic arrangements designed and proposed by different organizations
MGMT 3007 BABC
Sustainability and CSR: From Theory to Practice
The objective of this course is to present students with some specific tools and methodologies for understanding, managing, and developing innovative solutions for sustainability issues in a corporate setting. Items to be covered include identifying central sustainability issues; stakeholder mapping; stakeholder engagement; developing innovative sustainability projects; embedding sustainability in core business practices; managing inherent sustainability paradoxes; developing metrics to measure social and environmental impacts; and implementing sustainable competitiveness strategies
CIEE Business Courses—in Spanish
The following courses are offered for CIEE Business and Culture program participants only and may not be offered every semester. Each CIEE business course includes a visit to a location of business interest. In the past, students have visited the Barcelona Stock Exchange, Cavas Codorniu Winery, City Hall, La Vanguardia (newspaper), Mango (Spanish clothing chain) headquarters, and Port of Barcelona
BUSI 3003 BABC/MKTG 3003 BABC
International Marketing
The future of all business is stated and recognized to be global. This course is designed to enhance the student’s understanding and appreciation of the importance and relevance of international marketing in today’s global economy. The course emphasizes the knowledge of world geography, regional alliances/conflicts, and cultural diversity in the world. It approaches the complexity of marketing environs and decisions, and the global marketing issues that challenge American companies. It focuses on marketing strategy, development, and implementation.
BUSI 3005 BABC/MGMT 3006 BABC
International Management
This course provides students with the framework, tools, and factual knowledge required to understand the institutional and competitive environment and managerial challenges of firms in international competition. It analyzes the socio-cultural, political, and economic characteristics of a country and how they influence the behavior of firms; and studies the main economic flows around the world, its barriers, and their impact on firms. It also introduces briefly the study of internationalization methods used by firms.
INSH 3003 BABC
Internship
(Prerequisite: five or more semesters of college-level Spanish. )
Qualified students have the opportunity to pursue an internship with a local organization or company, including a variety of industry sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support for their internship experience, as well as supporting students’ intercultural development. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours. Total contact Hours: 135.
ESCI Business and Economics Courses—Fall
(in English)
Culture & Business in Europe
This course provides students with an understanding European society, geopolitics, and culture. Specific elements of economic and business organization will be covered.
People Management
This course covers the functions of the personnel department in companies. Topics include staff selection, training, remuneration, and promotion; staff dismissal and turnover; and performance evaluation.
Electronic Commerce and Marketing
(Prerequisite: some previous Marketing knowledge recommended)
This course analyzes the internet and its applications to international trade. Specific items to be addressed are designing and creating web sites, HTTP protocol and programming languages, catalogues and online shops, and selling on the internet.
Pricing Policies
(Prerequisite: intermediate microeconomics required)
This course covers the role of pricing in marketing strategies. Specifically, the course will define a pricing policy that maximizes profits. Students will learn different concepts used for determining prices and to develop a pricing strategy that is correct for the company.
International Finance
(Prerequisite: Intro to Finance required)
This course reviews the monetary markets, stock exchanges, and commodity markets. Items covered include cash and deposit operations, options and contracting of financial futures, Inter-banking products, and business risk.
International Product Management
(Prerequisite: some previous marketing, market research, and stratege knowledge recommended)
This course introduces students to the overall management of a product´s lifecycle. Other topics covered include generic product strategies, image and positioning, and management of product ranges and lines.
Industrial and Services Marketing
(Prerequisite: some previous marketing knowledge recommended)
This course focuses specifically on companies in the industrial and service sectors and analyzes their fundamental characteristics. Students learn how to these companies design their operations, carry out their quality management, and maintain their “client and service providers” relations.
International Management
This is course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the international environment challenge. Students will analyze country differences in political economy and political risks as well as cultural and social heterogeneities. They will also review global organizational forms, international strategies, importation/exportation strategies, financing, global marketing, and human resource management.
International Economics
(Prerequisite: Intro to Microeconomics and Macroeconomics required)
Students will gain knowledge on the contemporary European economy as well as the global economy in general. They will learn they examine two key components in International trade—economic theory and trade policy instruments
ESCI Business and Economics Courses—Spring
(in English)
Market Research I
(Prerequisite: Intro to Stats and Marketing is recommended)
Students in the course will learn to design a market research project. Specific topics such as quantitative and qualitative market research techniques and methods will be discussed, along with analysis of data and presentation of their results.
Consumer Behavior
This course addresses the psychological and sociological dimensions that influence consumer behaviour. Values, lifestyles, socio-cultural, and commercial aspects will be examined, as well as the evolution of individual consumption patterns.
International Marketing
The class presents strategic and operational marketing tools and influence and decision techniques for international markets.
Business Simulation
(Prerequisite: Intro to Finance and Accounting are recommended)
This course addresses the complete decision-making process and how it plays out in various departments, such as Marketing, Finance, and Production, within a company. Students also learn about market research and presentation of reports.
International Expansion
This course examines the different corporate international expansion models, and reviews in detail the expansion phases and alternatives for small and medium-sized companies.
