Arab and Jewish Influence in Spain and MoroccoUMAIE Course Number: T3901
SAU Course Equivalency: +IS 210, Topics in International Studies (four credits)
Instructors: Dr. Samuel and Cathie Ogdie, Modern Foreign Language Department, Augustana College, South Dakota
Prerequisites: None, but preferably students will have taken two semesters of Spanish
Tentative Dates: January 1-25, 2013. SAU Spring semester begins January 16.
Location: Spain (Madrid, Córdoba, Sevilla, Valencia, Toledo, Jaén and Granada ) & Morocco (Casa Blanca, Marrakesh, Fes, Tinghir, and Erfout )
Price: $6,135-$6,435 (tentative)
Spain has been a melting pot of people and cultures throughout its history, but no two groups have influenced Spain more than the Arabs and the Jews. The first evidence of Jewish settlements in Spain started in the third century. They had control over the Mediterranean trade on the eastern and southern coasts of Spain. They also were the bankers and businessmen who dominated the early Spanish economy. The Arabs arrived in 711 and pushed north from North Africa and were a dominant force until their final defeat at Granada in 1492. These Muslims, later called Moors, opened Spain to Eastern civilization and even introduced Greek philosophy to the Iberian Peninsula. Córdoba & Toledo were considered the new Athens of Europe.
We will focus our studies in five cities that most reflect the Arab and Jewish influence. They include Valencia, Toledo, Córdoba, Granada and Sevilla. Before exploring Spain, we will follow the steps of the Arab invasion through Morocco to the shores of Algeciras, Spain. Madrid will be our ending point for this course, which will give time to explore this beautiful capital. Every aspect of Spain that was affected by the Jews and Arabs will be explored, which includes the language, art, literature, music, dance, food, customs, holidays, architecture and religion. We must include the study of the Spanish Inquisition in order to fully appreciate the Jewish and Arab cultures in Spain. This course will give the student a better understanding of the elements that shape present day religious and world conflicts
Priority Deadline: April 13, 2012
Complete the online study abroad application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education (300 Ambrose Hall).
Applications will be accepted until October 1.
Students that apply after the April 13 Priority Deadline may find that their desired program is full.
