Spain, often seen as a culturally homogeneous country, hides one of the most impacting and impressive historical and diverse cultures in the Europe and the World. This course will allow students to discover this divide while visiting three of the most important cities in Spain.

The course begins by providing an overview of the historical, religious, sociological, and political elements that have shaped the culture of Spain through the centuries. Those elements, first described as a salad bowl and later crystallized into a genuine melting pot, are the key to understanding not only the history of the country but also the current social and political issues.

We will then shift our focus to the different elements of Spanish cultural heritage contained in the different region and cities students will visit (not only the ancient ones but also the most recent ones - even in form of intangible cultural expression; contemporary art, linguistic diversity, sporting events, music, and dance).

One essential element of this course is to offer a more critical approach to historical, political, and religious aspects of Spanish culture. Students will analyze the role of religion and political ideologies in the competition to dominate the historical narrative and cultural expression.

Assigned readings, site visits, Experiential Learning Activities (AICAPs), and lectures will be interdisciplinary, allowing students to investigate Spain from historical, sociological, and anthropological lenses. Beyond these readings, students will also engage with Spanish sites explained by a local specialist and relevant guest speakers. Class sessions will incorporate lectures and discussions, but students should also expect learning to take place outside the classroom.