Master of Arts in Latin American Studies

University of Arizona

The Center for Latin American Studies offers an interdisciplinary M.A. program combining two fields of study, Spanish and Portuguese language skills, three core LAS courses, optional electives or thesis.

Graduate Coursework

During their first semester of study, all LAS graduate students are required to take a 3- credit seminar (LAS 500) designed to introduce them to Latin American studies and research. "A research methods course and a LAS interdisciplinary research seminar (such as LAS 596a) are also required at some point during subsequent semesters.

Students select a primary field of concentration and complete 12 graduate units in this field including at least one research seminar. "The fields of study available for areas of primary concentration include the thematic areas of Borders of the Americas, Environment and Development, History and Culture, and Power and Inequality, as well as regional studies focusing on Mexico, Central America or Brazil. Disciplinary areas available for primary areas of concentration are Anthropology, Geography and Regional Development, History, and Latin American Literature (Spanish and Portuguese).

Students also choose a secondary area of concentration, requiring nine graduate units. "The secondary area can have a thematic or regional focus or can be selected from one of the disciplinary areas listed above in addition to Art History, Journalism, Language, Reading and Culture, Political Science, and Women's Studies.

Degree Requirements

Minimum credits: 36

Core coursework: LAS 500 (first semester); LAS 550 (Methods Seminar); LAS 596A or equivalent (Research Seminar - discuss options with Advisor).

Language requirements: Because of the interdisciplinary nature and regional emphasis of the Latin American Studies program, both Spanish and Portuguese skills are required; one at the level of competence demonstrated by completing Portuguese 305a or Spanish 251 with a minimum grade of B or by an equivalency exam; the other at the level of proficiency demonstrated by the completion of Portuguese 325 or Spanish 330 with a minimum grade of B or by an equivalency exam. Students accepted into the program who do not meet one or both of the language requirements need to satisfy this deficiency during the course of their graduate studies. "Portuguese 305a is specifically designed as an intensive course for those fluent in Spanish. All incoming students are evaluated for language ability at the beginning of their first semester. An indigenous language of Latin America may be substituted with the approval of the LAS Graduate Advisor.

Other requirements:

Students select a primary field of concentration and complete 12 graduate units in this field including at least one research seminar. "The fields of study available for areas of primary concentration include the thematic areas of Borders of the Americas, Environment and Development, History and Culture, and Power and Inequality, as well as regional studies focusing on Mexico, Central America or Brazil. Disciplinary areas available for primary areas of concentration are Anthropology, Geography and Regional Development, History, and Latin American Literature (Spanish and Portuguese).

Students also choose a secondary area of concentration, requiring nine graduate units. "The secondary area can have a thematic or regional focus or can be selected from one of the disciplinary areas listed above in addition to Art History, Journalism, Language, Reading and Culture, Political Science, and Women's Studies.