Academic Program

Reunidas Courses:

Universidades Reunidas is a consortium of American universities that have been in operation for more than 60 years and offers numerous special three-credit courses in Spanish and English.  For the Spanish Track, courses are offered in the area of humanities (language, literature, history, philosophy, art), and social sciences (international relations, gender studies, cultural studies). For the English Track courses are offered in several areas (business, economics, art, politics, history and culture) as well as a mandatory language component for U.S.-based students only.

Academic expectations in Reunidas classes (a syllabus, midterm and final exams, homework assignments, attendance policies) are similar to those in U.S. classrooms.

Complutense Courses (Spanish Track AY and Spring students):

Complutense offerings span a full range of depth and breadth in world geography and history (including area studies), world literature, anthropology, philosophy, and economics, and all courses carry three credits.

Complutense courses start around the same time as Reunidas courses but have their final exams later. Final exams, which may include an oral component, are scheduled in January and late May. Mid-term examinations are customary. In addition to lectures, you can expect to have group work and papers, practice sessions, and even an oral presentation.

Note that courses taught in English with readings in English do not satisfy the program’s Complutense course requirement. You may not take North American, British, or any other literature or history of the English-speaking world courses (even if taught in Spanish) or classes dealing strictly with the U.S. (unless, for example, they are comparative in nature, such as comparative politics).

Although opportunities exist to study other foreign languages in Madrid, WIP students are limited to advanced courses in literature, culture, civilization, history of the language, or advanced linguistics that are taught in the foreign language, not beginning and intermediate language courses. (UW students must refer to their IAP Study Abroad Handbook for more information on policies regarding third language classes.)

Prior to your departure for Spain, take advantage of Complutense course lists available at your school’s study abroad office or on their website to make some tentative plans regarding the Complutense courses you will pursue.

The main Complutense University (UCM) website is: www.ucm.es.

Class schedules (timetables) are available for the upcoming academic year online, usually by July.