Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. Mark Twain

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Experience Florence


Are you ready to go to Florence Italy Spring 2013 with DVC's study abroad program?  
Watch this for a quick preveiw!  Sign up for classes in the most beautiful city in Europe.



Monday, March 12, 2012

Florence Spring 2013 courses at a glance

Florence Spring 2013 Courses at a Glance

Diablo Valley College courses offered: Michele A. Krup, instructor, mkrup@dvc.edu
ART-105 Introduction to Drawing, Color, and Two Dimensional Design 3 units (SC)
ART-106 Drawing and Composition 3 units (SC)
ARTHS-196 History of Medieval and Renaissance Art 3 units (SC)
ARTHS-197 History of Baroque to Early 20th Century Art 3 units (SC)

College of San Mateo courses offered: Michael Stanford, instructor, stanfordm@smccd.edu
HIST-100 History of Western Civilization I  3 units
HIST-101 History of Western Civilization II 3 units
HIST-201: U.S. History I: (Colonies to Reconstruction) 3units

Cosumnes River College courses offered: Liz Nelson, instructor, nelsone@arc.losrios.edu
PSYC- 320 Social Psychology 3 units
PSYC-368 Cross Cultural Psychology 3 units
 PSYC-340 Abnormal Behavior 3 units

Santa Rosa Junior College courses offered: Bob Duxbury, instructor                 
Rduxbury @santarosa.edu
English 1B Reading and Composition 3 units
English 27 Introduction to Shakespeare 3 units
English 7 Introduction to Humanities 3 units

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Florence Spring 2013 Faculty



Michele Arcidiacono Krup is the chairperson of the Diablo Valley College Art Department, where she is also entering her twenty-second year of full time teaching.  She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Sonoma State University, and Master of Art and Master of Fine Arts Degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.
Michele is of Italian heritage with family ties to Lucca, an ancient walled city forty-five minutes from Florence.  Pursuit of her personal creative and research interests has afforded her a working familiarity of the Tuscan region as well as a passionate devotion to introducing students to all of the artistic and historical riches of a truly Florentine experience.
Michele is a practicing artist with her work focusing on the surreal translation of her current visual experiences.  When not in the studio, Michele enjoys preparing both traditional and modern Italian recipes in her kitchen.  She has a special fondness for fresh gelato.
Michele is excited to participate in the DVC Florence study abroad program and considers the international learning experience to be an important contributor to the college students’ ability to appreciate the global role they will play in the future.


Bob Duxbury has taught English at Santa Rosa Junior College for over thirty years, and has led the semester abroad to both Paris and Florence. Originally from England, he has traveled widely in Europe, and looks forward to taking students on this new adventure.


Liz Nelson has served as a professor of psychology at American River College in Sacramento, California for the past seven years. She grew up in Austin, Texas, and she has since lived in several states including Oklahoma, Montana, Washington, and California.  This year, she is celebrating her twentieth year of teaching psychology. She was introduced to psychology at an early age when her parents opened a group therapy practice in their home. She earned her Bachelor’s in Sociology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from University of California, at Santa Barbara. After working in residence life for five years, Liz received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship as a staff psychologist at Montana State University. Since then, she has served as a professor of psychology at Central Washington University and California State University, Stanislaus. In those positions, she trained graduate students in a marriage and family therapy masters program. She is a licensed psychologist in the State of California, and she had a private practice before she started teaching at American River College.
She has travelled to Europe, including Italy, as part of a tour when she was a senior in college, and she has wanted to go back ever since! She is in her third semester of studying Italian, and she hopes that her Italian skills will assist in exploring Italy with her students. She and her husband are parents of twins, and she is very excited that her family, minus the pets, will be joining her on this adventure to Firenze (Florence)!
Philosophy: I believe that studying psychology in Italy will be a great experience for the students for they will be examining their own lives while they try to understand what it means to be Italian. I believe that one goal of study abroad is to develop empathy for others, and I feel teaching psychology, whether it is cross cultural psychology, social psychology or abnormal psychology, will be a great educational experience for any student for it will enhance their understanding of diversity. I hope to help students make a smooth transition from one culture to another by understanding how psychology applies to the understanding of cultural differences and personal growth.


