Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (Spanish and Latin American Studies) (MA)

Spanish and Latin American Studies

The Spanish and Latin American Studies track in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture provides an optimal academic environment for students interested in advanced studies and research in Spanish and Latin American literature and culture studies. Students pursue a course of study designed to develop a broad knowledge of the subject matter within the framework of comparative studies as well as current developments in the field and are encouraged to devise individualized programs of specialization in keeping with the highest standards of scholarship.

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete at least eight courses (32 units), distributed as follows: CSLC 501 , CSLC 502  and CSLC 503 ; SPAN 501 ; four additional Spanish courses or, with permission, courses in a related field. Students specializing in the medieval and early modern periods are encouraged to take a course in the history of the Spanish language. No more than one of the eight courses may be in directed research (590).

First-year Review

The program conducts a thorough review of all first-year students at the end of the second semester. Students must receive a satisfactory evaluation to be permitted to continue to doctoral work.

Language Requirement

Reading knowledge of a language other than Spanish and English must be demonstrated either by successfully completing a course at the 400-level or above taught in that language or by passing a reading examination in the language. Students confer with the graduate adviser to decide which option is most appropriate.

Track III Field Examination (Spanish)

A written exam based on a reading list must be successfully passed by all students in the track. It is normally taken at the end of the semester in which MA course work is completed.