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Psychology & Research in Madrid —
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Program Details
Study psychology and gain research experience on this program based in Madrid.
Location Madrid, Spain Term Fall Semester, May Session, Spring Semester, Summer Session Housing Dormitory, Homestay Credit Type Resident Credit Sponsor Learning Abroad Center Program Eligibility
GPA 2.5 Student Type UofM Students, Non UofM Students Student Year Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Language Preference given to students with two semesters college-level Spanish or more. Completion of PSY 1001, BIOL 1009, OR NSCI 1001 required. -
Psychology & Research in Madrid
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About Psychology & Research in Madrid
This program is geared toward Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Psychology majors and minors. During the 6-week summer program, you can choose either a research track or non-research track. Courses in both tracks fulfill Psychology B.A./B.S. requirements.
During the semester program, you can take up to 15 credits of Psychology along with other English-taught topics courses and Spanish langauge courses. The seven Psychology courses and one neuorscience class fulfill UMTC Psychology B.A./B.S. requirements. Both the summer and semester programs will allow you to gain an international perspective on psychology and hands-on research experience.
This program is offered in partnership with the prestigious Fundación Ortega–Marañon in Madrid and the University of Minnesota's Department of Psychology. The Fundación is located in the central part of Madrid, near Paseo de la Castellana. Due to its location, it is easy to catch public transportation to any other part of the city.
Housing & Meals
The standard program fee includes living with a Spanish family (homestay). Summer students have the option to live in a student residence hall for an additional fee.
Homestay
For many students, living with a family is a highlight during their time abroad. Many students make lifelong ties to their families and, through them, can meet other Spaniards. When you live with a Spanish host family, you will have a first-hand look at Spanish culture and society and will be immersed in the Spanish language. Typically, host families live in apartments, as single family houses are not as common in Spain as in the US. You may live with another student on the program or you can request to have your own room and private study space. All homestays have WIFI.
Most host families live near the Fundación Ortega-Marañon. You will be within walking distance or a short ride away by bus or metro.
The program fee includes two meals per day (breakfast and dinner). You should budget separately for lunches each day.
Student Residence
Summer students may also choose to live in a student residence hall. You will have the option to share a room with another student or have a room to yourself. There are additional fees for each of these options. The rooms include a wardrobe, desk, chair, bookcase, cable, and WiFi. At the residence hall, there are study rooms, a cafeteria, leisure/activity room, access to laundry facilities, and weekly maid service.
The program fee includes two meals per day (breakfast and dinner). You should budget separately for lunches each day.
Excursions
A walking tour of Madrid will help you learn how to get around the city and also familiarize you with some of Madrid's iconic landmarks. There will be multiple day-long excursions to Toledo and other cities, as well as a number of visits to companies working in neuroscience and psychology. A 3-day excursion to either Andalucía or Northern Spain is also included in the program fee.
Flight
The Learning Abroad Center works with Village Travel, a local travel agency, to arrange a coordinated flight for program participants. The flight is optional, and is arranged for those who want to fly with other program participants. Group flight information is typically available by the program application deadline, if not before.Learning Outcomes
- Gain an international perspective on psychology
- Gain research experience within the Spanish context
- Deepen cross-cultural understanding through interaction with local community
- Increase independence and self-reliance by learning to navigate Spanish society
Faculty & Staff
The staff at Fundación Ortega-Marañon provide housing, classroom space, and study areas. They also arrange the on-site orientation and program excursions, as well as social and cultural events.
Professor Jonathan Gewirtz will teach Introduction to Biological Psychology during the summer program. Professor Gewirtz studies the behavior of rats and mice to uncover the cellular, molecular, and genetic machinery underlying drug addiction and the experience of emotion.
Ksenija Jovanovic from the Fundación Ortega-Marañon will teach the Research Laboratory in Psychology course during the summer and semester programs. Ksenija has a PhD in Neuroscience.
About the Learning Abroad Center
Learning Abroad Center programs are:
- Affordable: our programs are cost effective.
- Academically strong: many programs have strong University of Minnesota departmental support and offer pre-approved courses for many majors.
- Culturally rich: regardless of the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Expertly managed: our staff in Minnesota and abroad are trained professionals and are always available to answer your questions from extensive pre-departure advising and online orientations to reentry programming. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and we work hard to ensure you have a rewarding and safe experience abroad.
