Study Abroad in Salamanca: Courses
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Most courses meet for 45 contact hours and are recommended for 3 credits (shown in parentheses). These courses are a sample of those offered on the AIFS programs at the University of Salamanca and courses may change at the discretion of the university. Students should consult with their university advisors prior to participating in the program in order to have course credit pre-approved and ensure that they are taking the appropriate amount of credits. AIFS advises students taking a Spanish language course to gain pre-approval for several levels of Spanish in order to ensure that they receive credit for the course they test into following the Spanish language placement test.
Optional Early Start: Intensive Spanish Language and Culture Preparation Program
Students wishing to kick start their Spanish can choose to arrive in Salamanca before the regular semester begins and take an intensive Spanish language course with 50 contact hours and for an additional 3 credits. The Early Start course is mandatory for Spring students wishing to take the Integrated Studies with Spaniards Program.
Spanish 102 (3)
Intensive Elementary Spanish
Spanish 202 (3)
Intensive Intermediate Spanish
Spanish 302 (3)
Intensive Advanced Spanish
Spanish 402 (3)
Intensive Superior Spanish
Optional Internship in Education $550
Teaching Internship (3)
Students with an interest in a teaching career will have the opportunity to work in a
local Spanish school assisting teachers and tutoring students in English language
classes. Students also take up to 3 courses from their chosen academic program.
Students must place into Upper Intermediate level Spanish or above. Upon completion
of the internship, students will present an internship diary and give an oral presentation.
Spanish and International Studies Program
For students with an Intermediate, Advanced and Superior level of Spanish. Students on this program can choose up to 5 courses. Spring semester Early Start students with Advanced/Superior language level can choose to take 1 or 2 semester courses (within the 5 course maximum) from the Integrated Studies Program. Permission to enroll in these classes can only be granted once on campus after an interview and flexibility in course choice is essential as there may be scheduling conflicts.
COURSES TAUGHT IN SPANISH
Spanish 303 (3)
Lengua Española–Intermedio/Intermediate Spanish Grammar
Spanish 315 (3) spring only
Español de los Negocios/Business Spanish
Spanish 317 (3)
Conversación y Redacción/Spanish Conversation and Composition
Spanish 328 (3) fall only
Español Médico/Medical Spanish
This course aims to develop the skills necessary for proper communication in the
medical and health fields. Students will learn terms and vocabulary as well as the
structures and themes that would be confronted daily in medicine and health care.
Spanish 403 (3)
Lengua Española–Avanzado/Advanced Spanish Grammar
Spanish 415 (3)
Lengua Española – Superior/Superior Spanish Grammar
Art 307 (3)
Cine Español e Hispanoamericano/Spanish and Latin American Film
A study of Spanish and Latin American films as well as an analysis of the narrative
mechanisms that define cinema as a distinct artistic expression. Different aspects of
Hispanic Culture will be discussed.
Art 310 (3) spring only
Cine, Prensa y Televisión en España/Mass Media in Spain
This course will examine the importance of the media (press and television) in the
diffusion of the Spanish reality as well as the influence it has had in the formation of
political and cultural opinion.
Art 311 (3) fall only
Arte Español: Desde los Orígenes hasta el Renacimiento/Spanish Art - Origins
to Middle Ages
A chronological analysis of distinct cultures and artistic tendencies as well as their most
outstanding examples will be studied: pre-Roman art, Roman art, Muslim art, Mozarabic
art, Romanesque art and Gothic art.
Art 312 (3) spring only
Arte Español: Desde el Renacimiento hasta la Actualidad/Spanish Art
Renaissance to Present
This course addresses Spanish renaissance art through the successive Baroque and
Neoclassical tendencies. An analysis of contemporary artists such as Picasso, Dalí and
of their greatest works is a faithful reflection of Spanish art in the 20th century.
History 307 (3) fall only
Historia de España: Desde la Época Medieval hasta la Época de los Austrias
Mayores/History of Spain – Middle Ages to the 16th Century
This course begins with an examination of the most relevant events of the period as well
as the social and economic context in which they take place. The second part of the
course will focus on the 15th century and the era of the Catholic Monarchs.
History 309 (3)
La Mujer en la Historia de España/Women in Contemporary Spanish History
This course covers the role of women during the 20th century including the Civil War,
the Franco regime, the Transition and finally, women’s role in today’s Spain. These issues
will be analyzed through literature, philosophy and the artistic world.
History 311 (3) spring only
Historia de España: Desde los Austrias Menores hasta la Actualidad/History of
Spain - 17th Century to Present
This course covers the reign of Felipe III, Felipe IV, Carlos II and the decline of the empire
through to the crisis of the monarchy, Civil War, Francoism, the Transition as well as the
social, economic and cultural context of Spain in present day.
