Degree Programs
Fall 2009 Course BookletMaster of Arts in Latin American Studies
The M.A. in Latin American Studies is a 36-credit degree, with a strong interdisciplinary emphasis on Latin American politics, history, media, the environment, and literary and cultural studies. Students meet with the faculty Program Director and their primary advisor to create their own program of study. Students have the option of writing a Master’s thesis or completing a comprehensive exam. This degree is usually completed in 2 years.
The M.A. offers students interdisciplinary methodological tools through core courses taught by distinguished Latin Americanists. Students have the possibility to enhance their core curriculum with courses in multiple disciplines. Our innovative curriculum includes a strong language requirement as well as UM courses with a travel component designed and led by Latin American Studies faculty. Various important components of this program go beyond the classroom. The program sponsors a speaker series on academic topics directly related to the core courses as well as inviting speakers on career-related themes. Campus resources include the strong Latin American collections of the Richter Library and the active schedule of programs and activities organized by the Center for Latin American Studies.
Curriculum
- Three core Latin American Studies Seminars
- LAS 501: Interdisciplinarity in Latin American Studies
- LAS 502: Interdisciplinary Research Methods in Latin American Studies
- LAS 503: Program Seminar in Latin American Studies
- Seven or eight graduate-level courses selected from among LAS Program Seminars or LAS-approved courses offered in any of the University's Schools or Departments. Approval for these courses is granted through consultation with the Program Director and the student's primary advisor. University Latin Americanist faculty have research expertise and teach a broad variety of graduate level seminars and courses on topics including:
- U.S.-Latin American relations
- Latin American literary, film, and cultural studies
- Democratization and regime transitions
- Political economy of market reforms
- Civil-military relations
- Colonial studies
- Drug trafficking and challenges to governance
- Latin American political thought
- History
- Environmental Challenges
- Media and Democracy
- A Master’s Thesis consisting of 6 credits or a comprehensive exam.
Please refer to these guidelines set by the Graduate School. - Proof of linguistic competence in Spanish or Portuguese through passing at least one graduate-level course offered in the target language. (LAS will offer one 500-level seminar per year in either SPA or POR)
- Proof of reading competence in a second Latin American language. May be verified by completion of Spanish 105, French 105, Portuguese 105, or Kreyol 105 (taken as an overload to regular graduate courses), or by examination.
Admissions
MA Admission is granted only for fall semesters. We are currently accepting applications for admission August 2010. The deadline for this program is February 1, 2010. Admission to the Master of Arts in Latin American Studies requires successful completion of substantial undergraduate coursework in any discipline with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean, advanced study in Spanish or Portuguese, satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (we require only the general test), three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's potential for graduate work (normally former or current teachers), undergraduate transcripts, and a statement of purpose. The statement should include your purpose in graduate study, the area and questions in which you are interested, our special preparation for study, and your future career goals.
Download the application:
Download the letter of recommendation
Requests for more information and inquiries regarding the application process should be directed to:
- lasgrad@miami.edu
-
LAS Degree Programs
University of Miami
125-N Memorial Building
Coral Gables, FL 33124-2302
(305) 2842017
