As the historical crossroads between the East and the West, Spain’s long cultural link with Islam and the Middle East is the natural choice for a program aimed at building a bridge of understanding between the two cultures. Our course offerings will enable students to further their knowledge of the Middle East and help them acquire a global perspective which will enhance their studies and their world. This unique program will bring students from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East together for a rich academic experience focusing on the exchange of cultures. Arabic language instruction plus courses and workshops designed to encourage an objective and open dialogue between the various groups on such subjects as current events, conflict resolution, human rights issues, public diplomacy, and popular culture will be included in the program.
Students will study and reside in the newly renovated Florida State Study Center in Valencia. Of particular note are the remains of a tenth-century Arabic wall which have been incorporated into the new Center’s architecture. Courses in the program will take into consideration the Study Center’s unique Islamic archaeological history. Participants will explore the history and reach of Islamic Spain during field trips to Cordoba, Seville and Granada, as well as small local towns like Xativa or Requena. Included in the program fee is a trip to Morocco led by internationally renowned authorities on Islamic history, religion, art, and culture. Students will also attend the Third World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies in Barcelona, Spain. This multidisciplinary meeting brings together more than 2,000 experts in the field and is aimed at scholars, researchers, educators, students, professionals, and other groups interested in studies on North Africa, the Middle East, and the Muslim states of Central Asia. Attending the congress will give students an invaluable opportunity to meet leading world experts on this important region and to learn about their views and cutting edge research.
ELIGIBILITY
This program is open to all students interested in furthering their knowledge of the language, history, art and religions of the Middle East; and will fulfill a significant component of a Minor in Middle Eastern Studies at Florida State. Two additional courses to the offerings in Valencia will complete the requirements for this Minor.
Housing
Students will stay in multi-roomed flats at our Valencia Study Center. If these are filled, students will be housed in comparable accommodations within central Valencia.
Areas of Study
- Arabic Studies
- Criminology
- Human Rights
- International Affairs
- Islamic Art and Architecture
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- Islamic and Mediterranean Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies - Major and Minor
- Political Science
- Religions of the Mediterranean
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