International Team Management
This course presents topics such as leadership and authority, organization and motivation in teams, conflict resolution in employment relations, and team structure in international and multicultural environments.
Management Control
(Prerequisite: Intro to Finance and Accounting are recommended)
Students learn to understand the link between what people do and the economic and financial results obtained. Items addressed include evaluation of staff and groups' behavior within the organization, centers of responsibility, profit centers, and transfer prices. New techniques in accounting and management control are also discussed..
International Finance
(Prerequisite: Intro to Finance required)
This course reviews the monetary markets, stock exchanges, and commodity markets. Items covered will include cash and deposit operations, options and contracting of financial futures, Inter-banking products, and business risk.
International Management
This is course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the international environment challenge. Students will analyze country differences in political economy and political risks as well as cultural and social heterogeneities. They will also review global organizational forms, international strategies, importation/exportation strategies, financing, global marketing, and human resource management.
International Economics
(Prerequisite: Intro to Microeconomics and Macroeconomics required)
Students will gain knowledge on the contemporary European economy as well as the global economy in general. They will learn they examine two key components in International trade—economic theory and trade policy instruments.
ESCI Business and Economics Courses—Fall
(in Spanish)
Negociación Internacional/ International Negotiation
This course examens negotiation and commercial communications and how cultural factors affect these areas. It also covers items such as reference criteria for structuring multicultural negotiations; different styles of negotiation; structure and stages in the negotiation process; preparation for international negotiation; and developing the different phases of negotiation.
Métodos Cuantitativos/Quantitative Methods
(Prerequisite: prior statistics knowledge, including multiple regression, required.)
This course provides an introduction to multivariate statistical methods applied to market research and analysis.
Publicidad y Comunicación/Advertising and Communication
The course provides an explanation of the diverse functions and processes of communication.
Special emphasis is placed on the relevant aspects of a marketing campaign—target, positioning, and creativity techniques. Other topics include branding, international marketing campaigns, advertising, and regulatory issues. The use of various marketing tools and advertising elements, and promotional effectiveness are also explored.
Distribución Comercial /Business Logistics
The goal of this course is to address the fundamentals of distribution management and business logistics, as well as explain quantitative models and distribution techniques. Alternative distribution channels, the supply chain, and inventory management are analyzed in detail.
Investigación de Mercados II/Market Research II
(Prerequisite: prior statistics knowledge required.)
This course presents various methods which are used to analyze data, such as Variance analysis, multiple regression, conjoint analysis, and discrete choice models, among others.
ESCI Business and Economics Courses—Spring
(in Spanish)
Deontología Empresarial/Business Ethics
This course addresses ethic issues related to businesses and organizations. The following topics are addressed: human and community responsibility, behavior models in different cultures, group ethics, and cultural conflict. International regulations, agreements, and recommendations relating to social, labor, and environmental aspects are also analyzed.
Derecho del Trabajo en la UE/Labor Law in the EU
A detailed description of the EU labor legislation is provided in this course.
Dirección Financiera II/Financial Management II
The course starts with an analysis of firms’ financial planning. The concept of present value, and how to value annuities and perpetuities are explained. Analysis of different criteria to select investment projects: NPV, IRR, profitability index and other methods. Lessons on valuation of firms and the concept of cost of capital are presented, as is short term financing of firms: common and preferential stock issues and debt issue; dividend policy; mergers and acquisition: estimating costs; and benefits of mergers.
Estadística Aplicada/Applied Statistics
(Prerequisite: prior knowledge of probability theory required.)
This course deals with the following: statistical inference, estimation of population parameters, hypothesis analyses, the Chi square Distribution, Variance analysis, regression, and sampling techniques.
Finanzas II/Finance II
(Prerequisite: prior knowledge of Finance and Accounting required.)
Main topics covered in the course are the financial structure: short and long-term financial policies; the cost of capital: combination of risk and return; the Modigliani-Miller's theorem; and the optimum financial structure.
Contabilidad de Costes/Cost Accounting
(Prerequisite: prior knowledge of accounting required.)
Students learn how to determine costs and their use in decision-making, how to set prices, and subcontracting and deviation analysis.
Dirección de Ventas/Sales Management
This class reviews the sales process, the structuring of the sales department, recruitment and selecting of sales staff, and sales targets and territories.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra Business Courses
These courses are available to students with six or more semesters of Spanish only. Please note that not all courses are offered each semester, and that some courses have additional prerequisites. The final list of courses will be available upon arrival in Barcelona.
Fall
Comercio Exterior I
Control de Gestión
Creación de Empresas
E-Business
Economía Europea
Economía Internacional II
Historia Económica I
Introducción a la Economía
I
Macroeconomía I
Matemática Financiera
Microeconomía I
Probabilidad
Spring
Dirección Comercial II
Dirección Estratégica y Política Empresarial
Dirección Financiera I
Distribución Comercial
Economía de la Empresa
Finanzas I
Gestión de la Empresa Familiar
Historia Económica II
Historia del Pensamiento Empresarial
Recursos Humanos
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