Barcelona is a beautiful city located on a narrow Mediterranean coastal plain of northeastern Spain, with a population of nearly 2 million. The metropolitan area, including many small industrial towns, has a population of 3.9 million. The old city lies close to the harbor. Its chief feature is Las Ramblas, a broad tree-lined avenue leading to the Plaza de Catalua. Wide boulevards occupying the site of ancient walls surround the precinct. The old city contains remains of the Roman settlement, a medieval cathedral and many ancient palaces and houses.

Barcelona is also the site of several universities, among them the University of Barcelona, host of our LSA. The University of Barcelona was founded by Alfonso V, King of Aragon, in 1430, and is one of the largest and most important universities in Spain. There are a number of museums and galleries, including an important collection of works by Picasso, Miro and Tapies, and one of the finest museums of Romanesque art in the world. The city is a cultural center and a focus for sports activity, preeminently soccer. Perhaps its most famous building is Antonio Gaudi's unfinished Sagrada Familia church, begun in the late 19th century and characterized by its cluster of openwork spires. But once visitors return home, the two images of this distinctive city that remain most vividly are its art nouveau architecture and the brightness of its beautiful Mediterranean light.

Curriculum

• Spanish 3: Intermediate Spanish
• Spanish 5: Language Study Abroad: Hispanic or Spanish American Civilization
• Spanish 6: Language Study Abroad: Introduction to Hispanic Literature

Living Accommodations
Students will live with Spanish-speaking families

Prerequisites

• Spanish 2: Introductory Spanish (with a grade of B- or better)