Curriculum

The multidisciplinary 40-credit-hour M.A. program in Latin American Studies includes:

An interdisciplinary cornerstone course (3 credits) that introduces students to key issues in Latin American Studies. The interdisciplinary cornerstone course, IAff 331 Latin America-Problems and Promise, provides a foundation for understanding key issues in Latin American Studies and introduces students to program faculty and resources. This course should be taken in the student's first year.

A required Core Field (9 credits) that provides a broad multidisciplinary overview of the region.

Two specialized fields (12 credits) that allows students to choose any two fields, in each of which they take at least two courses.

Elective course work (12 credits), which allows students to concentrate on language study (Spanish or Portuguese), career-enhancing one-credit skills courses, additional courses from any of the major fields listed above, or special topic courses (IAff 338) that contribute to the students' professional knowledge and development. It is recommended that students develop a firm foundation in economic studies, including microeconomics, macroeconomics and international trade.

Skills courses (1 credit each), which offer professional development and specialized knowledge. The Elliott School offers a wide variety of skills courses, including a class on the Organization of American States and one on the Inter-American Development Bank. These courses count toward elective course work.

Beginning in the academic year 2008-09, an interdisciplinary capstone course (4 credits) that involves collaboration with sponsoring institutions outside the university on a project of mutual interest and research in Latin America or the United States. In the fall of their second year, students form teams and identify sponsoring organizations (usually NGOs, but possibly also government agencies) with whom they develop a research plan. The research is undertaken over spring break, and culminates in a half-day seminar of presentations at the end of the spring semester. The capstone allows students to apply their knowledge and to gain real-life skills and experiences that are likely to enhance future professional opportunities.

A thesis option for exceptional students seeking to enhance professional research and writing skills. Students who select the thesis option must still take the capstone course.

A language proficiency requirement in Spanish or Portuguese. The ability to communicate across cultures in more than one language is a distinguishing and expected skill of the international affairs professional. Therefore, completion of the M.A. in Latin American Studies requires a demonstrated oral and reading proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese.

Last Updated: 11.26.2007