Michael Stanford teaches history at Cañada College.  After studying European and American history at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Francisco State University he moved to France where he taught at the Lycée International in St. Germain-en-Laye.  While living in Paris for ten years he worked, studied, and traveled in over seventeen countries including, of course, Italy.  He returns to Europe periodically to visit friends and to maintain his connection with European society and culture.
Note: Studying history in Florence will be a unique opportunity for my students with limitless opportunities to engage in experiential learning.  Italy provides an incredibly rich environment in which to study all facets of history including art, architecture, archeological sites, music, literature, and culture.  To that end I will help my students develop a deeper knowledge and broader awareness of both the past and the present in Italy. By taking the classroom to the places where historical events and phenomena actually occurred and by learning about contemporary Italian and European life, students will engage in an immeasurable amount personal enrichment and knowledge.

Florence Spring 2013 Course Options

Italian Life, Language and Culture
Course Description and Objectives 
This will be taught by visiting lecturers, and will focus upon such topics as politics, food, social customs, and history. There will be midterms and finals upon topics that will be determined by all faculty for all participants in our program.

Michele A. Krup, Diablo Valley College
ART-105 Introduction to Drawing, Color, and Two Dimensional Design, (SC) 3 units
(May be repeated once. 36 hours lecture/72 hours laboratory per term. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL-116/118 or equivalent. CSU, UC
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
drawing for a flying machine
Course Description and Objectives
This course includes an introduction to drawing concepts and techniques, linear perspective and color theory fundamentals, with an emphasis on design principles and composition.  Students will learn to identify the elements that define two-dimensional art and design and be able to demonstrate basic drawing skills, color manipulation and application of design principles.  Students will have the opportunity to critique their own artwork and the artwork of others. 

The class will include lectures, demonstrations of drawing techniques, guided studio practice, and field trips to museums, galleries, and public spaces in Florence. The field trips will afford students the opportunity to view and research historical and contemporary drawing styles, materials, and techniques as well as study examples of Florence’s architecture, public sculpture, piazza design, and museum exhibitions.  Examination of these examples will be used to support the classroom lessons in drawing techniques, linear perspective and color theory.  Students will have the opportunity to engage with their observations and demonstrate expression through analysis and discussion of the role of materials and the role of the artist in selected works. Studio practice time will further provide students a creative environment in which to practice the application of traditional drawing techniques and painting materials in the completion of course assignments.
DAYS/TIMES: Lec/Lab hours /week TBD

ART-106 Drawing and Composition, (SC) 3 units


(May be repeated once. 36 hours lecture/72 hours laboratory per term. Recommended: ART 105 or equivalent; eligibility for ENGL 116/118 or equivalent.  CSU, UC


Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael) (1483-1520)
The School of Athens
Course Description and Objectives


This course will focus on a continued exploration of drawing concepts, descriptive drawing, and logical rendering of form with an emphasis on stylistic development.  Students will explore traditional drawing materials with additional color media such as pastel and conte crayon.  Instruction and exercises will focus on the improvement of students’ ability to draw from direct observation as well as refine their ability to critique their artwork and the artwork of others presented in class.  Students will create a portfolio of artwork demonstrating their individual expression and conceptual skills. 


