Learning Outcomes

The LAS MA is designed to provide students with a combination of in-depth interdisciplinary understanding of Latin America and language proficiency so that, upon graduation, they can assume leadership positions in the public, private, and  NGO sectors. Measures to assess outcomes include:

I. Demonstration of high-level proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprehension of Spanish and/or Portuguese. Assessment in proficiency in the foreign language of the students’ choosing is determined by examination by BU language instructors. Students must pass the 2-part examination to complete the degree.

1. Written exam: In Spanish, results of the Romance Studies Department online exam should place students at the level of LS 212 or above; in Portuguese, a professor of the Department will evaluate student proficiency.
2. Oral exam: After passing the written exam, the student must have a successful verbal conversation with a BU language professor.

II. Demonstration of advanced knowledge of Latin American nations and their peoples, their history, politics, economics, culture, and social involvements, including in global and interregional perspectives.

Students’ knowledge is assessed by their B or above performance in coursework and the quality of their MA paper, successfully defended in the presence of 3 faculty members with expertise relevant to the paper. The 3-person panel includes the MA paper-advisor and two other Latin Americanist faculty