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—Intensive Session
Students are placed in one of the following courses based on the online placement exam results and the last level of Spanish taken prior to arrival. The goal of the Intensive Language program is to immerse students in the Spanish language in preparation for regular session language classes at the UPO.
SPAN 3503 IBCP
Intensive Pre-Advanced Spanish I is only offered if there are students at the advanced Spanish level according to the CIEE online placement exam.
SPAN 1503 IBCP
Intensive Pre-Elementary Spanish I
Designed for students with no or very basic knowledge of Spanish. Special emphasis is placed on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in order to provide students the necessary linguistic tools to live and study in Seville.
SPAN 1504 IBCP
Intensive Pre-Elementary Spanish II
Designed for students with an elementary understanding of Spanish. Special emphasis is placed on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in order to provide students the necessary linguistic tools to live and study in Seville.
SPAN 2503 IBCP
Intensive Pre-Intermediate Spanish I
For students who have studied Spanish previously and are at the intermediate level. Students work to increase their vocabulary and improve their communicative skills in Spanish.
SPAN 2504 IBCP
Intensive Pre-Intermediate Spanish II
Previous Spanish students who are at the upper-intermediate level. Students work to increase their vocabulary and improve their communicative skills in Spanish.
SPAN 3503 IBCP
Intensive Pre-Advanced Spanish I
For students entering the program with four semesters of college level Spanish, or the equivalent. The objective of this course is to enhance the ability of students to understand written and oral materials so that they can communicate successfully in Spanish.
CIEE Optional Course
COMM 3002 IBCP
Intercultural Communication in Context
(In English)
In this class, students concentrate on the complexities and challenges of interacting in culturally diverse environments. Students explore theories related to intercultural communication and are expected to apply learned concepts and theories to personal experiences, social interactions, and observations during their semester in Spain. This course concentrates primarily on developing skills to interact effectively and appropriately in intercultural contexts, with particular focus on the host culture. Guest speakers and/or visits to culturally relevant destinations may be included in the class.
Universidad Pablo de Olavide
Courses for International Students
Required Semester Language Courses
Students are placed in one of the following courses for the remainder of the semester based upon the intensive language class placement and language levels taken prior to arrival.
Elementary Spanish I and II—Intensive Course
This beginning intensive course is designed for students with a very basic Spanish knowledge. Emphasis is on building oral and written communication skills and on acquiring knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours. Contact hours: 90.
Elementary Spanish II
This beginning course is designed for students with an elementary Spanish knowledge. Emphasis is on building oral and written communication skills and acquiring knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world.
Intermediate Spanish I
Designed for students with an intermediate level of Spanish. Emphasis is on expanding vocabulary and building oral and written communication skills, as well as acquiring a greater awareness of the Spanish-speaking world.
Intermediate Spanish II
For students with an upper-intermediate level of Spanish, emphasis is on expanding vocabulary and building oral and written communication skills, as well as acquiring a greater awareness of the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish Conversation—Intermediate
The objective of this class is to develop conversational comprehension and oral interaction skills for students at the intermediate level. The focus is on form in order to attain fluency and effective communication skills.
Spanish Laboratory
This one credit course is designed to complement the elementary Spanish classes and aims to improve oral communication skills. Guided conversations such as role play, theater, and so on serve to increase language competence. Sessions in the language laboratory focuses on addressing specific pronunciation difficulties. Contact hours: 15. Recommended credit: 1 semester/1.5 quarter hours.
Spanish Reading and Composition—Intermediate
Designed for students who have had two semesters of university-level Spanish, this course continues to develop reading and writing skills through written reports, compositions, and class discussions on assigned topics and articles. It also reviews more advanced grammar with the purpose of achieving greater accuracy.
Spanish Language Courses-Advanced
Advanced Spanish I
This course is designed for students who have had at least four semesters of university level Spanish. Emphasis is placed on applying the skills acquired at the intermediate level to further improve oral and written skills. The methodology applied is communicative and encompasses assignments, which include grammar reviews, cultural readings on Spain, and debates that require use of practical and communicative vocabulary.
Advanced Spanish II
This course is designed for students who have had four or more semesters of university-level Spanish. The course focuses on written and oral expression of Spanish through compositions, oral reports, and class discussions. Material for discussion includes literary texts, as well as topics of general interest. Emphasis is on interactive language use, vocabulary expansion, and accuracy of expression.