The class will include lectures, demonstrations of drawing techniques, guided studio practice, and field trips with special emphasis on drawing from the rich Florentine visual experience.  Class walking tours will provide students the opportunity to practice observational drawing and hone visual skills through direct encounters with historical and contemporary drawing styles, materials, and techniques as well as to study examples of Florence’s architecture, public sculpture, piazza design, and museum exhibitions.  Students will explore the personal relationships between artists and collectors to the city-environment – not to mention the art of everyday living in a Florentine neighborhood – in visits to local artists’ workshops.  Materials and techniques will be researched and student will have the opportunity to examine and demonstrate a refined expression with traditional drawing materials.  DAYS/TIMES: Lec/Lab hours /week TBD

ARTHS-196 History of Medieval and Renaissance Art, (SC) 3 units
(54 hours lecture per term Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 116/118 or equivalent). CSU, UC
A History of Western art from the Early Christian Period through the Renaissance.  Stylistic changes are related to significant social and cultural changes.
Basilica Santa Maria di Fiore, (1463, year consecrated)
architects: Arnolfo di Cambio, Filippo Brunelleschi
Course Description and Objectives
This course traces the history of Western art from the Early Christian Period through the Renaissance.  Stylistic changes are identified and related to significant social and cultural changes.  Consideration is given to the changing role of the artist socially, culturally, and within patronage systems.  Students will examine works of art and their iconography, stylistic techniques, and different media with the goal of recognizing, understanding, and discussing various art forms in their broader contexts. 

Students will have the full advantage of viewing examples of Florence’s architecture, public sculptures, piazzas, galleries and exceptional museums to support the learning experience. Fieldtrips to the city’s churches, galleries, and museums will enhance classroom lessons.  With the aid of these first hand experiences, students will be able to analyze works of art in terms of historical circumstances and cultural values of Western Europe from the early Christian period through the Renaissance.  Students will compare and contrast painting, sculpture, and architecture using an art historical vocabulary in the various styles of the chronological periods. 

The class will focus on distinguishing differences in patronage and art production in Medieval and Renaissance art and architecture.  Students will appraise the changing role of the artist in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.  The class will visit local artists’ workshops and art collections to explore the personal relationships between artists/collectors and their city-environment. These visits will also encourage students to explore the art of everyday living in a Florentine neighborhood (what would Michelangelo have eaten for his lunch?). 
DAYS/TIMES: Lec  hours /week TBD

ARTHS-197 History of Baroque to Early 20th Century Art, (SC) 3 units
(54 hours lecture per term. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 116/118 or equivalent). CSU, UC
A history of Western art from the 17th century to early 20th century.  Stylistic changes are related to significant social and cultural changes. Consideration is given to the changing role of the artist.  
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1651)
Judith beheading Holofernes
Course Description and Objectives
This course traces the development of art in the western hemisphere from the Baroque period through the early 20th century.  Social, economic, cultural, political, religious, and technological influences on the art of each period are included in the scope of the course.    
Students will examine works of art and their iconography, stylistic techniques, and different media with the goal of recognizing, understanding, and discussing various art forms in their broader contexts.   Students will have the full advantage of viewing examples of Florence’s architecture, public sculptures, piazzas, galleries and museums to support the learning experience.  Fieldtrips to the city’s churches, galleries, and museums will enhance classroom lessons. 
Students will be able to analyze works of art in terms of historical circumstances and cultural values of Western Europe from the Baroque period to early 20th century.  The class will offer opportunities to compare and contrast painting, sculpture, and architecture using appropriate aesthetic vocabulary in the various styles of the chronological periods: Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, and Futurism.  Students will be able to distinguish differences in patronage within these centuries and evaluate the changing role of the artist.
DAYS/TIMES: Lec  hours /week TBD
  
Bob Duxbury, Santa Rosa Junior College
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)
David
English 1B
Course Description and Objectives 
This is an introduction to literature, and will focus upon all of the four major genres. We will also study Florence-related texts, including Room With A View by E. M. Forster, and Italo Calvino's If On A Winter's Night A Traveler.

Humanities 7
Course Description and Objectives 
Half of the class will take place in the classroom, where we will study the background to Renaissance Art and Culture. The other half of the class will be visits to museums every week, so that we may have a hands-on approach to our unique Florentine classroom.