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Program Structure
Program Type Study Abroad Center Program Level 3000 level coursework Courseload 13–18 credits per semester, 5 credits for may session, 6-10 credits for summer session
Semester students are required to maintain a minimum of 13 credit enrollment status per semester or maintain the minimum program credit enrollment determined by their study abroad program, whichever is greater. May students enroll in MADR 1022 or MADR 1003 for 5 credits. Summer students will enroll in 6-10 credits. Grades earned on study abroad programs (for UMN resident credit) are converted to UMN A-F grades according to pre-established grade conversion criteria, if necessary.
Coursework
Semester Program
Your semester will consist of courses taught at our study center. full course list. These courses cover a range of topics, including psychology, art history, business, communications and media, culture, ecology, finance, marketing, neuroscience and more.
Summer Program
Enroll in either track to complete 6-10 credits:
Summer Courses Only
Choose two courses offered during the summer session for a total of 6-10 credits.
Summer Course & Research
Choose MADR 4901 Research Laboratory in Psychology and one other courses for a total of 6-10 credits.
See the full course list for courses offered during the summer session.
May Program
Enroll in Alternate Second Semester Spanish, MADR 1022, to complete your language pre-requisite for the summer program. Or improve your Spanish language skills through Intermediate Spanish I, MADR 1003. These three-week, 5 credit, intensive courses combine in-class lectures and discussions with experiential learning.
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Course Enrollment Instructions
Fall or Spring Semester
- Semester students are required to maintain a minimum of 13 credits per semester.
- Total registration must equal 13 to 18 credits (approximately four or five classes).
- List classes in order of preference so that the on-site staff is better able to accommodate your choices.
- List two to three alternate classes in case your first choices are not offered.
- If you plan to take the research course, you must also complete the corresponding research application form.
- If you would like to take the optional 1-credit Global Identity course, list that on your form.
Summer Session
- Total registration must equal 6-10 credits
- Summer Courses Only track: Choose two courses (excluding Reserach Laboratory in Psychology)
- Summer Course & Research track: Choose Research Laboratory in Psychology and one other course
- Write both courses on your course selection form. List one alternative course.
May Session
- Total registration should equal 5 credits
- Two course are offered during May session. Write in the name of the course: MADR 1022 Alternate Second Semester Spanish or MADR 1003 Intermediate Spanish I
Course Planning Links
- Course Enrollment Form (pdf)
- Academic Planning Form (pdf)
Psychology Courses (taught in English)
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Abnormal PsychologyMADR 3604Fall & Spring3 Credits
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The purpose of this course is to give the student an opportunity to explore current issues in understanding and treating abnormal behavior. The course will provide an initial overview of history, perspectives, assessment (DSM), diagnosis, and treatment, followed by an in-depth look at several disorders from a combined biological, developmental, and cultural approach. The focus will be to achieve an understanding of the various ways that human behavior can be compromised and the various factors that affect our ability to adapt.
Equivalent to PSY 3604.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Health PsychologyMADR 3206Fall & Spring3 Credits
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Recent advances in psychological, medical, and physiological research have led to a new way of thinking about health and illness and understanding that our health is not only the product of biological processes but also of psychological, behavioral and social processes. Health psychology is a relatively young field of study that examines the relationship between psychology and health. The course highlights differences between health psychology and the biomedical model and examines the kinds of questions asked by health psychologists like: How our personality may affect our health? What does stress do to our health? What psychological and social factors cause people to behave in unhealthy ways? What can psychologists do to help cure illness? Are there ethnic and gender variations in health? Does it matter how your doctor talks to you?
Equivalent to PSY 3206
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Introduction to Biological PsychologyMADR 3018Fall, Spring, & Summer3 Credits
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The course begins with brief overviews of the structure of the central nervous system, basic principles of nervous conduction and synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter systems, and basic techniques used in biological psychology research. We will then review current knowledge on the biological substrates of a range of behaviors and mental processes, including memory, emotion, and sleep. The course will also examine the biological basis of a variety of neuropsychological disorders and forms of mental illness, including addiction, depression, and anxiety.