Literature 305 (3) fall only
Literatura Española/Poetry, Theater and Novel in Spanish Literature of the 20th
Century
The chronological presentation of the various literary movements serves as an overview
of Spanish literature of the 20th century. The development of the genres will be studied
through acclaimed authors and representative texts.
Literature 306 (3) spring only
Literatura Hispanoamericana/Contemporary Latin American Literature
This course will examine the most indicative authors of contemporary Latin American
literature and the relation of their work to the social and cultural context of the period
through selected texts.
Sociology 305 (3)
Cultura Española/Spanish Culture and Civilization
Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Spanish culture and way of life with
topics including: geography, politics and history, as well as customs, behaviors, and
values that form the Spanish character.
Sociology 320 (3)
El Mundo Árabe en el Mundo Hispánico/The Arab Influence on the Hispanic
World
The course is divided into four sections: the Arab and the Hispanic world throughout
history; the Arab element in the birth of the Spanish language; an analysis of medicine,
philosophy and science; Arab architecture in Spain referencing the different historical
and artistic periods.
COURSES TAUGHT EXCLUSIVELY FOR AIFS STUDENTS
Spanish 330 (3)
Traducción/Translation
With a textbook written especially for this class, Intermediate Level students will learn
and perfect the skills necessary for translating English into Spanish as well as improve
their command of both formal and colloquial Spanish.
Spanish 340 (3)
Fonética/Spanish Phonetics
This course examines the authentic Spanish accent by studying intonation,
pronunciation and rhythm, as well as Spanish and English vowel/consonant differences.
Emphasis is on problems non-native Spanish speakers confront.
COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
Economics/Political Science 311 (3)
Economy of the European Union
Introduction to the history, political institutions and political economy of the European
Union. The class compares and contrasts the Union’s institutional arrangements and its
political economy to that of the United States.
Economics/Political Science 315 (3)
Current Spain: Economic History from Franco to Present
This course will analyze the different parameters involved in Spain’s transition and
development from dictatorship to democracy from a political and economic perspective.
Economics 317 (3)
International Marketing
Companies today are challenged to adapt their products to different countries with
their special requirements and customs. Marketing specialists must be prepared to
deal with the differences and to generate strategies accordingly. The fundamentals
of International Marketing will be studied via marketing theory, but also through
examination of different cases and examples that illustrate the actual situation of
international companies today.
Sociology 315 (3)
Spanish Culture
In-depth study of the foundation of Spanish culture. Lessons will be based on the
descriptions of the main aspects of Spanish life and culture from an intercultural
perspective.
International Business Studies Program
All courses below are taught in English apart from Spanish 405. Choose up to 5 courses; a minimum of 3 must be from the Business Program. Students with an Intermediate and above level of Spanish can choose 2 courses from the Spanish and International Studies Program. Spring semester, Early start students placing into Superior language level can choose to take 1 or 2 courses (within the 5 course maximum) from the Integrated Studies Program. Permission to enroll in these classes can only be granted once on campus after an interview and flexibility in course choice is essential as there may be scheduling conflicts.
Business 319 (3)
E-Commerce and Social Media Marketing
This course analyzes the characteristics of electronic commerce and its impact on
business performance. Participants will learn from the basics of theory as well as
from a wide range of case studies, work projects, illustrative examples and computer
simulations.
Economics 309 (3)
International Business
This course aims to increase students’ knowledge of international business systems
focusing on the challenges and opportunities businesses will face over the next decade,
particularly in newly industrialized countries.
Economics/Political Science 311 (3)
Economy of the European Union
See Spanish and International Studies Program courses for course description.
Economics 312 (3)
Business Ethics
This course analyzes the main philosophically relevant questions that instigate the
conversation and ongoing disagreement among academic business ethicists systems.
Economics 313 (3)
International Finance
This course addresses international finance in a globalized market including the
examination of international banking and political risk management, the effects of
globalization on financial crashes, financial regulation and market efficiency.
Economics/Political Science 315 (3)
Current Spain: Economic History from Franco to Present
See Spanish and International Studies Program for course description.
Economics 317 (3)
International Marketing
See Spanish and International Studies Program courses for course description.
Spanish 405 (3)
Español con Fines Profesionales (test BULATS)/Spanish for Professionals
This course has a minimum language level requirement of Intermediate. The course will
focus on comprehension of written and oral texts of a professional or economic nature
and interaction and communication in professional situations.
Medical and Health Program (fall only)
All courses below are taught in English except for one (Health Communication) which is available in either English or Spanish. Choose up to 5 courses; a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 from this program. Students with an Intermediate and above level of Spanish can choose to take 1-3 courses in Spanish from the Spanish and International Studies Program. Spring semester, Early Start students placing into the Superior language level can take 1 or 2 semester courses from the Integrated Studies Program.