Spanish Conversation-Advanced
The objective of this class is to develop conversational, comprehension, and oral interaction skills for students at the advanced level with focus on form to attain fluency and effective communication skills.
Spanish for Business
In this course, students learn the vocabulary and concepts used in oral and written translations in the business world. Emphasis is placed on increasing vocabulary and using Spanish business terminology in commercial correspondence including letters, job descriptions, advertisements, bank documents, and so on. Cultural differences which affect the way business is conducted in Spain and in the U.S. is also explored. This course is for students at the upper-intermediate or advanced Spanish level.
Spanish-English/English-Spanish InterpretationTechniques
(In Spanish—spring only)
This course introduces students to basic theories and modalities of interpreting and provides them training in interpretation techniques from Spanish into English, and vice versa, in the fields of tourism, health, and the judicial system. The course is for students with an advanced level of Spanish and is very practical in nature. (advanced Spanish required)
Spanish-English/English-Spanish Translations
(In Spanish)
This course provides an introduction to translation from Spanish to English and English to Spanish. Particular attention is given to the linguistic issues involved in translation. Short literary works, as well as articles, are translated as a practical part of the course. Special emphasis is placed on Spanish idioms and their translation. (Advanced Spanish required)
Spanish Phonetics and Phonology
(In Spanish)
This course examines the sound system of Spanish and concentrates on improving pronunciation. Emphasis is placed on the peculiarities of Andalusian Spanish. Class work includes transcriptions and intonation exercises. (advanced Spanish required)
Spanish Pragmatics and Communication
(In Spanish)
In this course we learn and apply basic concepts in pragmatics to verbal and non-verbal communicative acts in Spanish. We also study related aspects in politeness and miscommunication using Spanish. (advanced Spanish required)
Spanish Reading and Composition—Advanced
This class is designed for students who have had at least four semesters of university-level Spanish. It continues the development of reading and writing skills through written reports, compositions, and class discussions on assigned topics and articles. It also reviews more advanced grammar with the purpose of achieving greater accuracy.
Spanish Culture Up Close
(In English—fall only)
This course offers a panoramic overview of the sociocultural idiosyncracy of Spain nowadays. Considering the volunteer experience students will have to take part in as an essential part of the course, special relevance will be given to the study of the management of time, space, and interpersonal relations in Spain, within the theoretical framework of intercultural communication studies.
Biology Courses
Biochemistry
(In English)
This course looks at the structure of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, enzyme catalysis and principles of metabolism including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. A comparison is also made between English and Spanish scientific expressions.
Ecological Systems
(In English)
This course examines ecology and its large-scale patterns and processes, both from an Iberian general perspective, the elements of time and space in the ecosystem, regulatory elements, and the application of ecological principles in solving environmental problems.
Anatomy and Physiology
(In English—fall only)
This course provides an anatomical and physiological overview of human structure and function. Human gross anatomy and histology is related to cell, tissue, and organ level physiology for each of the major body systems. Topics include the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems as well as cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine systems. The class requires lab work. Recommended 4 semester credits.
Microbiology
(In English—fall only)
This course is an introduction for students to basic concepts and unifying principles of microbiology. The goal of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of the general concepts in microbiology, as well as inform them about the general practices used clinically to identify and treat the most common infectious agents. The course is oriented towards the clinical aspects of microbiology, but does introduce historically significant discoveries to convey important topics. The labs are designed to familiarize students with aseptic methods of microbiological techniques and its applications in clinical and environmental microbiolgy. A previous course in physiology and anatomy is required to take this class. Recommended 4 semester credits.
