Three Cultures of Medieval Spain

Salamanca, Cordoba (and more), Spain

• Dates – July 1–28, 2024
• Max Enrollment – 25
• Taught In – English
• Prerequisites – No
• Academic Area – Spanish

Program Overview

The blending of Christian, Jewish and Muslim peoples in Medieval Spain offers a prime example of multiculturalism, mostly absent in the rest of Europe of the day. This cultural synergism was fueled by the Arabs’ superior material lifestyle, starting from their arrival in Spain in 711 and continuing until their expulsion by the Catholic rulers Isabel and Ferdinand in 1492. The all-pervasive cultural exchanges among these three societies over eight centuries profoundly shaped Spain's identity, language, urban geography, architecture, aesthetics, literature and daily habits. This program will introduce students to the legacy of this period through guided visits to Salamanca, Toledo, Córdoba, Sevilla and Granada. Students will draw parallels with today's world as informed by their study of the Iberian experience.

Program Contacts

• Program Coordinator – Yongjian Si
• Instructor – Robert Blake

Program Highlights

• Guided tours of the principal historical cities of Spain: Salamanca, Toledo, Córdoba, Sevilla, and Granada.
• Guest lectures and readings about the Spanish Medieval period.
• Local transportation, museum fees, lodging, and most meals pre-arranged.
• Pre-arranged home stays with Spanish families for most of the program.
• Pre-arranged special food tastings and cultural/musical events (e.g., flamenco).