INT 204: Barcelona: Research Topic Ideas for Barcelona

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: 

For statistics and business information, use these: 

Google's Advanced Search limiter for usage rights is not particularly accurate, so check usage rights set by the images' original creators. Doublecheck that you have rights to use photos in these sites below. 

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 Catalan 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.
  • Explore the role of flamenco dance or Spanish guitar in Catalan culture. 
     

• 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.
  • How did the tradition of tapas evolve in Spain? How did tapas become a popular type of cuisine? What are the most popular or unusual (to us) types of tapas dishes? 
     

• 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 specific works of literature, arts or film. 
  • Discuss the influence of Catalan language and literature on Barcelona's cultural identity.
     

• Architecture:

  • Focus on one or more of 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? Include 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. 
     
• Other Spanish artists: 
  • Tell us about Salvador Dali's life and works, and how his background growing up in Catalonia may have influenced his life.
  • Sculptor and painter Joan Miró grew up in Catalonia. Tell us more about him. 
  • What role did Catalonia play in Pablo Picasso's life? Tell us about Guernica and other famous works by him.