Exploring Spanish culture, education and communication: 3-day course held at YSU

The three-day course was organized as part of the cooperation between the Chair of Romance Philology at YSU and the Department of Armenian Studies at Complutense University of Madrid. 

Elina Asriyan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at YSU, delivered a welcome speech at the event. Highlighting the role of the newly established Armenian Studies Department at Complutense University of Madrid and the outcomes of the cooperation, she remarked: "Complutense University is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and despite the Armenian Studies Department being established just two years ago, we are already witnessing tangible outcomes from our cooperation. People in academia are quite similar; our aim is to make the world and people better through education. Hence, progress can only be achieved through cooperation."

Gevorg Barseghyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of European Languages ​​and Communication, highlighting the importance of the initiative, said: "It has already become a tradition for the Romance Philology Chair to organize at least two or three interesting programs annually, creating a unique bridge of cooperation between the universities in Armenia and Spain. Such initiatives can serve as a valuable platform for the rapprochement of Armenian-Spanish relations."  

The course focused on different interpretations of Spanish culture, characterized by its multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and multiconceptual approach, covering a wide range of scientific interests such as cinema, theater, literature, music and communication. It was led by five distinguished lecturers and professors from different faculties (Communication, Philology, History, and Geography) at Complutense University of Madrid.

Speaking about the cooperation with the Complutense University of Madrid, Hasmik Baghdasaryan, Head of Romance Philology Chair at YSU, said that interesting traditions have been formed over the years to promote the spread of the Spanish language and culture both in YSU and in Armenia. 

"Throughout this academic year, our chair organized 5 courses featuring discourses presented by 15 lecturers and professors from diverse universities, focusing on topics related to Spanish culture and various philological issues. This three-day course, held in cooperation with the newly established Armenian Studies Department at Complutense University of Madrid, was no exception. I believe the establishment of the Armenian Studies Department signifies a new stage and prospects for cooperation," said H. Baghdasaryan.

"Culture brings people closer together," said Francisco Zurian, Head of the Department of Armenian Studies at Complutense University of Madrid, speaking about cultural commonalities. He emphasized that while a culture may have its roots in a specific place, it can still possess a global nature.

"It seems that YSU and Complutense University of Madrid are 'sister' universities, as they have numerous commonalities. Currently, many opportunities for cooperation and communication are created, including increased visits by professors, and the creation of an integrated academic community between universities (joint research projects, educational programs, publications, etc.). We aspire to leverage the experience, educational level, and research potential available in Spain to advance Armenian studies and develop other educational domains in the Republic of Armenia," F. Zurian pointed out.   

Referring to the importance of continuity of the initiative, F. Zurian highlighted: "We would greatly appreciate having a Complutense representation in Armenia, which could significantly strengthen partnership ties between Armenia and Spain. This initiative would facilitate a deeper understanding of potential areas of cooperation with Armenia, enable us to better grasp challenges in Armenia, and explore potential prospects for cooperation." 

At the end of the three-day course, a round-table discussion was organized to value the role of culture, education and research conducted at the university in the establishment of Spanish democracy.

Participants of the course will receive certificates of participation jointly issued by Yerevan State University and Complutense University of Madrid.  

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