Spain & Turkey

SPAIN and TURKEY: A journey through water

Dates: July - August, 2008

Group Leader: Prof. Aysen Tanyeri-Abur (a.tanyeriabur at neu.edu)

Course Description:

This dialogue will take place in two countries, situated on opposite sides of the Mediterranean, but which share many similarities: both are peninsulas surrounded by water, they have been home to great empires (the Spanish, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires), and both have a rich history of mixed peoples and cultures. We will use "water" as the unifying theme for this dialogue to explore these similarities and examine contrasts between Spain and Turkey. The topics covered will include the interaction of water and economics, politics, food, history, culture, art, literature and music.

Using the International Expo Zaragoza 2008 theme "Water and Sustainable Development" as a starting point, we will develop two separate tracks to follow water and its interaction with the people and the environment over time and in the future. The Expo 2008 is an international exposition that lasts from 14 June to 14 September 2008, and has thematic pavilions, shows, lectures, films, etc. all on the theme of water .

Our journey will begin in the city of Zaragoza (and the province by the same name), in the unique Aragon region of Spain. Parts of Zaragoza's landscape are similar to that of North Africa, it is a dry, mainly agricultural region with a very rich Roman, Arab and of course Spanish heritage. We will then move to Istanbul, a city on water. Istanbul, situated on two continents, is on the Bosphorus, which is the strait that joins the Black Sea to the Agean Sea. It is an important city, not only from a historic and geopolitical/strategic perpective but also as a vibrant and modern city with a very rich cultural heritage. We will also explore the region around Istanbul. The brief contents of the two courses are described below:

Course Credits:

IAF U938 Dialogue of Civilizations Globalization and Social Sciences (focused on economics, politics and sustainable development) (4 SH)
This course will focus on water, and analyze its economic, legal, political, social, health and environmental importance. The course will review basic concepts related to water and economics, and will include topics, inter alia, on: its importance as a renewable resource, its supply (underground and surface), issues related to its use as an input to agriculture and other industries, including power; the competing demand for water in urban and rural areas; water pricing; water in the history and economic development of the regions visited; water politics; water and health and other related topics. The course will consist of presentations of conceptual aspects of these topics, but applied to local situations in Spain and Turkey through visits to the different water related sights and institutions.

IAF U939 Dialogue of Civilizations Humanities and Cultural Studies (focused on geography, history, culture and art)(4 SH)
This course will focus on water and culture, the role water plays in the daily lives of the areas we visit and the role it has played in the history of these regions, in terms of shaping their development and their culture, the art, literature, music, food and other aspects of daily life. Since there are several overlapping aspects of culture and the social and economic issues, some topics will be treated simultaneously between the two courses. The excursions will be geared to compare and contrast the geography, the people, the foods, and the traditions of the different regions to develop a better understanding of these two countries and the impact water has had (and continues to have) in their lives.

Cost: Most of the major program costs will be covered by summer tuition. There may be an additional program fee depending on length of stay in-country, airline ticket prices, or other extra expenses. Students will be responsible for meals and personal spending money. Financial aid is applicable, so contact your financial aid advisor.

Application Process: The program is open to students of any major. Download the Dialogue of Civilizations application, enrollment form, and waiver form. Turn in the completed forms to Cynthia Rapp in the International Affairs Office, 270 Holmes Hall.

Application Deadline: January 7, 2008

Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.