English 27
Course Description and Objectives 
This is an introduction to Shakespeare. We will focus upon comedy, tragedy, the history plays, and sonnets, along with one so-called problem play. We shall look at Shakespeare's plays that take place in a nominal Italy, such as Romeo and Juliet and Merchant of Venice. 

Liz Nelson, Consumnes River College


PSYC 320 Social Psychology 3 Units Prerequisite: None. General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); CSU Area D9; IGETC Area 4ICourse Transferable to UC/CSU Hours: 54 hours LEC 
Course Description and Objectives
This course focuses on the scientific study of human interaction, with an emphasis on the individual within a social context. Study includes: social perception, social cognition, attitudes and attitude change, the self and social identity, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, close relationships, social influence, pro-social behavior, aggression, and group behavior. What better place to study how people are different in groups than in a foreign country! Students will be having the experience of observing and testing theories learned in class in a living laboratory. We will be watching interactions among Italians and interviewing them to understand cultural differences in linguistics, prejudice, conformity, attitude change, relationships, power issues, group process, obedience, and cultural differences. It will truly be exciting to study social psychology in a country that has experienced several political changes over its vast history including the Romans, the Renaissance, kingdoms, Fascism, war, and economic strife.


PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior 3 Units Prerequisite: None. General Education: AA/AS Area III (b); AA/AS Area V (b); CSU Area D2; CSU Area E; IGETC Area 4 Course Transferable to UC/CSU Hours: 54 hours LEC
Course Description and Objectives
This course is an exploration of the broad questions of normality and abnormality. It offers the investigation of specific mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties and current approaches to psychological intervention including present community mental health practice. This course considers the contribution of social, biological and psychological factors to the development and persistence of behavior disorders. PSYC 340 would be a useful course for students majoring in Human Services and/or preparing for a career in psychology or the helping professions. In order to understand what is abnormal, we need to study what is considered normal. Normality is viewed from a cultural context. Is abnormality the same as viewed from an Italian culture as an American culture? Culture affects how mental illness is interpreted, the type of interventions used, and who seeks treatment from a professional versus a nontraditional route. Several advances in treatment of abnormality were from Italy. Did you know that a group of Italian neuroscientists, lead by Ugo Cerletti, introduced the world to electroconvulsive therapy in 1938.
"The social psychology of this century reveals a major lesson: often it is not so much the kind of person a man is as the kind of situation in which he finds himself that determines how he will act." (Milgram, 1974)


In 1978, the Basaglia Law was passed to shut down mental institutions across Italy and replace them with small community hospital psychiatric units and day centers. We will study abnormal psychology by watching interactions among Italians and interviewing Italians to understand differences in understanding of mental illness. We will visit museums to examine the representation of mental illness in art and culture. We will learn about the treatment of mental illness in Italy and how it compares to the United States.  “To be normal is the ideal aim of the unsuccessful.” (Jung)


PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology 3 Units Prerequisite: None. General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D3; CSU Area D9; IGETC Area 4I Course Transferable to UC/CSU Hours: 54 hours LEC
Course Description and Objectives
This course explores the impact of cultural influences on the psychological and individual development of ethnic group members. Emphasis will be placed on integrating traditional theoretical approaches and current cross-cultural statistical research and theory in the study of African-Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, gays & lesbians, the elderly, and the disabled.


One concept we will focus on is cultural encapsulation. Many of us view the world from our own culture, and we may not be open to understanding or accepting other world views. Most Americans come from an individualistic culture where the focus is on the individual; whereas, the Italian culture is collectivistic, and the focus is on the community. This is reflected in the religion, family relationships, rituals, and other cultural phenomenon in Italy. As we learn about other cultures, you may find yourself examining your own culture of origin, and how you fit into the world. Not all of the learning will take place in the classroom. We will be watching interactions among Italians to understand cultural differences in terms of linguistics, communications, relationships, expression of emotion, locus of control, time, and achievement orientation. We will visit museums to understand the representation of cultural differences. Students will be required to keep a journal on critical experiences based on interactions with the community.  “No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” Gandhi


