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INT 204: Barcelona: Research Topic Ideas for Barcelona

For INT204 course and 2025 Spring Break trip to Barcelona, Spain, from March 7 to 15, 2025.

Research Paper and Presentation

We've listed a few research topic ideas on this page. Many of these require narrowing or expanding to create a paper and a presentation, but are a start to get you thinking. 
  • As you research your topic, answer the "reporter's questions" for your topic: who, what, when, where, how, why and how much. 
  • We've tried to provide topics below that might interest a wide range of majors and interests.
  • If prompted, log in to a library database with your college username and password. 
  • These suggestions were brainstormed from a variety of sources. 
  • For help writing your paper and presentation, contact the SUNY Adirondack Center for Reading and Writing, run by the English Division faculty. They can advise you on your drafts and offer input about your presentation. Visit them in person, set up an appointment or use the online tutoring service. 

Research Topics

For all research topics below, use the Start Your Research Here database on the library's home page to find books, articles, ebooks and videos about your subject. (You'll want at least one source for every research paper page.)


For art, artists, architecture and history of Barcelona and Catalonia, search these two databases. Use for topics such as:

  • artists such as Gaudi, Picasso, Miro, contemporary Muralists;
  • buildings and parks by Antonio Gaudi, such as Casa Mila and La Pedrera building, Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Parc Guell
  • history of Spain from Roman times to after Franco, 
  • Spanish and Catalan: A struggle for political autonomy and linguistic independence


For Spanish literature (such as Miguel de Cervantes and Federico García Lorca), try these library databases:


For information about Barcelona's museums (Picasso Museum, Barcelona Maritime Museum, Caixa Forum Cultural Center and Museum, more), see: 


For points of interest such as Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), Boqueria Market shopping, Montserrat Monastery mountain retreat, Camp Nou soccer stadium tour, 1992 Summer Olympic venue:

For Spanish films, see IMBD, but narrow with search filters: 

More Barcelona Research Topic Ideas

Here are some research topic ideas. Consult your professors to discuss details and research angles. 

  • Hospitality and Tourism:

    • What are Barcelona's most popular tourist destinations? Have these sites been negatively affected by tourism? 
    • How has the cruise industry affected Barcelona? Make sure to include relevant statistics. 
    • Analyze the economic impact of tourism on Barcelona's economy, including employment, housing prices, infrastructure development, and income.
    • Examine the effects of major events like the Olympics and international conferences on Barcelona's economy and infrastructure.
       

  • Cultural Heritage and Identity:

    • Research Catalonian culture. What is the relationship between Catalonia's identity and Barcelona as its capital? 
    • Explore how immigrants and minority communities contribute to Barcelona's cultural diversity and identity.
       

  • Sports

    • Describe the role soccer (football)  plays in Barcelona culture.

  • Culinary Arts: :

    • Study the history and evolution of Catalan cuisine, including traditional dishes and ingredients that are unique to the region.
    • How has Barcelona's culinary scene affected tourism and the local economy? Including the rise of food tourism and food festivals.
       

  • Environmental Sustainability:

    • What has Barcelona done to promote renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable transportation? 
    • Research the urban green spaces in Barcelona, including parks, gardens, and waterfront developments, and their role in enhancing residents' quality of life. How and when were these spaces planned and created?
    • How is Barcelona affected by climate change, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events?
       

  • Literature and Arts:

    • Explore how Barcelona is portrayed in literature, arts, and film. 
    • Analyze the influence of Catalan language and literature on Barcelona's cultural identity.
       

  • Architecture:

    • Focus on Gaudí's most well-known works in Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Explain their architectural significance, design principles, and the inspiration behind each.
    • Explore the symbolism and religious motifs present in Gaudí's religious architecture, particularly in the Sagrada Família, and how they reflect his spiritual beliefs.
       

  • Gaudi's Artistic Influences and Style:

    • Investigate the artistic influences that shaped Gaudí's style, including Catalan Modernisme, Gothic architecture, nature, and religious symbolism. Analyze how he synthesized these influences into his unique architectural language.
    • Explore Gaudí's use of innovative structural techniques, such as hyperbolic paraboloids, catenary arches, and ruled surfaces, and their impact on architectural engineering. What is the role of mathematics in his designs? 
    • Examine Gaudí's life and career, from his early education to his architectural achievements in Barcelona. How did his upbringing, education, and personal experiences influence his architecture?
    • How did the history and culture of Catalonia and Spain influence Gaudi? Including the political, social, and artistic movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 
    • Investigate Gaudí's legacy in Barcelona and beyond, including the preservation and restoration of his buildings, the establishment of the Gaudí UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the cultural impact of his work on tourism and identity.
    • Investigate the ongoing construction of the Sagrada Família and its significance as a symbol of Barcelona's identity and architectural ambition. Analyze the challenges and controversies surrounding its completion and restoration. Explore the potential future developments and adaptations of Gaudí's unfinished projects, such as the Güell Pavilions or the Colònia Güell crypt, and their role in preserving his architectural heritage. 

 

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