The course is designed to convey the ways in which current approaches are directed towards a better understanding of the biological basis of psychological states and treating mental illness. During the course, you should become comfortable with the basic details of brain function and gain a general understanding of the biology of behavior, mental states, and mental illness. You should also begin to develop the skills to understand techniques and evaluate results of neurobiological and behavioral experiments.
Equivalent to PSY 3061
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Sensation & PerceptionMADR 3031Fall & Spring3 Credits
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Learn how the human body turns different physical stimuli into neural impulses (sensation), and how the brain receives and interprets these impulses (perception). The Focus will be on commonalities between senses as a guide to understanding how the brain interprets data about the external world.
Equivalent to PSY 3031.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Research Laboratory in PsychologyMADR 4901Fall, Spring, & Summer3 Credits
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The Research Laboratory in Psychology course will offer students the opportunity to be involved in psychological research taking place in a laboratory, institute, medical facility or community setting. Under the direction of a research investigator, students will participated in various stages of the research process: developing questions about behavior, designing experimental methods for answering those questions, collecting data from research participants, analyzing and interpreting the results, and communicating these results. Activities of the students may include recruiting and/or debriefing study participants; collecting, coding, entering, and/or analyzing data; securing literature sources; and participating in lab meetings. This course will include time at the research site as well as preparing for and debriefing experiences in the classroom.
This course requires a $600 laboratory fee for the semester program and a $350 laboratory fee for the summer program.
Equivalent to PSY 4993.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Cross-Cultural PsychologyMADR 3301Fall, Spring, & Summer3 Credits
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This course's aim is to understand how cultural factors influence human behavior and development. Additionally, the interaction between different cultures and how to solve the difficulties that may arise during the acculturation process may be discussed. The course also studies the vision and treatment of mental disorders in different cultures, especially the differences and similarities between Spanish and North American cultures. Mental Health systems of both countries will be also analyzed and compared.
Equivalent to PSY 3301.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Psychology in the WorkplaceMADR 3711Fall, Spring & Summer3 Credits
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Industrial/Organizational Psychology is the application of the scientific study of human behavior and thinking to work organizations. I/O Psychology is both an academic discipline and a professional discipline; this course will focus on both research and the application of research findings to practical problems in the workplace. I/O Psychologist are concerned with the recruitment, selection, training, motivation, and job performance of individual at work. This course will also involved how I/O Psycholgists are involved in issues such as teamwork, leadership, and job attitudes.
Equivalent to PSY 3711.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
Neuroscience Course
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Human NeuroanatomyMADR 3023Fall & Spring3 Credits
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This course will provide a broad introduction to the nervous system with an emphasis on the human nervous system. The course will introduce the structure and function of neurons, the major anatomical parts of the nervous system and the main functional systems. Functional systems will be approached through an understanding of the anatomical circuitry. The fundamental concepts of neurochemical communication studied in general terms in the first part of the course will be re-examined relative to specific functional systems later in the course. Although the major focus of the course will be on the normal nervous system, common diseases will be introduced for each main topic. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of many common neurological diseases, which will provide further insight into how the normal nervous system functions. The anatomical substrates of learning/memory, emotions and drug actions will be examined. Through the assigned readings, lectures, and discussions, students are expected to gain an understanding of the neural circuitry and information processing responsible for the diverse range of human behaviors.
Equivalent to NSCI 2001
Non-Psychology Courses
Spanish Language Courses
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Alternate Second-Semester SpanishMADR 1022May5 Credits
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Course description forthcoming
Syllabi forthcoming
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Intermediate Spanish IMADR 1003Fall, Spring, May, & Summer5 Credits
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Third semester college-level Spanish. Further improve conversation and comprehension proficiency. Develop reading and writing skills through literary analysis and grammar review. This class is designed to further develop and strengthen the language skills acquired in Beginning Spanish II.
UofM Spanish Department equivalent: SPAN 1003
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Intermediate Spanish IIMADR 1004Fall, Spring, & Summer5 Credits
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Fourth semester college-level Spanish. Further improve conversation and comprehension proficiency. Develop reading and writing skills through literary analysis and grammar review. This class is designed to further develop and strengthen the language skills acquired in Intermediate Spanish I.
UofM Spanish Department equivalent: SPAN 1004
Courses Taught in Spanish
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Spanish CivilizationMADR 3013Fall & Spring3 Credits
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This course offers a general view of Spanish culture and society through readings, lectures and cultural activities. Topics portraying the transformations experienced in the country during the last years include: the political system, the social and economic problems, the multi-ethnic society, the new role of women, the new family models and the present image of Spain.