Michael Stanford, San Mateo Community College

HIST 100: HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION I
Units (Grade Option) 3; Class Hours: Minimum of 48 lecture hours/ semester; Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 110; Prerequisite(s): None.
Course Description and Objectives 
This course explores and analyzes the history of Western Civilization from antiquity to the early modern era. We will be studying the ancient world by visiting Greek, Etruscan, and Roman monumental architecture and archeological sites as well as the incredible antiquities museums in Florence, Rome, Naples, and other locations.  For the Middle Ages, Florence and other locations close by will offer an amazing first hand look at Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals and paintings.  Our study of the Renaissance, of course, will be ideal given that students will be living in what was the heart of Renaissance Italy. Students will literally be surrounded by the greatest examples of Renaissance architecture, painting and sculpture, and painting, and will be able to experience first hand the world that they are studying.  Transfer: CSU: C2, UC. (IGeTC: 3B)

HIST 101: HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION II
Units (Grade Option) 3; Class Hours: Minimum of 48 lecture hours/semester; Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 110; Prerequisite(s): None
Course Description and Objectives
This course explores and analyzes the history of Western Civilization from the early modern era to the present.  We will begin with the transition of Italian styles of art and architecture to the Baroque and Rococo.  Here we will integrate the history of the Catholic Church and the Reformation with visits to key sites in Florence, Rome, and other locations.  For our studies of 17th and 18th century Europe we will use such subjects as Palladian architecture and Venetian painting and take a trip to Venice and specific sites in the Veneto.  With the Scientific Revolution we will focus on Galileo, tutor to the Medici princes and the paradigm shift he helped set in motion.  Our study of the Enlightenment and then the Age of Revolution will include a reading of Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, which will take us to the unification of Italy during the 19th century.  For Europe during the 20th century we will examine Italian Futurism in painting and the darker side of era with Mussolini and WWII.  Transfer: CSU: C2, UC. (IGeTC: 3B)

HIST 201: U.S. HISTORY I (Colonies to Reconstruction)
Units (Grade Option) 3; Class Hours: Minimum of 48 lecture hours/semester; Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 110; Prerequisite(s): None.
Course Description and Objectives
This course explores and analyzes U.S. history from pre-Columbian times to 1877. 
While in Florence students will study the birth of the United States within the larger context of Western Civilization, the Columbian Exchange and the growth of the trans-Atlantic economy.  With Florence being one of the key northern Italian city-states we will be ideally situated to study the growth of capitalism in the Mediterranean and the subsequent impetus to exploration.  As a case studies we will use the Medici family and then the Genovese Cristoforo Colombo (Christopher Columbus) to bring us to European contact with the Americas.  The Age of Enlightenment will also serve as a direct link between Europe and the birth of the United States.  Through our study of ancient Roman  and 18th century art and architecture we will also be able to explore neoclassicism and its impact on American architectural styles.  Transfer: CSU: C2, UC. (IGeTC: 3B)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Right Now - In Florence

Right now, Spring 2012, students from Contra Costa community colleges are studying in  Florence, Italy.  Their Instructor, Maria Giuili, is keeping a blog.  Check it out for a preview of what your semester abroad could be like.  To learn a ton about what your life in Florence will be like check out the posts from August 2011 for what's on offer.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Barcelona Courses Transferability


Barcelona F12 Course Offerings - Psychology


 PSYCH 1A – General Psychology
(3 units)                          (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100, College Reading and Writing, or equivalent
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area D - Behavioral Sciences; CSU GE Area D - Social Science; IGETC Area 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences
This is an introductory course in Psychology. Typical topics covered include elements of psychological process such as memory, sensation, perception, thinking and learning as well as an overview of brain function, various psychological disorders and treatments. This course would be taught through the lens of the study abroad experience, taking into account the culture, art, architecture and history of Spain and Western Europe. Students will be afforded the opportunity to learn experientially by applying the academic material covered in the classroom to their day to day lives. Field trips will be used to extend the classroom. Trips to churches, galleries and architectural sites will be followed by discussions that will consider the work in context and the impact of that work on the students. Personal reflection, through a weekly journal assignment will ask students to discuss their daily experiences of life and study abroad, the art and architecture, culture, history and religious traditions of the host country.

