Programmes: MAHF-SPLA Master's Programme in Spanish and Latin-American Studies - Spring 2017

Objectives and content

The Master¿s degree is compiled of a Master¿s thesis (60 credits) and four courses of 15 credits. The Master¿s thesis is an independent, supervised work of research on a chosen topic from one of the three main disciplines in the subject: (1) Spanish linguistics; (2) Literature and (3) Culture (according to supervision resources of the programme). These three disciplines are the basis for the courses SPLA301-SPLA303. In addition there is the course SPLA304, which is tied to the MA thesis project. The Master¿s degree will take four semesters to complete.

As a main rule all courses must be completed before you can turn in the thesis.

Required Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The student shall

Have solid knowledge of Spanish linguistics and Latin American cultural and literature studies.
Have in depth knowledge of the subject area related to scientific theories and methods.
Be able to use knowledge in new areas related to language, cultural studies and literature.

Skills

The student shall

Develop an independent and critical understand of research traditions within the subject.
Continue to develop the linguistic skills from the degree from 1. cycle.
Independently be able to use methods and scientific techniques from the subject in their research related to one of the three main disciplines.

General competencies

The student shall

Be able analyze relevant ethical issues related to the subject, professionalism and research.
Be able to use their knowledge and skills in new area in order to complete specialized tasks and projects.
Be able to communicate about scientific issues, analysis and conclusions related to the subject area, both in general and with specialists.
Be able to add to new research and innovation.

Admission Requirements

A first degree (bachelor's degree) of three or four years duration from an approved institution of higher education, as well as proficiency in the Spanish and English languages. Your Bachelor's degree must have a specialisation in Spanish language and/or Latin-American studies. It should correspond to at least three semesters of full-time study and include courses in the areas of linguistics and culture or literature. A first class degree in Spanish language studies and Latin-American studies or another relevant subject is normally required to be considered for admission.

The Master's programme in Spansh is taught in Spanish and requires an excellent command of the language both written and oral.

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor¿s degree or corresponding with specialization in Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies or corresponding from a foreign higher education institutions.

Introductory Courses

None.

Compulsory units

SPLA304 and SPLA350

Recommended electives

SPLA301, SPLA302 and SPLA303

Sequential Requirements, courses

Code

Name

Credit

Semester

Builds on *)

Compulsory

SPLA301

Spanish linguistics

15

F

Specialization in Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies

Yes**)

SPLA302

Latin-American Literature

15

S

Specialization in Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies

Yes**)

SPLA303

Latin-American Culture

15

S

Specialization in Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies

Yes**)

SPLA304

Preparation for the Master¿s thesis

15

F

Specialization in Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies

Yes

SPLA350

Master¿s thesis

60

F, S

Specialization in Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies

Yes

*) Subject requirements

**) Upon application, one of the courses SPLA301, SPLA302 or SPLA303 can be exchanged with another relevant course on the 300-level.

The Master¿s degree will normally be a four semester full-time study building on in-depth Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies of 90 credits from the Bachelor¿s degree. The Master¿s degree consists of courses (SPLA301-304), which are 60 credits, and one Master¿s thesis (SPLA350), which is also 60 credits.

Main admission to the degree is in the fall semester, but it is also possible to apply for admission to the spring semester. For students starting in the fall semester, normal progression in the study will be as demonstrated:

1. semester

SPLA301

SPLA304

2. semester

SPLA302

SPLA303/

Master¿s thesis

3. semester

Master¿s thesis

Master¿s thesis

4. semester

Master¿s thesis

Master¿s thesis

For students starting in the spring semester normal progression in the study can be as follows:

1. semester

SPLA302

SPLA303

2. semester

SPLA301

SPLA304/

Master¿s thesis

3. semester

Master¿s thesis

Master¿s thesis

4. semester

Master¿s thesis

Master¿s thesis

Everyone with admission to the Master¿s program has a right to individual supervision in correspondence with the resources of the Spanish section. Student and supervisior will sign a binding supervision contract in the first or second semester, depending on which semester the student takes the course SPLA304. The topic for the MA thesis must be approved by the supervisor.

Stipulations regarding progress

For a full-time student normal progression in the MA study is 30 credits each semester.

Study period abroad

It is possible to study abroad, countries which speak Spanish are recommended. The University of Bergen has agreements with several universities in other countries.

Teaching methods

Lectures will be given and attendance is advised. Attendance to supervision in writing essays or drafting the MA thesis project is compulsory.

Supervision by e-mail will only be allowed in extraordinary circumstances, and only after approval of application to the Department.

Assessment methods

The method of assessment is a supervised semester assignment in the courses SPLA301, SPLA302 and SPLA303. Two students can join in writing the semester assignment in each of the courses together, but it is a requirement that the students must have written minimum one of the semester assignments in the Master¿s study individually.

For SPLA304 the method of assessment is a project draft with compulsory supervision. The Master¿s thesis will be assessed by two examiners, not the supervisor.

Access to further studies

A Master¿s degree in Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies gives research competence.

Employability

Of the relevant alternatives of profession these can be mentioned: researcher/teacher at higher education institutions, teaching in Upper Secondary Schools, translation, libraries, the media, publishers, tourism, business, public sector (including foreign services), aid work, etc. Spanish is also an optional subject in the Primary Schools and in Upper Secondary Schools.

Evaluation

Evaluation of the Program is completed in line with the University of Bergen¿s quality assurance system.

Objectives / Contents

The master's programme aims to offer international students, primarily from developing countries and Eastern Europe, a higher degree in Latin American Studies.
The prime objective of the programme is the formation of specialists within the various fields (language, literature, culture and society) relating to the countries of the concerned region. The emphasis of the programme is on the humanities, but students will also be able to pursue areas pertaining to social sciences.

Admission requirements

A first degree (bachelor's degree) of three or four years duration from an approved institution of higher education, as well as proficiency in the Spanish and English languages. See Admission and Application Requirements.

Method

In the work with the master's thesis you will, in an independent way, make use of methods and scientific working techniques from the subject field in the research of a relevant material from one of the three main disciplines.

Thesis

The master's thesis is an individual research project on a subject of your own choice taken from one of the three main disciplines in the course: (1) Spanish linguistics, (2) literature and (3) cultural knowledge. The master's thesis forms the most important part of the master's programme, and it has been estimated to two semesters of intensive work. The theme for the master's thesis may in principle be chosen freely following advice from your course lecturer, but in practice, it will be set by your academic skills and your academic supervisor's area of research. The master's thesis is to be written in Spanish and should be between 70 and 100 pages. You will receive individual guidance during the research and writing process.

Programme structure

The programme consists of four course modules, adding up to 60 ECTS credits, and a master's thesis of 60 ECTS pertaining to one of the following fields: language, literature or cultural studies.

Start-up Date

Autumn

Further information

studierettleiar@if.uib.no