SUMMER-ABROAD.UCDAVIS.EDU July 09, 2008 04:01 AM
Class Size: 16-28This field course examines housing and community development in Spain, with a focus on Barcelona and Catalonia. Through lectures, field trips, and work experiences, we learn about housing problems and solutions, as well as efforts to regenerate older neighborhoods and integrate the Gypsy population and immigrants from Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. We will study the political, ideological, and cultural factors that inform housing policy and the role of the state and community organizations in planning and community development.
“Studying abroad shaped my college career and helped me get professors for letters of recommendations.” (Barcelona, Spain 2006)
Robert Wiener, Ph.D.
Department
rob@calruralhousing.org
Rob Wiener has been at UC Davis for nearly 15 years, lecturing on housing and social policy. He is also the Executive Director of the California Coalition for Rural Housing, one of the oldest coalitions of nonprofit builders in the U.S. In 1999, he co-edited and -wrote a landmark book on Housing in Rural America and is currently working on another book on affordable housing practice in California. He is a leader in efforts to achieve decent and affordable housing for low-income people through federal, state, and local action.
This Program carries a total of 6 units. Enrolled students must take both courses listed. Auditing is not an option.
The class will combine lectures, field trips, and work assignments in order to enrich students' learning and gain hands-on experiences. Generally, there will be 3-4 hours per day of organized classroom and field instruction. Students will have free time in the afternoons and weekends to further explore topical issues and enjoy the sights. Optional outings may include museums, historical landmarks, cultural events, and outdoors recreation.
We will explore Barcelona and the metropolitan region through lectures and walking tours that focus on the rich planning and design traditions of the city through history: The Medieval City; The Modern City; The Olympic City; The Futurist City.
In the second week, the class will investigate contemporary issues in housing and community development in Barcelona and Catalonia. Lectures and walking tours will focus on the housing problems of young people and the poor; regeneration of older neighborhoods; integration of internal and external immigrants; and the role of grassroots organizations. To the extent possible, classroom instruction will occur within neighborhoods with severe housing and development needs.
In the final week, students will break into small groups according to interests and investigate a critical issue or issues in housing and community development at the neighborhood level. Through community service, participant observation, and conversations with local professionals and residents, students will make presentations to the large group on their findings and impressions.
Field trips are an integral part of the program experience. The exact trips will be listed in the final syllabus and discussed once you arrive in Barcelona.
Possible field trips include:
In addition to the scheduled classes and field trips, there may be optional 
group trips and extracurricular activities. The type of activity will be discussed once you arrive in Barcelona. Possible destinations include:
Participants will live in the Residencia Universitaria La Ciutadella. Rooms include a bathroom and kitchen, which are "totally equipped." The facility has a TV room, game room, lounges, small exercise room, and computer lab with 6 computers. Use of computers, including Internet access, printers is free for all residents.
Most rooms will have air conditioning, but a few of you will be lodging in less expensive, non-air conditioned rooms.
Use of telephone and laundry facilities is not included in the price. If you choose to use these services, you are responsible for fees charged.
Meals will not be provided with your accommodations. There is a grocery store within a two-minute walking distance of the accommodations, and there is a restaurant on the ground floor.
In true Catalonian fashion, lunches are typically taken in mid-afternoon (2:00-3:00) and dinners late at night (9:00-10:00 p.m.).
Fees for Summer Abroad include the Summer Abroad Program Fee, Course Fee, and Accommodations and Activities Fee. The Accommodation and Activities Fee covers lodging, selected field trips, group accidental death & dismemberment and emergency health insurance, select publications, and additional program specific costs. Airfare is not included. All fees are subject to change.
| $1000.00 | Program Fee (includes $300 non-refundable deposit) |
| $882.00 | Course Fee ($147/unit X 6 units)* |
| $1127.00 | Accommodations and Activities Fee Double room with a/c |
| $955.00 | Accommodations and Activities Fee Double room without a/c |
| $3009.00 | TOTAL FEES CHARGED TO STUDENTS (Double with a/c) |
| $2837.00 | TOTAL FEES CHARGED TO STUDENTS (Double without a/c) |