PSYCH 5 – Abnormal Psychology
 (3 units)                                                                       (Letter Grade)
Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100, College Reading and Writing, or equivalent
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area D - Behavioral Sciences; CSU GE Area D - Social Science; IGETC Area 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences
This course looks at the nature of abnormal behavior and the various psychological disorders that are often the focus of treatment in the field of mental health. The course will look at abnormality through the study of artists and their works, the portrayal of mental illness through art and literature and explore the interplay between creativity and madness. Students will be asked to look at the lives and work of key cultural figures such as Cervantes, Goya and Dali and create psychological case studies as a way to put the classroom learning into action. In addition, through field trips as well as guest speakers, we will look at the mental health system of Spain, the theories, practices and treatments both historically and in current day and compare those to the system in the United States.

PSYCH 30 – Social Psychology
(3 units)                            (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100, College Reading and Writing, or equivalent
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area D - Behavioral Sciences; CSU GE Area D - Social Science; IGETC Area 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences
This course looks at the interplay between the person and the social environment. Students will learn to identify how social, environmental, and cognitive factors shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Typical topics include: attraction, aggression, conformity, and pro-social behavior. Particular attention will be given to Spanish history and culture. Students will be asked to consider the impact of the Spanish culture, history and religious traditions on the behavior of its people. Because this class will be taught abroad, students will have the advantage of observing and testing theories learned in class in a foreign environment. In this sense, the community becomes the laboratory for the class. Through the use of a weekly written personal reflection, students will be expected to consider how their study abroad experience impacts them, how they grow and change in relation to their experiences. Field trips will be utilized to enhance the material learned in the classroom.

SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE
Instructor: Suzanne Maggio-Hucek
Suzanne Maggio-Hucek, LCSW, has been teaching Psychology at SRJC and Sonoma State University for five years. A licensed clinical social worker, she has worked in community organizations for more than 25 years. Suzanne earned her MSW from Sacramento State University and her BA in English literature from Boston College.
The granddaughter of Italian immigrants, Suzanne has travelled to Europe many times and spent her junior year abroad at the University of Exeter in England. It will be her pleasure to share with all of you her energy and expertise on location in Barcelona, Spain. One of the advantages of study abroad, she says, is the opportunity to put into practice many of the concepts learned in the classroom. Experiences such as learning a new language, trying a new food, finding one's way around an unfamiliar piazza (plaza) or interacting with new classmates all offer the student an opportunity to learn through doing, thereby creating an environment that has the potential for profound personal and academic growth. “Stretching beyond our comfort zone, far away from the safety and security of the familiar encourages us to challenge ourselves in new ways,” she explained. “Psychology is a field that offers us a window into that process; an opportunity to look at how we respond and why and a chance for us to get to know ourselves in a profound and life changing way.”


Barcelona F12 Course Offerings - History



HIST 122 – Critical Reasoning in History
 (3 units)                         (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 122-Freshman English: Composition and Reading, or equivalent with a grade of C or better
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area I-B - Communication and Analytical Thinking; CSU Area A3 - Critical Thinking; IGETC Area 1B - Critical Thinking                   
Critical reasoning in history is a process of questioning, analyzing, and evaluating oral and written ideas, concepts, and interpretation of the past. This process will include an introduction to the principles of inductive and deductive reasoning. The goal is to learn how to identify historical viewpoints, gather and organize historical information, recognize historical relationships and patterns, and see the relevancy of historical insights as background for an understanding of current events and issues. Students will consider issues like Catalan identity, the recent changes in immigration to Spain, and Spanish popular culture within an historical context. In doing so students will visit historical sites, engage the local culture and make a pilgrimage to the Camp Nou.

