July 8, 2014 - Nineteen King’s College students recently completed a three week faculty-led study abroad program to Spain and Morocco.
The program, titled “Geographies of Europe - Spain and Morocco: Interfaith Communities and the Boundaries of Mediterranean Identity,” included visits to museums, landmarks, churches, mosques and synagogues, and excursions to Madrid, Salamanca, Cordoba, Granada and Rabat, Morocco.
They were also immersed in Spanish culture through homestays, interaction with local students, and conversations with members of contemporary Spanish Jewish and Muslim communities. Students enhanced their experience by creating photo essays and digital stories.
Students studied the ethnic and religious cultures of the Mediterranean world from the perspective of medieval Iberian culture. The course demonstrates how cross-cultural contact among Christians, Jews, and Muslims in Al-Andalus led to a world in which religious tolerance often triumphed over violence and ethno-religious conflict.
King’s professors Dr. Bridget Costello, associate professor of sociology, and Dr. Daniel Clasby, assistant professor of history, were program directors. Megan Borsuk, coordinator of short-term faculty-led programs abroad, assisted in developing the program.
King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of the Holy Cross.
King’s students and faculty participating in the short-term study abroad experience to Spain and Morocco are, from left: Kati Sudnick, Jennifer Momenzadeh, Corrinia Bonk, Emily Heimbecker, Aubrey Gryskiewicz, Amanda Harney, and Amber Soden. Standing: Dr. Daniel Clasby, assistant professor of history; Natalie Pacileo; Jamie Costello; David Javick; Samuel Levandoski; Joel Martinez; Joshua Berman; Christopher Theodorou; Deirdre Cooney; Mary Kate Bulger; Marissa Durako; Brenna Smudde; and Dr. Bridget Costello, associate professor of sociology. Absent from photo: Stephanie Widdoes.