 |
 |
 |
 |
Southern Spain: Crossroad of Cultures
March 26–April 8, 2010
·Itinerary
·Printable program description
PROGRAM LEADERS:
Jim Dunlop, Professor Emeritus of Spanish
Mac Gimse '58, Professor Emeritus of Art
A surprising number of civilizations established themselves in Spain in the course of history: Tartessian, Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, Jewish, Christian. The last four of these produced art and culture — both high and popular — worthy of first-hand study. Join us to expand your appreciation and understanding of modern Spain as shaped by its multicultural history, one that includes culture both sophisticated and ordinary.
We start in Granada, arriving the day before Palm Sunday. We’ll absorb as much of the elaborately decorated Alhambra as possible, including the Renaissance palace of Charles the Fifth, and experience the beginning of Semana Santa (Holy Week). As we proceed through Úbeda, Baeza and Córdoba, we’ll have the opportunity to view processions telling the passion story in the varying traditions of each town.
In Cordoba, we’ll see evidence of the clash between Christian and Moorish religions at the Great Mosque, in the middle of which was thrust a Catholic church. For contrast, we’ll visit the delightful mountain town of Ronda, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway because of its Roman bull ring and gasp-inducing vista. In Seville, we’ll witness expressions of four cultures within two hundred yards of each other: Christian cathedral, Moorish tower, Roman walls, and Jewish residential area. We’ll also walk through the gypsy Triana district and elegant gardens, and enjoy an excursion on the Guadalquivir River. Finally, we’ll learn about the tradition of Carthusian horses, the manufacture of sherry, and life in a monastery during a day trip to Jerez de la Frontera.
Enjoy mini-lectures sprinkled throughout each day, including information on the significance and symbolism of the Holy Week processions. Mac Gimse will discuss the works of Picasso, Velazquez, Murillo and Arab architecture. Jim Dunlop will explain other cultural phenomena such as Flamenco music, the Spanish Civil War, and the poetry of Garcia Lorca.
Join Jim and Mac for an enriching experience of culture and art framed within the unique Spanish celebration of Holy Week.
Program Leaders
Jim Dunlop has traveled to Spain more than 15 times. On previous visits he has led St. Olaf students for courses on theater, language and culture — which he taught at the college for 34 years — and has co-led courses on sociology and art (three times with Mac). He also co-led a Study Travel for adults in spring 2007.
Mac Gimse has extensive experience leading study groups abroad. Destinations include India, China, Italy, Russia, Cambodia and Thailand. In addition to Global Semester, he and his wife, Jackie, have led Term in Asia, Term in the Middle East and countless January Interim courses for St. Olaf students. Before retiring from teaching at St. Olaf, Mac was involved in the Great Conversation, Paracollege and Fine Arts Interdisciplinary programs. He also taught sculpture, the history of architecture, and the art history of China, Japan, India and Africa.
What to Expect
Spain is a stable democracy with a modern economy and full tourist services. The currency is the euro.
Most days start with breakfast and a visit to a cultural site. Mini-lectures by Jim and Mac will be sprinkled throughout each day. Free time will be provided most afternoons so that you can explore on your own or relax. We will adapt to the Spanish schedule, meaning we will have a group lunch or lunch stop around 2 p.m. Group dinners will rarely take place before 7 p.m. This schedule can be vigorous, depending on how you use your free time.
All accommodations are at tourist-class hotels located in city centers. Keep in mind that European hotel rooms are typically smaller than their American counterparts, but hotels will be clean and comfortable and generally offer the usual amenities such as hair driers, a mini-safe and coffee/tea making service in your room and round-the-clock desk staff.
European cities — especially the medieval cities we will visit — are best experienced on foot. Be prepared for lots of walking! Our private coach will move us from city to city, but once in a new city, we will walk from hotel to museums to group meals. Comfortable shoes trump the latest fashion!
You should be capable of walking up to five miles per day over possibly uneven terrain (e.g. cobblestones or sidewalks in disrepair), climbing stairs that may not have handrails, keeping pace with an active group of travelers, dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing a different culture, and being a considerate member of a group (prompt, courteous and flexible).
Spring weather in southern Spain is quite pleasant. Temperatures will range from lows in the mid-50s Fahrenheit to highs around 70. A few inches of rain are typical, so plan on bringing a collapsible umbrella and/or a lightweight raincoat.
Program Fee — Register by November 30, 2009 and save $150
The program fee is $6,200 per person through Nov. 30, 2009. After Nov. 30, 2009, the program fee is $6,350 per person and could be subject to additional airfare. Based on double occupancy, the program fee includes:- Seminars by Jim Dunlop and Mac Gimse
- Assistance by Annette Johnson ’89 (our tour operator and licensed guide)
- Roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul
- Accommodations
- Breakfast daily and several other group meals
- Group tours
- Admissions for group activities
- Ground transportation
- Gratuities
For single occupancy, add $1,035. To travel “land only” (making your own arrangements to and from Spain), subtract $1,200. Payment schedule
Continuing Education Units
Approximately 36 hours of continuing education are available.
Register
Registration is now closed.
Download and print these forms:
