Contemporary Spain: Economy, Society and Environment

BRIEF COURSE PRESENTATION
Spain is comprised of an absolutely fascinating set of diverse places, inhabited by intriguingly
diverse peoples, traditions and landscapes consequence of its rich history, cultural heritage and complex
geography. The focus of this course is on learning about the country, regions and the people. In a
context marked by economic crisis, the pressures from sectors such as construction, tourism, transport,
energy and agriculture, high densities and pressures in coastal areas and islands determines that Spain
faces important challenges in economic, social and environmental issues. The teachers will try to
provide an open, critical and diverse overview of contemporary Spain using press releases, videos,
reports and presentations.

OBJECTIVES
The course aims to provide:

• A coherent content focused upon the ways in which relationships between people and the natural environment and patterns of spatial relationships vary across Spain.
• An understanding of how these relationships produce the distinctiveness of particular places, landscapes, and patterns of environmental and human attributes, society and identities.
• An appreciation of the characteristics of the urban, regional and rural environments of selected

areas in Spain and the geographical processes which underlie their development.
SKILLS OUTCOMES
Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of:

• Relationships between human and physical systems in Spain.
• Main demographic, economic and environmental characteristics, threats and challenges in Spain.Students have the opportunity to develop the following skills during the course:
• To contribute to students’ understanding of important issues and problems in Spain’s contemporary society
• To discuss the nature of the main social, economic and environmental problems.
• To understand some of the processes and trends shaping Spain today.
• To analyze of broader environmental, social and economic threads and challenges.
•  To encourage in students a sensitive awareness of peoples, places and landscapes, both in their own country and elsewhere.

SYLLABUS
The syllabuses are presented within 9 topics, each based on a broad theme:
TOPIC 1: SPAIN'S CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY. An exceptionally diverse country: main
geographical features. Spain´s strategic location. The romantic and mythologized Spain. Spanish lifestyle.
Diversity of Gastronomy: From tradition to the international projection of the Spanish Cuisine. Main
Popular Festivals and Religious Events around Spain.
TOPIC 2: SPAIN TODAY: POLITICAL CONTEXT. The Kingdom of Spain and Democracy: Parliamentary government under a constitutional monarchy. The country territorial divisions and political structures. Devolution processes and the Autonomous Communities’ role.

TOPIC 3: THE SPANISH NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE AS ECONOMIC RESOURCE. The growth of
leisure facilities and tourism in relation to the main attractions of the physical and human landscape.
Environmental threats: the difficult balance between economic growth and sustainable development.
TOPIC 4: ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: A COUNTRY WITH NO PETROL.The need for energy
supplies. Spain leadership in the technological and industrial development of renewable energies:
“Renewables Made in Spain”.
TOPIC 5: POPULATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM IN SPAIN. changes and trends. Migration: Puss-
Pull factors. Population Distribution and Demographic Dynamics. Health Care System and Public
Education. The crisis and budget cuts. Privatization of public services.
TOPIC 6: SPAIN IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT. The Spanish EU Integration. Spain within the Global
Context.
TOPIC 7: AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES. The economic and social challenges facing rural
environments. Changes in traditional agriculture: organic farming versus the expansion of greenhouses.
The role of agribusiness. Irrigated agriculture and environmental and social conflicts.
TOPIC 8: THE SPANISH FINANCIAL CRISIS. The booming housing market and construction industry severe
recession. Spanish Economy Strengths and Weaknesses. Spanish unemployment. The Government
measures to reduce public debt. The sparking wave of social protests.
TOPIC 9: SEVILLE: brief History of the city and its geographical context. Recent urban, metropolitan and
regional controversies. Field trip.