INTRODUCTION The Salamanca Program, established in 1963, is one of a number of Education Abroad Programs conducted by The Pennsylvania State University in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, and Asia. More than 600 students from a wide variety of majors participate annually in these programs. Objectives The Penn State Education Abroad Program at the University of Salamanca, Spain, functions within the context of the objectives characterizing all of Penn State's study abroad opportunities, especially to: -- enable students to receive instruction in several disciplines within the context of another culture and enrich their general academic studies; -- provide an international dimension to the intellectual and professional development of students in specialized fields of study; -- allow students to expand their knowledge of the culture of a country or region by living and studying abroad, as well as gain a more objective perspective of the values and way of life in their own country; -- promote the educational goals of the University by providing overseas programs designed to increase the international understanding of student. Specifically, the Salamanca Program aims to: -- provide the opportunity to study firsthand the social, economic, and political issues and concerns which confront Western Europe, especially the Iberian peninsula; -- promote an awareness of, and an appreciation for, the historical background and rich cultural heritage of Spain, specifically Salamanca; -- enhance the language proficiency of participants through both classroom study and full-time practice in the daily experience of living with Spanish families and students; -- complement Penn State's on-campus efforts to teach students the uniqueness and significance of contemporary Hispanic culture; -- give students an opportunity to learn on-site the important role of Spain in international affairs today. THE UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA Founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX of León, the University of Salamanca quickly became a leading center of Spanish intellectual life and shared with the Universities of Bologna, Paris, and Oxford the highest academic distinction in the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Today, with its large international student body, its distinguished faculty, and its broad curricula, the University of Salamanca - the oldest in Spain - continues its ancient tradition of academic excellence. Capital of its province, the city of Salamanca is located on the banks of the Tormes River, made famous in the picaresque story of Lazarillo de Tormes. A settlement existed at the site since before the Carthaginians, but Salamanca gained importance during Roman times as a fortified Roman camp. The city witnessed the turbulence of the Moorish invasion, participated in the lengthy period of the Christian Reconquest, and suffered the outrages of Napoleonic despotism. The city is a veritable museum of peninsular architectural styles, with such focal points as its Roman bridge, the Plaza Mayor, - the most beautiful in all of Spain - the exquisite University buildings, and, of course, its two cathedrals: the Old Cathedral, a twelfth century Romanesque edifice, and the New Cathedral, one of the last Gothic structures, begun in 1513 and finished about 1733. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Participants enroll in the spring semester in specially designed courses taught in Spanish by Salamanca faculty members. The academic program offers an intermediate and an advanced track, designed for students seeking a minor or major in Spanish. Both tracks of the program take place in the spring semester. However, the intermediate track may be offered during the fall as well. See a study abroad adviser for details. The academic program for the INTERMEDIATE TRACK (TRACK 1) consists of 5 3-credit specially-designed course in: SPAN 120 Intermediate Reading 3 credits SPAN 200 Intensive Grammar and Comp. 3 credits SPAN 410 Advanced Oral Spanish 3 credits SPAN 499 Culture and Civilization of Modern Spain 3 credits ART H 399 Spanish Art History 3 credits The academic program for the ADVANCED TRACK (TRACK 2) consists of 4 3- credit specially designed courses and one integrated Spanish literature course as follows: SPAN 400 Advanced Stylistics 3 credits SPAN 410 Advanced Oral Spanish 3 credits SPAN 497 Film and Literature 3 credits ART H 399 Spanish Art History 3 credits SPAN 353/4 Spanish Literature 3 credits (a University of Salamanca course) NOTE: Students who have taken SPAN 400 may register for a second regularly-listed integrated course at the University of Salamanca. Both tracks begin with two weeks of intensive language instruction in Advance Oral Spanish (SPAN 410), with classes meeting three hours per day, 5 days a week. The other courses begin in the third week of the program except for SPAN 353/4 which follows the University of Salamanca's regular schedule. Note: For students planning on studying on the advanced track during their final semester, the University of Salamanca integrated courses (including SPAN 353/4) run through the end of June. SPAN 120, 200, 400, and 410 are the same courses regularly taught at Penn State. SPAN 499 analyses contemporary Spain through its economic, social, political, and cultural profile. ART H 399 examines Spain's rich artistic heritage by concentrating specifically on the historical monuments that abound in Salamanca and