The following courses are scheduled for Spring 2016 (subject to change):

1) INTENSIVE SPANISH (6 CREDITS)

All students will take an intensive Spanish class according to their level of fluency: beginning, intermediate, and advanced.

2) MEDIEVAL HISTORY OF SPAIN (3 CREDITS) Prof. Dr. José Antonio Jara Fuente

The main aim of this subject is to highlight the fundamental social, economic, political and cultural trends in the basis of the emergence and development of the medieval kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula. The Kingdom, and later Crown, of Castile is taken as a case study, although due attention is paid to the evolution of the other kingdoms and principalities (both Christian and Muslim) since they cannot be understood separately, as their permanent (cooperative or conflictive) interrelation was one of their principal political features (international connections are also considered).

3) MEDIEVAL SCIENCE (3 CREDITS) Francisco J. Tapiador, PhD

The aim of the course is to provide the student with a global picture of the status of science and technology in the Middle Ages, and its role in shaping society and politics. The lectures will explore the paths of the scientific ideas in Europe from the dissolution of the Roman Empire since c. 476 to the Fall of Byzantium in 1453. While using the term ‘Science’ is somehow anachronistic, as no one before the nineteen-­‐century ever used it, this is a convenient convention as we are going to trace back the rich medieval corpus of knowledge yielding modern science. We will revise the evolution of Christian, Islamic and Jewish scientific traditions, and its regional evolution in the Germanic kingdoms and in the Eastern Roman Empire.

The course is based on secondary literature. Students with a special interest in the subject will be directed to primary sources though.

4) INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS (3 CREDITS) Carmen Díaz Mora Leticia Blázquez

This course explores the theoretical foundations and empirical realities of international economic relations -­‐among nations-­‐ based on trade flows, commercial policies (tariffs, quotas, etc.) and international finances.

The course in International Economics consists of four modules:

1. The first module (Introduction to International Economics) deals with the measurement of three dimensions: the economic activity;, the economic and social development; and the relations with other economies (balance of payments). This module also aims to introduce students to the problems and features of the world economy from the end of the World War II onwards.

2. The second module (Economic Growth and Economic Development) covers issues related to the factors that encourage economic growth, the structural changes that accompanied the economic growth and the economic convergence. We also study the demographic and environmental resources and their influence on economic growth.

3. The third module (Economic Globalization) deals with international trade and investment. It includes topics such as pure theories of international trade (classical, neo-­‐classical, new theories of trade); political economy of protection; welfare analysis of trade policies; multilateral arrangements (GATT and WTO); foreign exchange markets and exchange rate policies; foreign direct investments; international financial markets and dynamics of global financial crisis.

4. The forth model (Economic Integration processes) covers issues related to the economics of regional integration, paying particular attention to the European Union integration process.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:

Students with sufficient Spanish skills and the proper prerequisites may enroll in any courses offered at the University.

Internships are also available base on language ability and background.

Cultural Crossroads:Toledo, Spain

Study Abroad and Intern through the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha

The Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, located in Toledo, Spain is offering a program in partnership with ELI Abroad set to begin Spring semester 2016.

Toledo looks like a city out of a fairy tale and you’ll feel like you stepped back in time when you join our Spring 2016 Cultural Crossroad Program in this incredibly picturesque Spanish city.

There are many study abroad programs in Spain; two key factors make this one unique.

Internships: for those with adequate language skills, you may choose from many exciting internship possibilities. 

Multi-cultural studies: Toledo's unique history makes it the perfect location to study the confluence of three major Western cultures: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity of a lifetime.  

Historically and culturally crucial

Toledo “is the repository of more than 2,000 years of history,” declared UNESCO, naming the entire city a UNESCO World Heritage site.

And no wonder: set on a hill above the Tagus River, Toledo’s famous cathedral and majestic Alcazar, a former castle,  tower over winding cobblestone streets and houses that date back centuries.

Prepare to get lost (in a good way!) in its oldest areas as you explore Toledo’s hilly, narrow pathways. And rest assured that, while this may be an historic city, it still offers plenty of 21st century pleasures, including lively restaurants, clubs and cafes.

A crossroads of religions

As an important medieval crossroads of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, Toledo is filled with churches, temples, mosques and other traces of a dynamic and diverse civilization. It’s the perfect setting for this program which focuses on multicultural coexistence and the influence of Islam, Judaism and Christianity on Spain and beyond.

It was in 13th century Toledo where crucial Arabic works of astronomy, mathematics, medicine, botany and other fields were translated into Latin, often for the first time. The importance of Islam’s impact on an intellectually lagging  Europe can’t be overstated. Or, as University of Oklahoma history professor Jamil Ragep puts it, “Nothing in Europe could hold a candle to what was going on in the Islamic world until about 1600.” 1

Toledo’s well preserved medieval temples are among the many traces of the significant Jewish community in  the area. In fact, the city was one of the major Jewish cultural centers before the Inquisition. Jews and Muslims were the great translators of scientific and cultural works and, together with Christians, created one of the intellectual powerhouses in pre-Renaissance Europe. Study the history of this part of the world, and Toledo’s in particular, and you’ll discover a fascinating and flourishing society marked by cultural richness, religious diversity and tolerance.

Given today’s religious and cultural clashes throughout the world, these are crucial lessons for all of us to know and embrace.

University of Castilla-La Mancha

Participants will study at the Toledo campus of the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, a large public university (more than 28,000 undergraduates) with five other campuses in the region. The Toledo branch includes the Faculty of Legal and Social Sciences, Environmental Science; Sports Science; Humanities; Nursing and Physiotherapy; Industrial Technical Engineering and Teacher Training.

As in many European universities, UCLM’s departments are located in different parts of the city, with several of them housed in attractive historic parts of Toledo.

Study abroad students will live in UCLM’s dorms (shared rooms) or, at an extra fee, with local host families. Housing is included in your program fee, as are orientation and the support services of UCLM’s international office.

Classes

Because the classes are taught in English, they’re open to anyone with an interest in the influence of Islam, Judaism and Christianity on European thought and science; in learning Spanish and in having the adventure of a lifetime.

Internships

UCLM includes a unique feature as part of this study abroad program: unpaid internships for those whose language skills are strong enough. Intrigued? Contact ELI Abroad for more information about internship requirements and placements.

Attractions around Toledo

Toledo is very centrally located, with a direct train connection to Madrid. Hop onboard, and in half an hour you’re in Spain’s cosmopolitan capital. San Lorenzo de El Escorial, an enormous one-time royal residence, and the stunning medieval cities of Cuenca and  Avila also make ideal side trips from Toledo. Bottom line: you won’t be bored on your weekends or holidays!  

Direct enrollment

If you’re interested in Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, but don’t want to take part in this particular study abroad program, contact ELI Abroad for help with enrolling in the school directly. Unsure which is the better option -- study abroad or direct enrollment? Call or email us for some in-person advice.

UCLM Toledo Study Abroad, Spring 2016

Program includes:

• Enrollment and transcripts for your home school

• Housing 

• Airport pickup

• Orientation

• Internship placement (if applicable)

• Support through UCLM’s international office

• US-based coordinators

Program does not include:

• Meals

• Airfare to/from Spain

• Textbooks

• Airport transportation after the end of the semester

• Personal expenses and travel

• Health insurance