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    Humanities in Action

    Expand your perspective through arts and culture in Madrid
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    • Summer Programs For University Students
    • Humanities In Action
    duration2 weeks
    languageEnglish
    locationMadrid
    Intake9th – 20th of June, 2025
    FormatIn-person
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    HUMANITIES IN ACTION

    Discover the humanities like never before. Over two enriching weeks, Humanities in Action will transform Madrid into your classroom—a living laboratory where you can broaden your perspective through the region’s arts and culture.

    Whether you’re marveling at iconic masterpieces or diving into key philosophical ideas, this experiential module will sharpen your understanding of global issues like politics, sustainability and diversity. Through every experience, it challenges you to rethink how history’s greatest achievements can inspire solutions to the big questions of our time. You’ll engage with key topics hands-on and cultivate cultural sensitivity to inform the way you engage with the world—academically, professionally and personally.

    WANT TO KNOW MORE?
    days to start your best summer
    66days
    :
    05hours
    :
    46minutes

    Course Overview – Typical Day in the Humanities in Action Program

    Your dynamic daily schedule brings the humanities to life through various interactive and experiential activities. Whether you’re pondering questions or exploring artistic and cultural expressions in the field, each day is an opportunity to broaden your worldview.

    • A view of the Prado Museum entrance featuring a statue in the foreground and the Spanish flag above.

      Week 1:

      • Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
      • Tuesday and Friday: excursions to iconic destinations like Toledo and El Escorial—don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore history and culture!
    • A group of people observing a striking black and white artwork featuring distorted figures and chaotic elements.

      Week 2:

      • Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
      • Friday: Dedicated to Team Challenge presentations and later, a fun graduation ceremony.

    WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

    • This program is right for you if…

      …you are a curious and open-minded individual aiming to expand your humanities-based skill set and gain a broader, global perspective to tackle the pressing issues of our time.

    • Participant profile

      The Humanities in Action module is specially designed for university students and recent graduates from any discipline, between 18 and 24 years old. Students joining us from institutions abroad will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of a European capital. And if you’re already enrolled in IE University, you’ll get the chance to experience Madrid like never before.

    Focus Areas

    Step into a world where the humanities fuel your professional growth. This module equips you with a versatile, humanities-based skill set to prepare you for impactful careers across diverse fields. Whether you’re connecting the dots between history and culture or collaborating on innovative solutions, you’ll gain the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

    • 01.

      Explore Humanities through Arts, Culture, and Philosophy

      Engage in masterclasses at IE Tower to delve into the humanities, exploring how arts, culture, and philosophy shape our understanding of the world. Enhance your creative thinking and cultural awareness through interactive sessions and real-world examples.

    • 02.

      Address Politics, Diversity, and Sustainability

      Examine global challenges through the lenses of politics, diversity, and sustainability. Participate in a team challenge to develop and present innovative solutions to pressing global issues.

    • 03.

      Gain Insights from History and Art for Creative Thinking

      Visit iconic museums like the Prado and the Reina Sofía Museum, and enjoy day trips to culturally rich destinations such as Toledo and San Lorenzo de El Escorial. These experiences will help you draw inspiration from history and art to foster creative problem-solving and cultural understanding..

    • 04.

      Humanities in Action Challenge!

      Visit an additional Madrid cultural venue with your classmates and aim to solve an urgent challenge through humanities-based thinking —how arts and culture can inspire solutions to solve climate emergencies, economic crises, or political crossroads?

    Unique Value

    This module stands out by taking learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of Madrid, offering an immersive experience that blends cultural exploration with critical thinking. Participants engage directly with the city’s artistic and historical heritage, drawing on these insights to address contemporary global challenges in innovative ways.

    Learning Outcome

    Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how human creativity shapes societies and global issues, learning to apply these lessons in real-world contexts. Through collaboration with peers, they will gain a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of global challenges and enhance their ability to think critically and creatively.

    Program Structure

    What Your're going to do
    2 Weeks
    Week 1
      Week 2
        Final Project

          Exploring the Foundations of Humanity

          • Day 1: Introduction to Humanities in Action

            A journey through classical philosophy and its relevance to modern well-being begins the program.

          • Day 2: Walking Through History in Toledo

            Discover how medieval Spain’s coexistence of different communities connects to today’s discussions on diversity and inclusion.

          • Day 3: Urban Life in Literature

            Navigating the cosmopolitan world of the Golden Age through the works of Lope de Vega, Cervantes, and Calderón de la Barca.

          • Day 4: Arts and Power

            Explore how art shapes politics at the Prado Museum, where masterpieces reveal history, power, and influence.

          • Day 5: Legacy of the Escorial

            Examining power and culture through an in-depth visit to San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

          Creating Connections for the Future

          • Day 6: Sustainability in Enlightenment Ideas

            Connecting 18th-century advancements to today’s climate change challenges.