Organic Chemistry I
(In English—fall only)
Organic chemistry is the chemistry of the compounds of carbon. CHE 210 is the first half of a comprehensive one-year course suitable for science majors. The first semester course includes structural and functional aspects of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons with various heteroatom functionalities. Discussion focuses on the mechanistic basis for organic compound reactivity. First semester laboratories concentrate on the basic techniques and procedures used in organic syntheses and separations, including microscale techniques. In addition, modern analytical techniques (e.g. infrared spectroscopy) used in the identification of organic compounds will be discussed. Lab work is included for this class. Recommended credit: 5 semester credits
Organic Chemistry II
(In English—spring only)
A continuation of CHE 210 with focus on complex chemical reactions and syntheses utilizing fundamental principles. The study of mechanistic functional group chemistry will be a primary focus. Second semester laboratory extends previously learned macro- and micro-scale techniques to more complex systems and explores chemistry discussed in the lecture portion of the course. In addition, modern analytical techniques (e.g. nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry) used in the identification of organic compounds will be discussed. Lab work is included for this class. Recommended credit: 5 semester credits.
Psychology courses
Cultural Psychology
(In English—fall only)
In this globalized world, it is important to understand how individuals in other cultures think, feel, and behave, and the forces, beliefs, and motivations that guide their behavior. This course will focus on topics in personality, social, developmental, and health psychology, and will encourage an appreciation for the diversity of cultures and how culture influences behavior.
Social Psychology
(In English—spring only)
This course will provide an overview of theory and empirical research in social psychology, with topics including social cognition, the social self, attitudes and persuasion, prejudice and inter-group relations, social influence and intra-group relations, attraction and interpersonal relationships, aggression, and prosocial behavior.
Business and Economics Courses
The European Union
(In English)
This course analyzes the initial motives behind the creation of the European Community and its development into the European Union with a unique institutional structure. There is a study of the EU’s key common policies—economic and monetary union, competition, agriculture, external trade—and their global effects, with special attention paid to EU/U.S. relations.
The European Union and the Economy of the Euro
(In Spanish)
This course aims to introduce the student to the functioning of the European economy. While it focuses mainly on the economy, it also examines the historical, political, and social aspects which are key to understanding the European process of integration.
The Global Economy
(In English)
This class explores the main debates surrounding the nature, effects, and attempted management of the global economy. Special attention is paid to the role of such international organizations as the IMF and the WTO, as well as moves towards economic regional integration (EU, NAFTA, Mercosur). NOTE: A previous economics course is highly recommended.
International Finance
(In English and Spanish)
The objective of the course is to introduce the student to the complex world of international finance. Topics include the increasing globalization of financial markets, international and European monetary systems, foreign exchange markets, and direct and indirect international investment. Offered in Spanish when minimum enrollment is met.
International Management
(In English)
This class examines the process of internationalization of companies, alternative forms of international business, and international alliances (exports, franchises, subsidiaries, licenses, strategic alliances, joint ventures). The class also looks at environmental factors, globalization, management functions, human resources and diversity, different organizational cultures, and the role of strategic business management in a globalized world.
International Marketing
(In Spanish and English)
This is an introductory course in international marketing. Topics include analytical techniques used in international market research, determining prices and distribution channels in an international context, and marketing across linguistic and cultural borders.
Communications Courses
Intercultural Communication
(In Spanish)
This course is designed to give participants a solid understanding of what intercultural communication is, how to benefit from it, and how to manage it in our personal and future professional lives. Using an interdisciplinary focus, we examine values, customs, and communication styles of cultural groups and we learn to interpret communicative behavior of others. A special emphasis is placed on the Spanish form of communication.
History of Art and Cinema Courses
History of Spanish Art
(In English)
This course is a survey of major works of art from prehistoric times through the present. Painting, sculpture, and architecture are examined in the context of their time and place in history. Special attention is given to the art and culture of Seville.
History of Spanish Art: From the Renaissance to the 20th Century
(In Spanish)
This class is a survey of major works of art from the Renaissance period to the 20th century. Painting, sculpture, and architecture are examined in the context of their time and place in history. Special attention is given to the art and culture of Seville.
History of Spanish Cinema During the Democracy
(In Spanish)
Spanish cinema underwent an important transformation following the death of Franco in 1975 and the ensuing democracy. During these last 30 years, Spanish cinema has become a stronger player on the European scene and has gained a level of recognition unthinkable only a few decades ago. This course analyzes the historical evolution of the period, as well as introduces students to Spanish films up to the present time.
History Courses
Ancient and Medieval Spanish History: From Altamira to Isabella and Ferdinand
(Prehistory to 1500)
(In English—fall only)
The main goal of this course is to give students an overview of Spanish history and culture, with special emphasis on events that have marked Andalusia more profoundly from the dawn of history to the 16th century.