Approved for the Social Sciences core and Global Perspectives theme.
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Spanish ConversationMADR 3017Fall, Spring, & Summer3 Credits
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This course is designed for students who wish to perfect their listening comprehension, oral expression, and general interaction both in conversation and other forms of oral communication (presentations, speeches, etc.). To this end, class activities will include listening exercises, watching films, class debates, conversation simulation and role-play, brief presentations, and other activities of linguistic support (grammar, vocabulary, nonverbal communication, etc.). Taking advantage of the linguistic immersion in which the students are participating, students will be encouraged to interact with their environment and learn in real-life situations.
May count as a Spanish elective for Spanish Studies Majors and Minors as an elective without a Critical Analysis prerequisite.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Spanish for the WorkplaceMADR 3024Fall & Spring3 Credits
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The course is specifically designed to improve students’ oral and written business communication skills through language immersion and study of the local cultural and work environment. In addition to academic study, the course will provide an overview of Spanish social culture as it applies to the professional workplace, focusing on specific fields of expertise that are of interest to the students.
U of M Spanish Department Equivalent: SPAN 3022
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100% Made in Spain: Design & QualityMADR 3026Spring3 Credits
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This course focuses on the aesthetic and cultural changes in consumers and the ability of the Made in Spain managers to fine tune their marketing, communications, branding, and retailing efforts to an increasingly fast-paced environment. The course provides students with an extensive preparation on what are the most important asset of Made in Spain products: heir ability to represent a paradigm shift. The course explores the evolutionary phenomena of the four F's (fashion and footwear, food and wines, furniture and building materials, and fabricated metal products and machinery) as well as design, renewable energy, railway construction, e-commerce, and other industrial sectors.
Approved for JOUR 4259
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
Courses Taught in English
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Financial ManagementMADR 3001Fall & Spring3 Credits
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This introductory course in corporate financial management is designed to develop the student’s capacity to understand the basic concepts in investment and financial decision-making at the corporate level. The course will also discuss the role of the financial manager and financial analysis and planning. Studies the forms, sources, and management of business capital. The finance function and its relation to other business functions and to general policy objectives are considered. Topics include: capital requirement, short and intermediate financing, management of current assets, capital budgeting, and the cost of capital.
Equivalent to FINA 3001.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Ecology of SpainMADR 3002Fall & Spring3 Credits
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The main objectives of this course are the following: 1. To study the basic mechanisms of how our environment functions. To study the different ecosystems in Spain, their principal characteristics and the relation between their components; 2. To analyse and assess the impact and consequences of human activity on the different ecosystems. Learn the risks and the environmental impacts on those ecosystems and how to prevent them; and 3. To develop a fuller understanding and appreciation of the world of nature in a global way. To understand the changes caused by the interaction of the ecosystem’s components and the balance between them.
Equivalent to BIOL 3407.
Approved for the Environment and Global Perspectives themes.
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World ReligionsMADR 3006Fall & Spring3 Credits
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This course explores the basic precepts and cultures of the world’s major religions through reading, reflection, study, and dialogue. The intended outcome, more than gaining an in-depth understanding of each faith theologically, is to encourage religious tolerance and promote the celebration of theological diversity among the peoples of the Earth. The major religions to be explored will be: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Students will be invited to claim their own faith, while embracing openness to learn from all faiths. Equal time will be dedicated to each faith, however, because the Iberian culture has been historically shaped by the influence of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, a special unit will be dedicated to the blending of these three traditions.
Approved for the Arts and Humanities core and Global Perspectives theme.
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Fundamentals of MarketingMADR 3008Fall & Spring3 Credits
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To provide students with a broad introduction to marketing concepts, factors that influence marketing management, and the role of marketing in business and within organizations. The course will 1) try to develop the student´s understanding of marketing terms and concepts and 2) to identify and differentiate between marketing functions, the management of these functions, and their interaction. The course will try to give a cross-cultural context and application to the concepts developed by marketing, due to the tendency of most organizations to become more globally oriented.