Health Science 311 (3) fall only
Comunicación y Salud/Health Communication
Taught in Spanish; requires a minimum of Intermediate/Advanced level of Spanish
proficiency. See course description below.
Health Science 313 (3) fall only
Health Communication
This course examines the communication of how health information affects individuals,
community groups, institutions and public policy. The course will focus on the study of language and discourse about health between health care providers and patients,
among health care professionals, and among members of the larger society and the
media. The field includes the study of strategic communication of evidence-based
health information to professional and non-professional audiences. It also reviews
strategies of persuasion, the relationship between attitudes and behavior and
the changing nature of health and health delivery, and evaluates successful and
unsuccessful health information campaigns.
Health Science/Biology 315 (3) fall only
Human Genetics
The human genome sequence forms the cornerstone of contemporary human
genetics. This course will cover hereditary and molecular genetics as it applies
to humans, with a strong genomics and human disease perspective. It will cover
transmission genetics, the Human Genome Project, identification of human disease
genes, modern technologies for genome analysis, personal genomics and cancer
genomics. Current topics such as genetic testing will also be discussed.
Health Science/Biology 317 (3) fall only
Molecular and Cellular Bases of Disease
In this course 15 clinical cases will be presented that will permit students to
investigate many new concepts both individually and collaboratively through
electronic databases. Collected information will be shared and used to interpret
proposed questions on cellular and molecular mechanisms of the diseases involved
in order to reach, under the professor’s supervision, a final overview of the whole
situation. In addition, three practical problems will be developed in six sessions to help
the students to get in contact with the real activity in the clinical laboratory.
Health Science 319 (3) fall only
Bioethics
Bioethics is the application of ethics to the field of medicine and healthcare. Bioethics
is multidisciplinary blending philosophy, theology, history and law with medicine,
nursing, health policy and medical humanities. In this course, we will discuss topics
such as what is bioethics?, ethical approaches, the beginning of life, bodies and bodily
parts, information problems, the end of life, global health care issues, research ethics,
health systems and institutions and teaching and practice of bioethics.
Integrated Studies with Spaniards Program (Spring + Early Start only)
Eligible students must have placed into Superior level Spanish. The Early Start Program is mandatory. Choose up to 5 electives combining integrated courses with courses from the Spanish and International Studies Program. The courses listed below for this program are a small sample. Students interested in this program should contact the AIFS Admissions Officer for further subject and course details.
Art 405 (3)
Arte Español Contemporáneo/Contemporary Spanish Art
Beginning with the Vanguard and its different artistic manifestations this course
studies Picasso, J. Gris, Miró and Dalí within the European context that nurtured them.
Art 415 (3)
Historia del Arte Contemporáneo Español/History of Contemporary Spanish
Art
The study of Spanish art of the 19th and 20th century in its historical context, general
characteristics and its contrast with European artistic tendencies.
Economics 474 (3)
Economía de América Latina/Economy of Latin America
The situation and transformation as well as the economic structure and economic
systems of the many emerging economies in Latin America.
History 417 (3)
Historia Contemporánea de España/Contemporary History of Spain
The framework of the most relevant political, economic, social and cultural processes
in contemporary Spain. The period studied encompasses the crisis of the former
regime at the beginning of the 19th century up to the present.
History 421 (3)
Historia de España Siglo XX/History of 20th Century Spain
The recent history of Spain – the Bourbon Restoration, Second Republic, Francoism,
democratic transition and the historical situation of Spain today.
Literature 426 (3)
Literatura General de España/Spanish Literature
The history of Spanish literature from the Middle Ages to today, approaching the study
of the most significant works of different genres and authors.
Literature 427 (3)
Literatura Hispanoamericana del Siglo XX/20th Century Hispano-American
Literature
Selected writers are studied within cultural and literary contexts. Genres covered are
pre-1940 (from the end of the 19th century to the Vanguard) to the Post-Vanguard and
New Novel. Authors studied vary.
Political Science 434 (3)
Sistema Político Español/Spanish Political System
An introduction to the Spanish political system in all of its dimensions – concepts,
approaches and methodologies.
Sociology 451 (3)
Estructura Social de España/Social Structure of Spain
Contemporary Spain from a sociological point of view, addressing the major challenges
and future of Spanish society.
Spanish Language and Culture Program (Fall only)
COURSES FOR STUDENTS WITH ELEMENTARY SPANISH
Spanish grammar is required. Then choose up to 3 electives.
Spanish 204 (6) (required)
Spanish Grammar
This course focuses on greetings, introductions and farewells, as well as giving
information about one’s self. Interrogatives, verb use and pronouns are also introduced.
