The courses at CTY-Madrid focus on the history, culture, and politics of Spain. As they examine topics ranging from war to population growth to environmental degradation, students grapple with many of the major socio-political challenges of our time. CTY-Madrid’s courses offer a taste of college level expectations—reading and writing—in a focused living, learning environment. Although these courses may contain more graphic and controversial content (e.g., R-rated films, vivid accounts of political violence) than found in some school settings, all materials are course relevant, approached from an academic standpoint, and taught with sensitivity to the ages of the students and with appropriate guidance and support from instructors. When selecting courses, students should consider their comfort levels with course content and major themes. Most CTY courses in Madrid are taught in English. We are, however, offering select courses in collaboration with our colleagues in CTY Spain. Students interested in taking a class in Spanish should indicate so on their application and must pass a language proficiency test prior to enrollment. Students who indicate a Spanish-language preference will be contacted by CTY's registrar with more information about courses available.
Andalus: The Culture and History of the Moorish Spain
In this interdisciplinary course, students explore the “golden age” of Spain and the unique multicultural society that thrived from the 8th to 14th centuries. Characterized by a blending of the arts and cultures of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, the Iberian Peninsula served as a unique center of learning in areas as varied as philosophy, astronomy, and medicine. From dissecting the cultural influences of the architecture of the Alhambra to examining the writings of Maimonides, students explore the interplay of culture during a particularly rich period in Spanish history. Field Trip Fee: $65
Engineering Design: Architecture in Spain
Taking advantage of the rich and varied history of Madrid, this course looks at architecture through the lens of an engineer. Combining the topics of materials science and civil engineering, students examine the physics and chemistry behind how buildings are constructed and why some remain standing far longer than others. During the course, students venture into the field to identify landmark buildings and learn how certain design choices—materials and elements—allowed for breakthroughs in the history of architecture. Lab & Field Trip Fee: $95
History of Disease
Throughout history, humans have been burdened with countless infectious diseases. Some of these, due to their lethality, their insidious spread, or their terrifying course, have become legendary. In this course, students examine the societal impact of, and science’s response to, history’s most significant diseases, including plague, leprosy, and influenza. The course pays particular attention to the science, art, literature, and history of the European experience—including the implications of exploration and colonization, and modern day issues such as the scientific and ethical questions surrounding forced quarantine and immigration control. Field trip fee: $65
The Spanish Civil War
Why would 30,000 civilians from over 50 nations choose to go to Spain to fight in a civil war? Why was the Soviet Union so interested in having Great Britain and others join in their support of the Nationalist government in opposition to Generalisimo Francisco Franco? Who are the anarchists and what role did they play in this conflict? How was the Spanish Civil War both a proving ground and a prelude to World War II? In this course students answer these and other questions as they examine the political, social, and cultural factors that shaped and were shaped by the Spanish Civil War. Both in class and out in Madrid, students draw upon primary sources, journalistic accounts, art, film, and academic writings, students work to disentangle the complex motivations behind the ever shifting alliances. For instance, they attempt to discern why European nations, with few exceptions, were reluctant to take sides even in the face of significant contributions from Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany in support of Franco and the Republicans. In addition, they examine the role of the Church and its impact on both local and international reactions. Students leave the course with a deeper understanding of an often understudied conflict. In doing so, they glimpse the dawning of an increasingly mechanized and interconnected form of warfare and confront future political forces that would shape the world for much of the twentieth century. Field trip fee: $65 New course; no syllabus available.
In collaboration with CTY Spain, a certified center of the Instituto Cervantes, CTY is offering a three week residential Spanish as a second language program. The Cervantes Institute is dedicated to the diffusion of the Spanish language and CTY is proud to present this opportunity to its students. The course is designed for students with Spanish language skills ranging from beginning through advanced. The course emphasizes conversational skills and blends classroom activities with opportunities for students to hone their Spanish speaking skills both on campus and in and around Madrid. If interested in the program, list Spanish as a Second Language as a course choice on the application. Students registered for this course take an on-line placement test in May to help determine placement in the appropriate class section. Field trip fee: $65 | 