Equivalent to MKTG 3001.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
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Art at the Prado MuseumMADR 3021Fall & Spring3 Credits
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The aim of this course is to make students familiar with the most relevant and internationally outstanding Spanish modern artists: Goya, Picasso, Dalí and Miró. With a specific concentration on these Spanish masters, the course will bring students to fully understand and assimilate such fundamental concepts and movements of art history as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstraction and Minimalism.
This course counts as an upper-division Art History elective.
Approved for the Arts and Humanities core and Global Perspectives theme.
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Culture, Globalization & the MediaMADR 3019Fall & Spring3 Credits
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The aim of this course is to introduce the notion of “culture” as the set of mentally and socially mediated constructs employed by individuals and groups to interpret reality. From that basis, this course examines the set of conflicts currently underway both within Western societies – as seen, for instance, in the “Cutlure Wars” as well as in the latest US presidential election – as well as the tensions between the Western and non-Western cultures – such as those of India, China and the Arab worlds – with an emphasis in the role played by the media and the cultural industries.
Approved for Arts and Humanities & Global Perspectives themes.
Tentatively accepted for upper-level COMM elective credit.
Approved as an elective for Global Cultural Analysis.
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Corporate Social ResponsibilityMADR 3014Fall & Spring3 Credits
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This course examines principles of social responsibility, ethics, law, and stakeholder theory as they apply to organizations domestically and abroad. Coverage includes business ethics; individual versus societal interests; labor and employment issues; consumer protection; discrimination and diversity; the natural environment; politics, public policy, and government regulation of business. Particular attention is given to developing moral reasoning skills.
This course is designed to develop the student’s capacity to recognize and reason about ethical issues connected with international business management. Specifically, students will be able to 1) recognize potential ethical dilemmas arising from a cross-cultural context, 2) understand the factors in a cross-cultural context that inform a manager’s choice of action, and 3) apply knowledge of the cross-cultural context to come to a solution of the ethical dilemma.
Equivalent to MGMT 1005.
Approved for the Civic Life and Ethics and Global Perspectives themes.
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Modern Masters: Goya, Picasso, Dalí, & MiróMADR 3025Spring3 Credits
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The aim of this course is to make students familiar with the most relevant and internationally outstanding Spanish Modern artists: Goya, Picasso, Dalí & Miró. With a specific concentration on these Spanish masters, the course will bring students to fully understand and assimilate such fundamental concepts and movements of art history as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstraction, and Minimalism. Simultaneously, it will explore one of the most controversial periods of Spanish and European history, from the 19th through the dawn of the 20th Century.
Approved for the Global Perspectives theme.
Syllabus for Modern Masters: Goya, Picasso, Dalí, & Miró (PDF)
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Contemporary Spanish History through FilmMADR 30273 Credits
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Spanish cinema provides an excellent route for understanding social and political change throughout the 20th and 21st Century. As the most important artistic medium of modernity, cinema allows one to construct and deconstruct many myths and identities. This course will analyze the most relevant Spanish film productions primarily as socio-historical documents (content). Topics in Spain may include the Republic and Civil War (Fernán Gómez and Buñuel), the '60s comic criticism of dictatorship (García Berlanga), and censorship (Lazaga), the transition to democracy (Garci and Almodóvar), and the new '90s cinema (Amenábar, de la Iglesia, Medem, Coixet, and Bollaín).
Syllabus for Contemporary Spanish History Through Film (PDF)
Local University Courses (for an additional cost)
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Universidad Carlos IIIFall & Spring
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You may also take English-taught courses at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid for an additional cost. Choose from classes offered during the primer cuatrimestre(fall) or segundo cuatrimestre (spring). These courses cost an additional fee and have a slightly different schedule than the study center courses. Contact Amy Garwood-Díaz at the Learning Abroad Center if you would like to take one or more of these courses.
Courses are available in the following disciplines at the Getafe campus:
Business Administration
Film, Television and Media Studies
Finance & Accounting
International Studies
JournalismCourses are available in the following disciplines at the Leganes campus:
Aerospace Engineering
Audiovisual System Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Communication System Engineering
Electrical Power Engineering
Energy Engineering
Industrial Electronics & Automation Engineering
Industrial Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Telecommunication Technologies Engineering
Telematics Engineering
Optional Online Course
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Global IdentityOLPD 3330Online1 credit
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Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.