          • Day 7: Breaking the Rules in Art

            Learning to see from new perspectives with avant-garde and contemporary art examples.

          • Day 8: Exploring Artistic Creativity

            Immersive experiences in artists' studios in Carabanchel, discovering creativity, innovation, and the local art scene.

          • Day 9: Building the Future Through Architecture

            Exploring how innovative architecture shapes the way we inhabit and interact with spaces.

          • Day 10: Module Wrap-Up and Presentations

            Final group project presentations to conclude the program.

          Humanities in Action Challenge

          In groups, students will independently visit additional cultural venue in Madrid (museum, cultural center, monument, etc.) and will be given an urgent challenge (climate emergency, political conflict, economic crisis) and will have to argue how arts and culture presented in the given venue can contribute to inspire solutions to the given challenge to foster positive change.

          What Your're going to do
          2 Weeks

          Discover the program's agenda

          Dive into a curriculum that immerses you in hands-on learning. Through a mix of interactive classes, collaborative group work, presentations and our innovative media lab, you’ll develop essential skills for success.

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          OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

          Daniel Valtueña - Professor at IE University

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          DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU

          With flexible programs, you can mix and match the topics that interest you the most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks, except the Entrepreneurship program, which lasts four, and you can combine up to three programs to create a very personal learning journey.​

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          Upskilling for Professional Development

          Turn your strengths and ambitions into real-world growth by exploring self-discovery techniques, learning practical strategies and gaining insights to help you take control of your career.

          • (1st Edition): Monday, May 26 – Friday, June 6.
          • (2nd Edition): Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
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          Customer Experience Innovation

          Learn how the pros design seamless, unforgettable customer experiences that help businesses stand out through deep dives into design thinking and customer-first strategies.

          • Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
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          Breakthrough Tech & AI

          Explore emerging technologies like AI, robotics and quantum computing in our state-of-the-art IE Robotics & AI Lab—and learn how to leverage them for your future.

          • (1st Edition): Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
          • (2nd Edition): Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18.
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          University summer program

          What if this summer, you could cut through the noise, discover what truly drives you, and learn how to channel it into something extraordinary?

          At IE University Summer Program, we’re here for the curious, for those ready to build a life that matters but aren’t sure where to start.

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          The young woman is sketching designs at a table filled with art supplies.

          Fashion Styling & Media

          Master the latest fashion trends and cover must-know basics of styling, photography and visual communication, all while gaining firsthand studio experience to build your professional portfolio and craft a stand-out personal brand.

          • Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
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          Law & Innovation

          Explore the intersection of law, technology and policy through real-world case studies, interactive workshops and a two-day competition, sharpening your skills in negotiation, public speaking and legal analysis.

          • Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
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          NextGen Public Changemakers

          Dive hands-on into topics like global governance, leadership and geopolitics to understand complex policy and global issues and gain a leadership mindset fit for the future.

          • Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
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          IE Entrepreneurship Summer School

          Develop your startup idea and refine your entrepreneurial skills alongside like-minded peers, with insights from IE Alumni and IE Startup Mentors to support you as you prepare for a final pitch competition.

          • Monday, June 9 – Friday, July 4.
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          Rethingking sustainability

          Gain new perspectives, practical strategies and a personal action plan for creating sustainable change through hands-on VR simulations and group projects.

          • Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18.
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          SUMMER 2025 CALENDAR

          Take a look at how you can structure your summer with our wide range of combinations.

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          TUITION

          2 WEEK PROGRAM

          • 3,500€* (Early Bird Price 3,150€)
          • *5,900€ Bundle Price (2 weeks + 2 weeks)

          CREDIT RECOGNITION

          Earning academic credit at your home institution for joining IE University’s Summer Program is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Many institutions routinely award credit for summer courses, but we highly recommend that you check with your University’s International or Study Abroad Office regarding any specific requirements you might need to fulfill.

          If you join IE University’s Summer Program for at least four weeks (= two two-week modules or with the four-week Entrepreneurship Summer School), you’ll complete an academic workload equivalence of 6 ECTS credits (or 3 US credits). If you spend more time with us, you can earn even more credit equivalence, also spread over consecutive summers. To qualify for credit recognition, you need to fulfill all the course requirements and submit one final essay within two weeks of finishing your last course.

          To make the credit transfer process easier, IE University provides all the necessary documentation and evidence required by your home university’s Study Abroad Office or academic department. Additionally, we actively work to pre-agree credit recognition with key partner universities to ensure a faster and smoother process for you.

          THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

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          1. Online Application

          You will need to complete the online application with the following documents: 

          1. Academic transcripts.  
          2. CV (cv template).
          3. Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.

          *You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.

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          2. Submit your Application

          Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.


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          3. Admissions Final Decision

          Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.

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          START YOUR APPLICATION

          Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!

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