Contemporary History of Spain
(In Spanish)
This course presents the main historic processes from the 18th century to the present that have been crucial in shaping present-day Spain. It examines the creation of democracy, the genesis of the nationalist problem, and the economic articulation of Spain in the international context.
Early Modern and Modern Spanish History: From Isabella and Ferdinand to the Euro
(1450—the present)
(In English—spring only)
The main goal in this course is to give students an overview of Spanish history over the past 500 years, with special emphasis on events that have marked Andalusia more profoundly. The course also studies and analyzes different trends and phenomena of modern-day Spain, along with some traditions that still occur. Field trips, slide projections, and videos are key elements to help students gain a clearer perception of each period.
History of Spain
(In English)
This course provides an overview of Spanish history from Roman times to the modern era, including the Arab invasion and Christian Reconquest, Spain’s monarchy, and Spain’s society and identity from 1936 to the present. The role of the church, women, social classes, and nationalism are discussed.
The Mediterranean World and Spain
(In Spanish)
The objective of this class is to investigate the intimate relationship between the Mediterranean world and Spain during the creation of the Spanish culture (from pre-history until the Arab invasion). Several field trips to places of historic interest are an important part of this course.
Slavery in Latin America and the Caribbean
(In Spanish)
The course aims to study the origins of inequality, racial prejudice, and poverty that plague a large percentage of African American communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. It examines how some cultural patterns of African origin persist, focusing on music, clothing, and such religious beliefs as witchcraft and voodoo. It also offers a global perspective of the phenomenon of slavery from the introduction of the first slaves to its abolition.
Literature Courses
Contemporary Spanish Literature
(In Spanish)
This course analyzes Spanish literature of the 19th and 20th centuries and the literary movements of Romanticism, Modernism, “La Generación de 98,” “La Generación de 27,” and the most current trends in Spanish literature. Students study the literary aspects as they relate to cultural and historic events that influence or have influenced various literary trends.
The Latin American Short Story
(In Spanish)
This course analyzes the beginnings of the short story in Latin America in the 20th century and its subsequent development, revising the different styles and literary movements that take place over time and the extraordinary contribution of women writers to the genre. The complex social, political, and cultural realities are studied as they are reflected in the Latin American short story. The stories of Horacio Quiroga, Modernism, Criollismo, Magical Realism, and the most recent literary tendencies are examined.
Panorama of Latin America Literature 1 (Pre-1820)
(In Spanish—fall only)
This course is an overview of Latin American writings from the pre-Hispanic period until the eve of the Independence movements in the 1820s. It includes literary works in poetry and non-fiction, such as the chronicles of conquest. It also features a selection of literary works (including prose, drama, and essay) that have received recognition from specialists and the general reading public for being the most outstanding in Latin America.
Panorama of Latin America Literature 2 (Post-1820)
(In Spanish—spring only)
This course is an overview of Latin American writings from the Independence era to the present. It includes literary works in poetry and non-fiction, including novel, short story, poetry, and essay. One major objective is to achieve a knowledge of how these works fit into the framework of Latin America's cultural and intellectual history.
Spanish Literature: The Spanish Golden Age: El Quijote
(In Spanish—spring only)
The objective of this course is to study the masterpiece of the Spanish literary work: Don Quijote. Cervantes’ novel is considered to be the first modern novel and its influence in later literary productions is still present in the creative process for most authors. The course analyzes the structural, thematic, and stylistic characteristics of the novel, as well as presents the study of the novel as a cultural product, so as to present an in-depth study of Cervantes's world.
Women and Literature
(in Spanish—spring only)
This course analyzes the role of women in Spanish literature in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the literary works written specifically by women during both centuries. It is mainly during Romanticism that women begin to take an active role in literature and by the middle of the 20th century women have the liberty to express themselves and their vision of reality through the world of fiction.
Imaginaries of Spain Through Literature
(In Spanish)
The role of literature has been crucial in the articulation of the different imaginaries of Spain. In this course, we will analyze how reflections on the Arab legacy and the intellectual debates about bullfighting and flamenco have been used in literary works as a means to represent the complexity of Spain’s cultural identity. We will focus on the creation of la España castiza versus la España heterodoxa and how this confrontation has been articulated through la España colorista of the Romantic travellers, la España negra, la España de la República y del exilio, la España del franquismo, la España de la transición, and la España de la democracia. Paintings and films, as well as philosophical, historical, and political essays will also be included.
