Minor in Spanish Arts and Culture

Designed for students who plan to study abroad in Valencia, Spain, the Minor in Spanish Arts and Culture presents an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Spanish identity and its relation to traditional and contemporary artistic practices. Valencia—home to 50% of Spain’s musicians—has a rich cultural heritage and its history is rooted in music. It is representative of Spain’s unique character. Through the Minor in Spanish Arts and Culture, students will explore the music, arts, and culture of Spain and position this knowledge in its societal and global context. The Minor in Spanish Arts and Culture prepares students to become active and knowledgeable members of an intersecting and interdisciplinary music industry with a global impact.

Overseen by the Berklee Valencia campus, the minor consists of a minimum of 10 credits: one required 3-credit course, as well as 3-4 elective courses for an additional 7 credits. Students must complete at least 7 credits during their Study Abroad semester in Valencia.

Entrance Requirements

Students should meet the required prerequisites for each course and should follow the regular declaration of minor procedure as outlined in the Registration Guide.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Minor in Spanish Arts and Culture, students will:

- develop a global perspective on the performance and evolution of musical traditions through the Spanish context, using Valencia as a framework;
- gain a deeper understanding of the historical and sociocultural context of Spain, specifically its relation to the arts;
- recognize the link between Spanish arts and culture and other traditions and artistic languages; 
- integrate music traditions from Spain into musical practices; and
- evaluate critical perspectives on Spanish culture, society, and artistic expressions.

Curriculum and Courses

Required Course (3 credits):

  • LMAS-259: Spanish Music, Culture, and Society (3 credits; Valencia)

Elective Courses (choose any combination for an additional 7 credits):

  • LSPN-161, LSPN-262, LSPN-363, or LSPN-464: Spanish 1, 2, 3, or 4 (3 credits, Boston or Valencia)
  • LHIS-251: History of Spanish Film (3 credits, Valencia)
  • LVIS-251: Visual Art, Patrimony, and Culture of Valencia (3 credits, Valencia)
  • LVIS-252: Ephemeral Structures: Festivals, Fairs, and Fire (3 credits, Valencia)
  • CW-227: Flamenco Music Composing and Arranging (2 credits, Boston or Valencia)
  • ENGB-404: Middle Eastern/Flamenco Ensemble (1 credit, Valencia)
  • ENGB-228: Contemporary Spanish Music/Flamenco Ensemble (1 credit, Boston)
  • ILGT-119: Guitar Skills Lab Flamenco (1 credit, Boston or Valencia)
  • ILPD-273: Cajón Playing Styles (1 credit, Boston or Valencia)
  • ILPN-207: Flamenco Jazz Piano (1 credit, Boston)
  • PSW-425: Flamenco Rhythm Styles (1 credit, Valencia)