This course is offered at no additional cost on programs six weeks or longer. The Learning Abroad Center will email out registration instructions, or you may contact a program team member.
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Research Laboratory in Psychology
Spanish and English-speaking research placements are available. In addition to spending time at your research site, you will enroll in the accompanying Research Laboratory in Psychology course. You will have the opportunity to be involved in psychological research taking place in a laboratory, institute, medical facility or community setting. Under the direction of a research investigator, you will participate in various stages of the research process.
Earn 3 credits and spend approximately 75 hours at your research placement.
Possible research placements are:
- Neurogenesis in the Adult Animal—Cajal Institute, CSIC
- Telencephalic Development: Cerebral Cortex and Olfactory System—Cajal Institute, CSIC
- The Olfactory System and Its Development—Cajal Institute, CSIC
- Developmental Neurobiology—Cajal Institute, CSIC
- Cortical Circuits Laboratory—Cajal Institute; Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
- Biomechanics and Assistive Technologies Group—National Hospital for Paraplegics (HNP), Toledo
- Neuroregenerative Chemistry Group—National Hospital for Paraplegics (HNP), Toledo
- Sensorimotor Research Group—National Hospital for Paraplegics (HNP), Toledo
- Functional Exploration & Neuromodulation of the CNS—National Hospital for Paraplegics (HNP), Toledo
- Freedom and Flow Company
- SINEWS Multilingual Therapy Institute
- Salud, Mente, Cuerpo (SMC)—Psychology Center, Madrid
- Mental Health Counseling—López-Ibor Clinic (high level of Spanish required)
- Addiction Therapy—Foundation Institute Spiral (high level of Spanish required)
See further descriptions of the placements in the Research Laboratory in Psychology syllabus.
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Dates & Deadlines
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:Program Term App Open Date Deadline* Spring 2020 May 1 Extended to October 15 Arrival & meet host families Jan 27 Orientation, Welcome Tapas, Madrid Walking Tour Jan 28 First Day of Classes Jan 29 Last day to add/drop Feb 5 Academic Activity Feb 7 Excursion to Toledo Feb 14 Extended Excursion (Location TBD) Feb 26 – 28 Health Psychology Class Activity Mar 13 Midterm Exams Mar 16 – 19 Excursion to Alcalá de Henares Mar 20 Easter Break Apr 4 – 12 Excursion to El Escorial & Valle de los Caidos Apr 17 FINAL EXAMS May 4 – 7 Closing Ceremony May 8 Departure to US May 9 May & Summer 2020 Aug 1 May 2020 cancelled Arrival, meet host families May 2020 cancelled Orientation, Madrid tour May 2020 cancelled Final day of intensive Spanish class May 2020 cancelled First day of summer courses May 2020 cancelled Excursion to Andalucía May 2020 cancelled Last day of classes, Closing ceremony May 2020 cancelled Departure to US May 2020 cancelled Summer 2020 Aug 1 May 15 Arrival, meet host families Jul 1 Orientation, Madrid tour TBD First day of classes TBD Excursion to Andalucía TBD Last day of classes, Closing ceremony Aug 7 Departure to US Aug 8 Fall 2020 Dec 1 Jun 1 Online classes begin Sep 14 Online classes end Oct 2 Travel to Spain Oct 3 – 4 Classes begin onsite Oct 5 Departure for the US Dec 19 *Program dates are subject to change. Contact the LAC for verification of dates before purchasing your airfare.
**If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.
Term Abroad Date/Time Location Spring 2020 Tuesday, November 19th, 2:30-5:30pm Blegen Hall 425 -
Fees for Psychology & Research in Madrid
University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.Spring Semester 2020 Program Fees
May & Summer Session 2020
Summer Session 2020
Fall Semester 2020 Program Fees
Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.Bridging Loan
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling. -
Prepare
Complete pre-application advising.Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
To complete the online application for this program, you will need to select or provide the following information on the online application:
Center Name TC Learning Abroad Ctr Education Abroad Term May Session, Summer Session, Spring Semester, Fall Semester Program Name Psychology & Research in Madrid Country Spain Submit
University of Minnesota Student—apply
Use your University of Minnesota internet ID and password to log into the Education Abroad application system. Your student account will be charged a $50 application fee.