throughout the country. SPAN 497 explores the relationship between written and visual art by analyzing classical Spanish novels and their adaptation to films. Students are required to register for and complete all 15 credits. Classes meet in university classrooms; there is ample opportunity to interact with Salamanca students and to participate in the academic and social life of the university. The on-site coordinator and professors are Salamanca faculty members. Occasionally a field trip is included as a required component of the academic program. The program includes a mid-semester break for Semanta Santa, a time when participants can observe the celebrations that encompass the whole of the country. GRADING As with any course at Penn State, responsibility for assessing the student's academic achievement lies with the course instructors. ACCREDITATION All courses offered in the Salamanca program (except the regularly- listed course - see advanced track program description) are accredited under the course numbers indicated, as listed in the Penn State Baccalaureate Degree Programs Bulletin. No transfer of credit is necessary since the students remain registered at Penn State while on the Salamanca program. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS Students are housed and have their meals with families living in the city of Salamanca. The coordinator is responsible for assigning students - either singly or by twos - to families. ELIGIBILITY The Salamanca Program is open to all regularly enrolled students at Penn State. Applicants must be in good academic standing, and must show evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation. Generally speaking, a 2.5 cumulative grade point average is the minimum academic standard for most programs. Participants are generally juniors or seniors during their semester in Salamanca. PROGRAM PREREQUISITES Intermediate Track: SPAN 100 (prerequisite SPAN 03 or equivalent), SPAN 130, and one of the following: ART H 100, 111, or 112 Advanced Track: SPAN 200 (prerequisite SPAN 100 or equivalent), SPAN 210 & 253, and one of the following: ART H 100, 111, or 112 ORIENTATION A specially designed orientation program, conducted during the semester prior to departure, is intended to prepare participants for the adjustment to living and studying in Spain. Attendance at all orientation sessions is mandatory. COSTS Tuition and room and board charges are the same as at the University Park campus and are payable at the Bursar's Office in accordance with the standard procedures and deadlines for regular charges at University Park. Students are also required to pay a $150.00 non-refundable program fee at the time of accepting an offer of enrollment. Round-trip air transportation is an additional cost to the student. Penn State students are encouraged to arrange their own group flight plans. Group travel arrangements often offer significantly lower fares than individually booked flights. Textbooks and personal expenses are extra. The Office of Education Abroad Programs has a cost sheet that gives an estimate of the overall expenses for each semester. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The standard forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since students remain registered at Penn State, financial aid packages continue during the time in which a student is enrolled in this program. The Office of Education Abroad Programs coordinates closely with the Office of Student Aid to help needy students obtain funds to cover the additional costs entailed by study abroad. The Office of Education Aboard Programs also has a modest Grant- in-Aid Fund that can be drawn upon for exceptionally needy and qualified students. HEALTH INSURANCE All participants are expected to carry sufficient health and accident insurance. Personal liability insurance is strongly recommended. Salamanca has competent medical doctors and modern hospitals. Getting the Spanish insurance on-site is highly recommended. PLANNING AHEAD To exploit the many advantages and opportunities of a study abroad experience, it is essential that the students, in consultation with their academic adviser, plan well in advance. With careful planning, every Penn State student, regardless of major, not only gains regular Penn State credit while maintaining normal progress toward graduation, but can often apply the credits earned abroad to general education requirements, electives, language requirements, and/or, in many cases, to major requirements. Like all Penn State's semester and year-long Education Abroad Programs, this program satisfies the University's cultural diversity requirement. As part of the application process, students are required to check with his/her advisers or deans to discuss what impact study abroad may have on his/her progress toward graduation. For further information and application forms, contact your campus Education Abroad adviser or: Office of Education Abroad Programs The Pennsylvania State University 222 Boucke Building University Park, PA 16802-5900 Tel. (814) 865-7681 This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State university is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability, or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park PA 16802-2801; tel. (814) 863-0471; TDD (814) 865-3175. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Employee Benefits Division at (814) 865-1473 in advance of your participation or visit. U.Ed. OIP 96-35 PS6054dh 4/96