The Master of Arts in Latin American Studies

The MA in Latin American Studies requires a total of 32 credits divided among core (8 credits) and  LAS electives (24 credits).

Actual year to year course offerings vary depending on faculty availability.  Most classes are taught once per year, but some may be taught less frequently.

• Students will demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprehension of either Spanish, or/and Portuguese, or another regional language.
• Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of Latin America (history, literature, politics, economics, culture, and social involvements) and do so within an inter-American and global perspective.
• Students will demonstrate understanding of the shared traditions that unite Latin America, as well as the cultural and societal differences of the varied parts of the region.

Click here for a detailed description of learning outcomes.

Core (8 Credits)

• GRS IR 713 Latin America: Past & Present (4 credits)
• One 4-credit research methods* course chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser

*Examples of  research methods courses:

• CAS LS 577 Topics in Hispanic Thought and Criticism (this course is offered for both seniors and graduate students)
• GRS AR 891 Graduate Seminar on Archaeological Theory
• GRS AR 751 Seminar in Mesoamerican Archaeology
• GRS IR 601 Fundamentals of International Relations
• GRS IR 602 Quantitative Analysis for Global Affairs
• GRS IR 603 Economics for Global Policy
• GRS PO 840 Political Analysis
• GRS PO 841 Quantitative Research Methods
• GRS SO 702 Proseminar: Sociological Methods
• GRS SO 708 Contemporary Sociological Theory
• GRS SO 712 Qualitative Methods

LAS Electives (24 Credits)

Students take six courses related to Latin America, chosen with the approval of the Latin American Studies Program director.  At least one course must come from history or the social sciences, and at least one course must come from literature, culture, or art history.

For more information on the MA in Latin American Studies please view the BU Bulletin here.

Students must demonstrate a high level of competence in either Spanish or Portuguese, including the capability to read, write, and speak the language with sufficient proficiency to understand and be understood. Competence in the foreign language of the students’ choosing is determined by examination by BU language instructors. Students must pass this examination in order to complete the degree.

Students write a Master’s Paper (commonly referred to as an MA Paper) as the capstone component of their degree. The paper may take one of two forms:  either a traditional research paper or a policy paper. Students are given broad latitude in selecting topics and approaches, in consultation with their advisors.

All MA Papers must be defended orally in front of a panel of three professors, chosen by the Pardee School (one of the three professors will be the student’s adviser). The purpose of the oral examination is to test the student’s knowledge in the area of research related to the MA paper as well as the student’s ability to discuss that knowledge at length in a clear and compelling manner.

Use this sheet to help you plan and track your LAS classes.

Questions? Drop us a note here.

Join us! Start your journey here.