Barcelona is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and one of the main tourist destinations in the world. It is widely known for its art, from the works of Joan Miro and mural/graffiti artist El Pez, and its World Heritage architecture, such as the intricate, organic structures of Antonio Gaud?. Even more, the city is an economic and commercial hub. In this course, we will examine the creative industries in Europe through the lens of the sector in Barcelona, Spain. We will learn the history of the city to better understand the present and will discuss topics such as sociopolitical identity, especially the context of the Catalonian region within Spain, cultural heritage, cultural diplomacy, cultural economic development, and the impact of tourism. Site visits may include the Picasso Museum and the Fundaci? T?pies, the Sagrada Fam?lia, Casa Batll?, and the Palau de la M?sica Catalana, along with performing arts venues and other historic properties and neighborhoods. We will also explore the role and impact of parallel cultural activities and entrepreneurial initiatives, such as culinary arts, startup ventures, and fashion. Along the way, we will gain invaluable insights from our exchanges with area cultural producers, curators, artists, and BU arts administration alumni and colleagues