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  6. USA Language and the African Presesnce in Spain

USA Language and the African Presesnce in Spain

Madrid showing Palacio Real

Dates

May 16 to June 24 2026

Credit Hours

9 Credit Hours (Three Courses)

Program Director

Dr. Matthew Pettway
Email: mjpettway@southalabama.edu

Program Description

Did you know that Spain has a protracted history with northern and western Africa?  During this program, we will explore the historic presence of Black African Muslims hailing from Morocco, Mauritania and northern Senegal who conquered large swaths of Spain and Portugal.  We will study the poetic contributions and Arab-infused architectural designs of the Almoravid dynasty. Furthermore, we will unearth the history of enslaved Africans in sixteenth-century Spain, which has largely been obscured in the official record. West-African and West-Central African influences on Spanish music, dance culture and the Spanish language will take center stage in this brilliant reassessment of the Black legacy in southern Europe. Students will be immersed in Spanish, and will also complete language courses to improve their spoken and written skills.

Program Location

Madrid, Spain  

Eligibility

Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. There are no prerequisites involved for the program and students who need two semesters of Introductory Spanish will complete this requirement while abroad. 

Courses

Students will choose three of the following courses for a total of nine credit hours:
**LG 290:  Special Topics: The African Presence in Spain 
LG 131 (3 hours) - Introductory Spanish I
LG 132 (3 hours) - Introductory Spanish II
LG 231 (3 hours) - Intermediate Spanish I
LG 390 (3 hours) - Special Topics
LG 490 (3 hours) - Special Topics

**All students will take LG 290. 

Housing

The program includes homestay with a host family in a single occupancy room and two meals--breakfast, and dinner--per day.

Cost and Payment Schedule

Program final cost $5,699.00.  Program costs include: 

  • $350 program deposit
  • Tuition for 9 credit hours
  • All program-related, in-country transportation
  • International Health Insurance & Emergency Assistance
  • Specified Excursions in the Itinerary
  • Accommodations: Homestays
  • A welcome and departure meal in-country
  • Daily breakfasts and dinners
  • Airport pickup and return for those who arrive and depart on the assigned day and time

Costs are based on anticipated exchange rates and enrollment and are subject to change. Program items may be changed in lieu of a price increase. Price may vary for graduate students.

The cost of COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and quarantine, if required, are not included in the program cost.

Application Deadline

February 11, 2026

Travel Arrangements

Students must make travel arrangements to and from Madrid independently. The program fee DOES NOT include group flight arrangements.