HIST 127 – African American Perspective History of the US to 1865
 (3 units)                         (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 122-Freshman Composition and Reading, or equivalent
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area III - Arts & Humanities, IV - Social and Behavioral Sciences, or V - Multicultural Studies; and 1/2 American Institutions; CSU Area C2 - Humanities, D3 - Ethnic Studies, or D6 – History and 1/2 U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals; IGETC Area 3B - Humanities or 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences and 1/2 U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals
The course will examine the early African presence in America, the origins of the slave trade, and explore political, economic, demographic and cultural influences shaping African American life and culture prior to 1865. Given their particular history in the United States, African Americans have a special relationship with the people and events that shaped Iberia. The African, Berber and Arab presence in Spain and the African participation in Spanish conquest have direct relevance to African American history. This class will examine African American history within that context. In this endeavor, students will benefit from Spain's rich relationship with the Mediterranean world and will take advantage of museums like the Egyptian Museum of Barcelona and the Museu Barbier-Mueller d’Art Pre- Colombí among other sites.

HIST 140--History of Western Civilization to the Renaissance
 (3 units)                         (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 122-Freshman Composition and Reading, or equivalent
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area III - Arts & Humanities or IV - Social and Behavioral Sciences; CSU Area C2 - Humanities, D6 – History; IGETC Area 3B - Humanities or 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences
In this history of western civilization to the 17th century we will cultivate an understanding of modern civilization by tracing political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual developments and relationships of the past. With an emphasis on midieval Spain and Spanish Atlantic history, we will study the amazing array of peoples and events that inform our own culture. Spain sits at the nexus of the Mediterranean and Atlantic worlds; it was a profound cultural crossroads. The influence of Egyptians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, Muslims, Jews, Christians, and Gypsies is palpable in everyday Spanish life. Museums like the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and historic places like the Gothic Quarter, including the Museu d'Història de Catalunya will enrich the historical subjects of this class.


SOCSC 155* – Spanish Life and Culture
(3 units)                          (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Recommended: eligibility for ENGL 122- Freshman Composition and Reading, or equivalent
CSU; AA/AS Elective
This course is designed to introduce students to Spain with a broad overview of Spanish culture and civilization through presentations by guest lecturers and some related field trips and activities. The course takes a social, historical, and cultural approach to Spanish society. Topics may include Spain’s history, the History of Catalonia, the Media, customs, Franco, art, music and cuisine, as well as general aspects of Spanish Life. This course is required for all Semester in Spain students whose AIFS applications are processed through Diablo Valley College.

DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE
Instructor Matthew Powell
Matthew Powell, Ed.D. is professor of History at Diablo Valley College. He earned his BA and Teaching Credential from Chico State, his MA from the University of New Mexico, his doctorate from UC Davis, and has studied history and languages at the Université de Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Sénégal and at Universidad de La Habana in Havana, Cuba. His teaching specialty is the African Diaspora with a special interest in the African Atlantic. Powell has traveled in western Europe and throughout Central and South America with extended and repeated stays in Venezuela, Colombia and Guatemala. In all of these places he has practiced yoga and martial arts. After having studied French in Antibes, he is excited to spend the semester on the Mediterranean in Catalunya! Students who join him in this adventure will be required to make use of Barcelona's rich resources and encouraged to see themselves as citizens of the world and as intimately connected to historical people and events. Animate!

