Dates: May 15 - June 19, 2009
Locations: Cuenca, Madrid, and Barcelona, Spain
Group leader: Professor Ed Andrews, e.andrews@neu.edu
Course descriptions: ART UXXX Art + Design Abroad (new course): An intensive studio course focused on creating art inspired by the Rio Jucar river running through the heart of the ancient city of Cuenca. This focus on nature is reinforced daily through residency in the 17th Century Carmelite Convent which sits among the famous casas colgadas (hanging houses) and overlook the river gorge area. Students become intimately connected to the landscape through hiking, kayaking, mapping, and visually observing this unique habitat and the regional culture surrounding it. Historic and contemporary concepts for site-specific art are studied and explored through creating art installed directly in the landscape. A wide variety of techniques and materials for creating art are introduced. An exhibition of individual student work completes the studio component and may include documentation of outdoor projects with art created for the gallery context and utilizing a variety of media including: photography, drawing, painting, video, sound, and sculptural elements. Trips to world-class art museums in nearby Madrid expose students to contemporary art and to historic accomplishments of Spanish artists. Students end their Spain experience with a departing trip to Barcelona which includes tours of the Art Nouvea architecture of Antoni Gaudi.
Spanish LNS U120 or LNS U320: Designed for students who are in a Spanish-speaking country, LNS U120 is a beginning level Spanish immersion course and LNS U320 is an intermediate level Spanish immersion course. Offers regularly scheduled intensive language classes, off-campus, which are enhanced by the linguistic and cultural immersion experience. These courses focus on developing grammatical competence with increased focus on oral and aural skills.
During your time in Spain you will be exposed to the social, historical and cultural experience of the country and will take Spanish at a beginning or intermediate level. In order to better understand the history and culture of Spain, we will visit museums, architectural sites and other activities that enhance the experience. As you gain skills in speaking Spanish, you will have opportunities to communicate with native Spanish speakers in a variety of settings.
Course credits: ART U190 Art Elective, Spanish LNS U120, or LNS U320(Students not needing Spanish language may opt for a second art course via Directed Study)
Cost of program: Major costs for the program will be covered through tuition. There will be a surcharge added to the student's bill due to the euro-dollar exchange rate and unforeseen hotel costs. Students should expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,000 of their own money for food, antiquities entrance fees, bus and cab fares for personal reasons. Cost of materials for art projects varies widely and is entirely dependent on the concepts and scope of the work that the student develops during the course.
Application Process: The program is open to students of any major. Art + Design majors may be given preference based on art knowledge and experience. Download the enrollment form, waiver form, and Dialogue of Civilizations application. Turn in two copies of each completed form and two copies of your unofficial transcript to the Office of International Study Programs in 10 BV.
Application Deadline EXTENDED: December 10, 2008
Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.