Spanish 206 (3)
Spanish Vocabulary Development
Increasing word acquisition is the goal. Students learn new words and develop the
ability to make connections and semantic fields, taking advantage of patterns and
processes.
Spanish 208 (3)
Spanish Language Laboratory
To reinforce language classes, this individualized practice in grammar, vocabulary and
phonetics gives more varied input set at the student’s own pace.
Spanish 210 (3)
Spanish Conversation and Composition
This course bridges the gap between knowledge of a language and its actual use.
Experiences encountered outside the classroom are simulated e.g. asking for a coffee
and going to the doctor.
COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
Elementary level students may opt to take the following courses in English if scheduling permits.
Economics/Political Science 311 (3)
Economy of the European Union
This course will focus on the origins, development and current issues within the
European Union from a political and economic perspective.
Economics/Political Science 315 (3)
Current Spain: Economic History from Franco to Present
See Spanish and International Studies Program courses for course description.
Economics 317 (3)
International Marketing
An introduction to international marketing dealing with topics such as: business in a
global economy and the role of media and advertising in a consumer-oriented society.
Sociology 315 (3)
Spanish Culture and Civilization
See Spanish and International Studies Program courses for course description.
COURSES FOR STUDENTS WITH INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR LEVEL SPANISH
Students are required to take a 6-credit Spanish grammar course (Spanish 311, 321 or 405) and up to 9 credits in electives. Please note that courses in the same section are offered at the same time. Only one course may be chosen from each section. All courses are taught in Spanish.
SECTION I
Spanish 311 (6)
Intensive Intermediate Spanish Grammar
This class expands and improves students’ dominance of grammatical and lexical
aspects of Spanish linguistics with focus on function and communication.
Spanish 321 (6)
Intensive Advanced Spanish Grammar
This class examines the indicative tenses, the use of the subjunctive, verbal
periphrases, using “se” and the problems of certain prepositions such as “a”, “de”,
“desde”, “por”, “para”, etc. Problems of prepositional verbs are addressed.
Spanish 405 (6)
Intensive Superior Spanish Grammar
An in-depth examination of specific and complex grammar issues provides students
with greater sophistication in their language usage. Further attention will be devoted
to strategies in writing and linguistic register.
SECTION II
Spanish 317 (3)
Conversación y Redacción/Spanish Conversation and Composition
This course aims to develop skills in both the written and spoken expression through
the analysis and production of different types of written text (reports, letters, notes,
curricula) and oral texts (dialogs, presentations, debates).
History 303 (3)
Historia de España/Political History of Contemporary Spain
Different historical aspects of the 20th century in Spain will be presented to further
students’ understanding of the repercussion of significant historical moments lived by
the Spanish in recent years.
History 305 (3)
La Mujer en la Historia de España/Women in Contemporary Spanish History
See Spanish and International Studies Program for course description.
SECTION III
Spanish 319 (3)
Destrezas Orales/Spanish Oral Skills
This class aims to develop students’ listening and speaking skills in a wide variety
of situations. There is a special focus on tailoring language usage for each specific
situation, improving fluency, and deploying appropriate communicative strategies.
Literature 307 (3)
Literatura Española e Hispanoamericana/Spanish and Latin American
Contemporary Literature
This class is the study of the principal Spanish and Latin American authors of the 20th
century and their relation to the social and cultural context of each corresponding era.
Sociology 307 (3)
Cultura Española/Spanish Culture and Civilization
See Spanish and International Studies Program for course description.
Sociology 323 (3)
El Mundo Árabe en el Mundo Hispánico/The Arab Influence on the Hispanic
World
See Spanish and International Studies Program for course description.
SECTION IV
Spanish 320 (3)
Destrezas Escritas/Spanish Writing Skills
The skill of writing is learned through comprehension and production of different
text types (narrative, descriptive, argumentative, formal letter-writing, and others).
Students will learn how to search for ideas, plan, outline and compose written texts.
Spanish 323 (3)
Español de los Negocios/Business Spanish
Through topics including commerce, banking, labor, etc. students will not only learn
specialized business vocabulary but develop and refine all four areas of language
skills.
Art 305 (3)
Cine Español e Hispanoamericano/Spanish and Latin American Film
See Spanish and International Studies Program for course description.
Art 309 (3)
Arte Español/Spanish Art
This course aims to provide an understanding of the principal tendencies of Spanish
art throughout history as well as an analysis of the most outstanding works of art
(pictorial, sculptural and architectural) of Spanish heritage.
Download PDF with full program details on all AIFS Spain programs!
Download PDF with full program details on all AIFS Spain, Salamanca programs!