Barcelona F12 Course Offerings - Art


ART 300 – Elementary Drawing and Composition
(3 units)                          (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area I - Humanities; CSU Area C1 - Arts
The fine art medium of drawing is inseparable from the act of seeing.
This beginning course covers the fundamentals and extended development of visual awareness: gaining skills in the use of line, shape, value, perspective, space and composition. Incorporating the beautiful backdrop of Barcelona in our curriculum, utilizing the vast array of museum and gallery collections, students will have the opportunity for drawing both inside and outside the classroom. The opportunity to draw from masters inside museums such as the Picasso Museum and the Foundation Miro is an invaluable artistic experience. Students will be introduced to various media and techniques of drawing: including charcoal, ink and pencil.

ART 302 – Elementary Drawing and Composition
(3 units)                          (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Prerequisite: ART 300 with a grade of "C" or better; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
CSU/UC; AA/AS elective; CSU Area C1 - Arts
This second-semester course continues to explore fundamentals and the development of visual awareness: gaining skills in the use of line, shape, value, perspective, space and composition. The expressive visual element of COLOR will be introduced in this course. Incorporating the beautiful backdrop of Barcelona in our curriculum, utilizing the vast array of museum and gallery collections, students will have the opportunity for drawing both inside and outside the classroom. The opportunity to draw from masters inside museums such as the Picasso Museum and the Foundation Miro is an invaluable artistic experience. Students will increase expertise in various media and techniques of drawing: beginning with charcoal and moving into colored pencils and pastels.

ARTH 309 - Art Survey: Renaissance to 19th Century
(3 units)                          (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area I - Humanities; CSU Area C1 - Arts; IGETC Area 3A - Arts
The Mediterranean city Barcelona, renowned for its beauty and architecture, as well as in its urban offerings and abundance of cultural events, provides a perfect locale to study Art History.
Barcelona has been a beacon of artists and writers for many centuries, and this course capitalizes on the abundant resources available by visiting museums such as the beautiful Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. Students will analyze and compare works from the Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic/Neoclassic and Impressionist periods. Viewing masterpieces by artists such as Velasquez and Goya in person will prove an invaluable asset in understanding both the formal elements and the historical context of the art. Students will be encouraged to explore the wide-ranging cultural offerings of Barcelona outside of the class as part of curriculum.

ARTH 311 – Art Survey: Modern Art
(3 units)                          (Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area I - Humanities; CSU Area C1 - Arts; IGETC Area 3A - Arts
Barcelona’s magnificent contribution to modern art is immeasurable.
Viewing original works by Catalan modern masters such as Picasso, Dali and Miro and Gaudi provides a wonderful opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Spanish art history and acquire a greater understanding of the incredible sights that constantly surround them in Barcelona. By studying and evaluating diverse art forms from the mid 19th to 20th centuries and ending with the contemporary art scene, students will gain valuable insight and perspective.
In addition to Barcelona’s own Picasso and Miro, we’ll be highlighting Antoni Gaudi’s contributions with far-reaching influence on international architecture, specifically the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Field trip to neighboring town of Figueres to visit the Salvado Dali Museum provides another valuable experience. Students will be encouraged to explore the wide-ranging architectural and cultural offerings of Barcelona outside of the class as part of curriculum.


COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE
Instructor Diane Richey-Ward
Diane is a practicing visual artist and fulltime Professor of Art at American River College in Sacramento. Her mixed-media drawings and video installations have been exhibited regionally and in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Europe. She has been the fortunate recipient of eleven artist-in-Residencies in the US, Netherlands, France, Canada and Mexico. These fellowships involve creating a body of work over a period of two months in a guest studio, then exhibiting these drawings at the conclusion of her stay. Diane has been awarded a residency for Barcelona this June, initiating a series involving architectural structure and Antoni Gaudi. She has had the privilege of teaching abroad with NCSAC three previous semesters: Art History and Drawing in Paris in 2008, Florence in 2009, and London in 2010. These experiences have further cementing her fierce commitment and enthusiasm for the Study Abroad program. Having concentrated on the medium of Drawing in both her teaching and artistic expression, she combines this expertise with extensive travel and art historical experience to provide a unique opportunity for students to broaden their visual and cultural awareness.