By Ana Paula López
The GINA Seminar Series at CIS University of Madrid fosters vibrant intellectual discussions led by scholars from various humanities disciplines, including archaeology, history, human rights, forced migration, gender studies, literature, and media studies. The initiative is organized and guided by Dr. Alex Feldman, whose passion and vision as one of GINA’s founders and its main coordinator drive its success. His dedication to historical inquiry and critical thinking inspires students to challenge conventional narratives and engage more deeply with the world around them.
GINA, short for Global Imperial National Affairs, is the collaborative vision of Dr. Alex Feldman and Anthony Verrecchio. According to Dr. Feldman, GINA “began as an applied humanities research program designed to build a critical mass of engaged students through hands-on, site-based teachings from scratch.”
This Fall semester, the series kicked off on September 26 with Amalia Pérez-Juez, Director of Boston University’s programs in Spain, presenting “The Archaeology of the Spanish Civil War.” Pérez-Juez introduced Spain’s historical battlefields, mass graves, and monuments, concluding with her latest research on Mussolini’s involvement in the war, based on archaeological findings from a community study in Merindales, north of Burgos.
On October 14, Dr. Richard L. Kagan, Arthur O. Lovejoy Professor Emeritus of History at Johns Hopkins University, delivered “Why Spain?” In his lecture, Kagan shared insights from his lifelong exploration of the intertwined histories of Europe and America, emphasizing Spain’s pivotal role in global history. His thought-provoking presentation left the audience captivated, sparking numerous questions about the intricate connections between past and present.
As the semester progressed, the seminar series continued to bring diverse humanities themes to the CIS University community. On November 20, Katharine Noyed explored “US Racial Injustice & the 2024 Presidential Election.” On November 28, Margarita Márquez Padorno delivered “Study, Travel & Enjoy: Academic Tourism for Female Travelers in 1930s Spain.” As a leading scholar in Gender Studies and Media History, Márquez Padorno shed light on the experiences of early female academic travelers.
With such a diverse lineup, the GINA Seminar Series has once again proven to be a cornerstone of academic engagement at CIS University. The semester concluded on December 5 with Dr. Andrés Porras Chaves, Humanities professor and Writing Program Coordinator at IE University. In his talk, “From Borges to Indie Video Games: The Role of Literature in the Digital Age,” Porras Chaves examined how literary influences shape modern digital narratives.
Thanks to Dr. Feldman’s unwavering commitment, the seminar series serves as a powerful reminder of history’s enduring relevance and its role in fostering critical thinking for the future. Looking ahead, Dr. Feldman envisions expanding GINA’s academic impact. Plans include launching a GINA Journal, providing students with an entryway into academic research and publishing. Additionally, GINA will continue welcoming scholars and professors from other universities, strengthening CIS University’s institutional connections with Endicott College and emphasizing the importance of humanities—even for students outside the field.