Political Science Courses
Contemporary Spanish Politics
(In English)
This class introduces students to the contemporary Spanish political system. It examines the process of the transition to democracy from an authoritarian regime. With the adoption of the new Spanish constitution, the course looks at political institutions, political parties, autonomous regions, the monarchy, the Catholic Church, and the military. Special emphasis is placed on changing socioeconomic factors, nationalism, immigration, and terrorism.
Current Affairs in Latin America: Press and Cinema
(In Spanish)
This class aims to promote active class discussion while increasing the student’s knowledge of the social, political, and cultural life of present-day Latin America. Teaching material includes top stories from the Latin American press, as well as from Latin American film.
Programs Aimed to Fight Poverty and Social Exclusion in the European Union
(In Spanish—spring only)
This class studies the present state of poverty and social exclusion in the European Union with special emphasis on Spain and Andalusia. It looks at social action initiatives on the individual and group level, as well as experimental programs and their effectiveness.
Relations Between the U.S. and the Latin World
(In Spanish—spring only)
The objective of this course is to give the student a global perspective of the relations between the United States, Spain, and Latin America throughout history. It also examines the series of problems that have shaped the character of inter-American relations, the mechanisms of economic integration, and its repercussions in the sociopolitical sphere.
U.S.-European Relations Since World War II
(In English)
The objectives of this course are twofold: first, to examine the tensions that arose between the states on both sides of the Atlantic following the defeat of Germany in 1945; and second, its transformation into economic, political, and military cooperation. This cooperation has assured the stability of liberal democracies and consolidates the dependence of the Old Continent on a strengthened U.S.
The Road to Democracy in Portugal, Greece, and Spain
(In English)
During the second half of the 1970's, Southern Europe inaugurated the "third wave of democratization." This course approaches that crucial period of Portuguese, Greek, and Spanish history with a comparative methodology. The course will analyze the nature of authoritarian regimes, as well as the transition to and consolidation of democracies.
Historical Ties Between Spain and the U.S.
(In English—spring only)
This course offers a historical overview of the relations between Spain and the United States up to the present day. Starting with the Spanish colonial rule and surviving legacy in the southern and western U.S., following with Spain's role during the War of Independence, and ending with the 1898 Spanish-American War and U.S. relations with Franco and democratic Spain, students will become aware of the strong ties that exist between both nations.
Women in Europe
(In Spanish)
This course provides an exploration of the history of European women and gender in the modern era, focusing on women’s changing roles in the political, economic, social, and intellectual spheres, and the development of new visions of family and sexuality.
Spanish Culture Courses
History of Flamenco in Spain: Theory and Practice
(In Spanish)
This course immerses students in the world of Flamenco and its artistic forms beginning with the geographic, historical, and socio-cultural context of its origins. Flamenco’s evolution into an artistic professional activity is examined by studying the most well-known Flamenco singers, dancers, and guitar players. Musicians from a Flamenco music group demonstrate the various forms of Flamenco during the practical portion of the course.
Medieval Spain: Christians, Jews, and Muslims
(In Spanish)
The main objective of this course is to offer a panorama of medieval Spanish history (711–1492) and bring students closer to medieval society and the groups that formed it. The course examines the medieval legacy and the importance of the contributions of Arab and Jewish cultures to the history of Spain. Students also study medieval Seville and the influence of this historic period on its current urban features.
Spanish Civilization and Culture
(In Spanish and English)
This course discusses Spain’s multicultural civilization from its Roman roots to the movida of post-Franco Spain. Recurrent themes in Spanish national ideology and culture are examined. These include Spain as a crossroads of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic cultures; linguistic and cultural diversity; regionalism and nationalism; and dictatorship and democracy.
Spanish Culture and History through Film
(In English—spring only)
This course presents a general introduction to the main aspects of Spanish culture and history through cinematographic representation in various films. The class covers the main social, political, and economic aspects of Spanish life from the beginning of the 20th century through today, with special emphasis on current affairs.
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