Latin American Studies
| Degree: | Master of Arts in Latin American Studies |
|---|---|
| Mode of Study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 1 year |
| Start date: | September, February |
| Language of instruction: | Spanish |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 60174 |
The MA in Latin American Studies offers a multidisciplinary programme with emphasis on the contemporary reality of the region. The Master’s makes use of scholarly contributions coming from several academic disciplines such as modern history, literature, and linguistics, as well as from the social sciences, and has a strong focus on research.
Since this is the only European Master’s programme outside Spain that is given in the Spanish language, it allows you to make use of state-of-the-art works and material produced by Latin American scholars.
The programme utilises the close ties the Department of Latin American Studies (LAS) has with various academic institutions and universities in Latin America, in order to provide you with a wide choice of research locations and specialisation options.
Programme
A focus on Modern Latin American history offers you the chance to study current state-civil society relations in this region. Special attention is paid to such issues as the formulation and application of public policies dealing with problems in fields such as education, citizens’ security, poverty alleviation, indigenous groups and environment, and the ways civil society interacts with these initiatives.
If you choose to concentrate on Latin American literature, you will look at the way present day modernisation processes in the region affect Latin American culture and identity. You will study a variety of literary and communication channels, from short novels to mass media, and will learn to analyse their impact on the region.
In the linguistics courses you will study the issues related to language variation and language change in the Spanish language as spoken in Latin America, with the emphasis on the processes of cultural and social change, such as urbanisation, migration and media influence.
Programme structure
Semester 1
Research Seminar
This intensive research seminar runs from mid-September to mid-October, and covers the three specialisations available within the programme. You will study the basic techniques of participatory observation, data collection, interviewing techniques and reporting. Under the guidance of a member of staff, you will write a research proposal that will serve as the basis for your research in Latin America.
Disciplinary Tutorial
The aim of this course is to acquaint you with current academic debates within the specialisation of your choice.
Research in Latin America
From mid-November to late January you will undertake a research project in Latin America, where you will collect data for your master’s thesis. You will be supervised throughout by local members of staff within your chosen institute.
If you are from Latin America—and have come to the Netherlands to follow the master’s programme—you are free to conduct your research on a subject related to Latin America in the Netherlands or a neighbouring European country.
Semester 2
Master’s Classes
Following completion of your research, you will undertake two master’s courses: Modernity in Latin America and Post-Modern Writing.
Master’s Thesis
The final section of the programme involves producing an original master’s thesis, based on your research. You can choose to write the thesis in Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, or English.
For the most up-to-date course overview, see the e-Prospectus.
Objectives
The aim of the MA in Latin American Studies is to ensure you graduate with state-of-the-art knowledge about key academic issues that are currently under discussion in Latin America in the fields of modern history, literature or linguistics. In addition, you will have learned how to carry out independent research in a Latin American country, and how to develop this research into an academic piece of work in the form of a written dissertation.
