SESSION 1 PRESENTATION

SPANISH CIVILIZATION AND

CULTURE

CEA BARCELONA GLOBAL CAMPUS

SPRING 2007 PROGRAMME
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OUTLINE OF THE SESSION

3) Introductions

5) The plan for the course

7) The paradoxes of Spain

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1) Introductions

-Me

-You

-Spain
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2) The plan for the course

Content:
-Sessions & Special Sessions
-Discussion papers & Assignments
-Participation in class
-Midterm/Final examination
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3) Why is this course important?

-To understand the historical evolution of
Spain and Catalonia

-To understand one of the biggest socio-

economic transformation worldwide in the
last 50 years. (Korea and Spain show the
highest GDP growth in the 1950-2000
period)

-Is Spain an example to follow?

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Spain:
b) How many languages are spoken in
Spain?
c) Head of State?
d) Prime Minister?
e) Population?
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Recent History:

-After the death of General Franco in 1975, Spain embarked

on a political transition to democracy.

-Following the legalisation of political parties, the first free

election for 40 years was held in 1977

-In 1978 a referendum approved a new democratic

constitution and repealed many of the laws of the
Franco era

-In 1986 Spain joined the European Community (now EU)

-Spain was one of the founder members of economic and

monetary union (EMU) in January 1999
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Political structure:

-Spain is a constitutional monarchy. The king, Juan Carlos,

will be succeeded by his son, Felipe.

-The parliament, or Cortes, is bicameral. Real power resides

in the 350-seat lower house (Congress of Deputies).

-The upper house (Senate) has 208 directly elected

members and 51 regional representatives.

-Spain in now the most decentralised large country in Europe

after Germany, but demands for greater autonomy by
some of the 17 regions or autonomous communities are
a source of political tension.
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Social Structure: Quality of life in Spain

Determinants of quality of life (The EIU)

1. Material wellbeing
gdp per person,
2. Health
Life expectancy at birth, years.
3. Political stability and security
Political stability and security ratings.
4. Family life
Divorce rate (per 1,000 population)
5. Community life
6. Climate and geography
Latitude, to distinguish between warmer and colder climes.
7. Job security
Unemployment rate, %.
8. Political freedom
Average of indices of political and civil liberties.
9. Gender equality
Ratio of average male and female earnings