Non-University of Minnesota Student—apply
Once you submit your application, Learning Abroad Center staff will create a University of Minnesota student internet account for you. You will use this account to access the Education Abroad Application System, and other University of Minnesota services. You will be charged a $50 application fee for this program.
Our staff will contact you within 2–3 business days with your internet account information, and additional application instructions.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
- Course Enrollment Form (meet with your academic adviser(s) to ensure appropriate courses are chosen)
- Madrid Research Application (Required only for research applicants)
- Madrid Resume and Cover Letter (Required only for research applicants)
- Transcript (Non-UofM students only)
- Home Institution Nomination (Non-UofM students only)
- Low GPA Essay (Required only for applicants with GPA below 2.5)
- Special Circumstances Recommendation (Required only for applicants with GPA below 2.5)
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit two additional application items—the Low GPA Essay and Special Circumstances Recommendation. Both items will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when they have been added.
Application Review Process
After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist, which you will complete to confirm your participation in the program. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.
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Passport
You must obtain a passport to enter Spain. Your passport must be valid for at least seven months after your return to the US. US citizens spending fewer than 90 days in Europe will only need a passport. A Spanish tourist visa, which is valid for 90 days, is automatically issued to all US citizens who enter Spain. If you have not already obtained your passport, click Passports for more information.
Visa
US citizens studying on the Learning Abroad Center Spain programs for a semester or year, or US citizens staying in Spain for more than 90 days, must obtain a student visa. US citizens participating in the Study & Intern in Toledo, Study & Intern in Madrid, or Psychology & Research in Madrid May or Summer sessions do not need a visa. Non-US citizens should check with the Spanish embassy to determine any special regulations pertaining entry into Spain at any time.
Remember to read all information that you receive regarding student visas carefully. Requirements could change at any time and can vary from consulate to consulate.
University of Minnesota Visa Service
The Spanish consulate in Chicago has graciously granted the University of Minnesota the ability to both drop off Spanish student visa applications and pick up the completed student visas on behalf of students studying abroad in Toledo and Madrid.
NOTE: This is an optional service, and is only available to students on the Toledo and Madrid programs. Each student MUST inform the Learning Abroad Center of his or her plans for obtaining the student visa whether they chose to use this service or not.
Using the Visa Service
- If you use the visa service, a $75 fee will be assessed to your University of Minnesota account. This fee will not be listed separately on your student account. It will be added to the overall program fee.
- The deadline to use this service comes quickly after the program application deadline. To use the service, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities students must attend an appointment with the Spanish visa advisor to drop of visa application materials before the deadline.
- If you live outside of the Twin Cities area, you must set up a phone meeting with Amy Garwood-Díaz or the student visa specialist prior to sending in your visa application materials via FedEx.
- Only complete visa applications will be accepted. If you fail to include one or more of the necessary pieces to receive your visa when you present your visa application to the Learning Abroad Center, you will have to return at a later time with your complete visa application.
- If you live outside of the state of Minnesota, completed visas can be returned to the student via Fed Ex once picked up from the Chicago Spanish Consulate by the U of M.
Not Using the Visa Service
- If you choose to apply on your own and live within the Chicago consulate's jurisdiction, you will ned to make at least one in person appearance at the Spanish consulate. For example, if you have someone drop of your materials on your behalf, then YOU must pick up your passport in person. If you drop off your materials and want your passport returned by mail, you must bring in a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope. The consulate only accepts Express Mail from the US Postal Service with appropriate postage. No other carrier service is accepted.
- If you are not within the Chicago consulate's jurisdiction, check with the consulate within your jurisdiction, as requirements and procedures may differ.
Visa Application Requirements
To date, the following items are required to apply for a student visa through the Chicago consulate.
- Two copies of signed and completed National application – the Step-by-Step Instructions below will assist you in completing the visa application
- Original, signed passport
- Money Order for $160 payable to the Consulate of Spain. This can be purchased at a Post Office or bank. You must pay with a debit card or cash. More information can be found here.
- Two photocopi of the information and photo page of your passport
- Two photocopies of US driver's license, US state ID or voter registration card
- Two passport-style photos, white background, 2x2", glued to the upper right hand corner of the National application and copy
- Letter of acceptance– this serves as proof of admission, medical insurance, & financial means (Provided by the Learning Abroad Center to all students, regardless if you are using our visa service or not.)
