Three Cultures of Medieval Spain

Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada—Spain

• Dates – June 28–July 26, 2026
• Max Enrollment – 20
• Taught In – English
• Prerequisites – No
• Academic Area – Spanish

Program Overview

This program will introduce students to six important Spanish cities—Segovia, Toledo, Córdoba, Sevilla and Granada—along with their history and cultural legacy. In particular, we will focus on the Medieval period when three different religious communities—Christian, Muslim and Jewish—struggled to co-exist and forge a new society, eventually evolving into modern Spain. The arrival in 711 c.e. of the conquering Arabs, along with their superior material lifestyle for the times, fueled a renaissance in Spain right up until their expulsion by the Catholic rulers, Isabel and Ferdinand, in 1492, the same year the Jews were also expelled. The all-pervasive cultural exchanges that occurred during these eight centuries among these three groups irrevocably shaped Spain´s identity and, from today´s perspective, now provide stimulating comparisons for examining current world events.

Program Contacts

• Program Coordinator – Ramina Murshudova
• Instructor – Robert Blake

Program Highlights

• Guided tours of the principal historical cities of Spain: Toledo, Córdoba, Sevilla and Granada.
• Guest lectures and readings about the Spanish Medieval period.
• Local transportation, museum fees, lodging, and most meals pre-arranged.
• Pre-arranged home stays with Spanish families for most of the program.
• Pre-arranged special food tastings and cultural/musical events (e.g., flamenco).

What Student Are Saying

• 2024 Student Testimonials (Videos)