PSYC 258, Psychology and Modern Neuroscience in Spain

Spanish biologist Santiago Ramón y Cajal is considered by many to be the father of modern neurosciences, including behavioral and cognitive neurosciences. This course will review some of Cajal’s major contributions to neuroscience, examine his interest in mental processes, review current trends in psychology in Spain, and introduce the emerging field of cultural neuroscience.

The course covers the development of the nervous system and neural communication and reviews Cajal’s major contributions to the field of neuroscience. Class meetings will review Cajal’s neuron doctrine, his theories of brain development and plasticity, and how his ideas may be relevant to the understanding of mental processes. In addition, the course reviews current trends in psychology in Spain and the emerging field of cultural neuroscience, and the intersection of neuroscience and cultural psychology. Course goals will be met by required readings, class discussion, and journaling.


SPAN 258*/458**, Spain: Land of Many Cultures

The modern nation of Spain is a melting pot of many cultures and faiths—western and eastern European, Christian and Islamic. The coursework component of the Spain Maymester Program is the first step of an exploration into the cultural diversity of Spain, an exploration that culminates in a ten-day visit to central and southern Spain in May 2014. This course is designed to provide you with a basic historical and cultural background for an 11-day visit to central and southern Spain in May 2014.

*SPAN 258 is cross-listed with SPAN 458.
*SPAN 258 is designed for non-Spanish-speaking students. Readings are in English.

**SPAN 458 is designed for Spanish minors and majors and counts as an elective. Readings are in English. Essays and journal entries for SPAN 458 must be written in Spanish.

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1 - Overnight flight to Spain

Day 2 - The Capital
Arrive in Madrid
Walking tour of Madrid (shake off the jet lag)

Day 3 - Explore Madrid
Morning: guided bus tour and a visit to the Royal Palace and visit the El Prado Museum
Afternoon: Visit the instituto Cajal

Day 4 - Central Spain
Explore the beautiful city of Segovia and admire the remarkable Roman aqueduct. Enjoy a typical cochinillo lunch

Day 5 - Stop by the windmills of Consuegra and Puerto Lapice to see where Don Quijote was knighted before continuing on your drive to Granada. Gather at a local gypsy cave to attend an evening flamence show.

Day 6 - Sevilla
Take a guided tour of Granada's Alhambra Palace. Look at the beautiful architecture overlooking the Sierra Nevada. Travel to Sevilla

Day 7 - Sevilla
Go to the Plaza de Espana, the Cathedral, the Alcazar, and the Santa Cruz quarter on a guided tour

Day 8 - Sevilla/Cordoba
Visit the Mezquita and stroll through the gardens of the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

Day 9 - Sevilla
Enjoy a free day in Sevilla to explore for yourselves

Day 10 - Board the AVE high-speed train to Madrid and enjoy free time in the capital city

Day 11 - Departure
Board your return flight home