- Acknowledgement Letter - (Provided by the Learning Abroad Center to all students)
- If you are using the Learning Abroad Center visa service, you will also need a notarized letter granting the University of Minnesota permission to pick up and drop off your visa materials (use template provided). Do NOT sign the letter before meeting with the notary public.
Academic Year students (students going for more than one semester) must also provide the following:
- Medical Statement: A doctor’s recent statement, on doctor's or medical center's letterhead, indicating that the student has been examined and found to be free of communicable diseases and in good physical and mental health to travel and study abroad (make your appointment early.)
- Background Check
- The Spanish consualte allows students to obtain State background checks, which are generally easier to obtain. Students from Minnesota can obtain their background check from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. In addition to this background check, students will have to obtain an Apostille from the Secretary of State's office to verify its authenticity.
- Students can obtain an FBI background check, though it is not recommended because it may take between 3 to 8 weeks to receive.
Step-by-Step Instructions to complete the Application for a National Visa
- Last name.
- If you have changed your last name (through marriage for example), former last name.
- First and middle names.
- Date of birth (day-month-year).
- Place of birth.
- Country where you were born.
- Your nationality. (If you were born in the US, please put US). If you have not always been a US citizen indicate your nationality at birth.
- Gender.
- Marital status.
- This section is not applicable. Leave blank.
- This section is not applicable. Leave blank.
- Type of travel document. Check 'Ordinary Passport'.
- Passport number.
- Date your passport was issued (day-month-year). This date is listed in your passport.
- Date that your passport expires as listed in your passport (day-month-year). This date must be at least one year from the date the visa application will be submitted to the consulate.
- Enter US Department of State or the passport agency that issued your passport (NOT where you applied).
- Write your permanent address, email address, and phone number.
- Check 'No'. Check 'Yes' if you are not from the US but reside in the US.
- STUDENT.
- Main purpose of the journey: Check 'Studies'.
- Provide your intended date of arrival in Spain (day-month-year). You may estimate your arrival date if you have not purchased a flight at the time of application for the visa.
- Check 'More Than Two'.
- Fundacion Ortega-Marañón, Calle Fortuny, 53, 28010 Madrid, SPAIN
- Please complete only if you have previously received a Spanish student visa.
- Please complete only if you have previously received a Spanish student visa.
- This section is not applicable. Leave blank.
- This section is not applicable. Leave blank.
- Data of the educational establishment or research centre in case of applying for a student or research visa
- Name of the educational establishment or research centre ~ Fundación Jose Ortega-Marañón
- Postal address of educational establishment or research centre~ Fundación Ortega-Marañón, Calle Fortuny, 53, 28010 Madrid, SPAIN
- Telephone number of educational establishment or research centre~ 011.34.917.00.41.44
- Email of educational establishment or research centre~ soliveros@fogm.es
- Intended starting date for studies or research~ provide the start date of the Madrid program (day-month-year)
- Intended finishing date for studies or research~ provide the end date of the Madrid program (day-month-year)
- The remainder of this section is not applicable to you.
- Current address and today's date (day-month-year).
- Your signature.
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Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Amy Garwood-Diaz or call at 612.624.1537. -
Contact Program Alum
Contact our Program Assistants to gain a peer's perspective:
Ava Crowley is a Program Assistant for the Psychology & Research in Madrid program. She is a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience. Ava participated in the program in Spring 2019. While there, she studied Health Psych, Bio Psych, and Abnormal Psych. Additionally, she was a research assistant at the Cajal Institute in a neuroscience lab studying glial cells in the context of Multiple Sclerosis. One of her highlights of the program was exploring new neighborhoods in Madrid and finding new foods and experiences that came with each one. Her advice to future students: “If you have even a hint of interest or excitement towards going abroad, go for it! There is no better time to do it as you have so many resources and support to make your experience the best it can be.”
Marni Kaiser is a Program Assistant for the Psychology & Research in Madrid program. She is a senior majoring in Psychology and Spanish. She participated in the Madrid program in Fall 2018 and Summer 2019. In the fall, she had the opportunity to shadow a clinical psychologist in her private clinic. Her favorite parts about Madrid were the metro and the terraces. She recommends that future participants embrace being uncomfortable while abroad, but also know that asking for help is perfectly acceptable and encouraged.
