These courses introduce key subjects and approaches in contemporary Latin American Studies from different disciplines which provide knowledge and understanding of the diversity societal contexts in Latin America.

The research project is the core of the Master’s programme which represents over half of the programme’s credits. You will elaborate a research plan to investigate one specific topic, and will conduct field research in Latin America. You are encouraged to combine your own research interests and academic background with the research projects and expertise of one of the programme teachers.  The research project has three stages.

During stage 1 you will elaborate your research project during the Interdisciplinary Methods course, in which methodological principles and tools from different disciplines are presented, discussed and applied to particular contexts. During this course, you will present your research proposal and will receive feedback from the programme teachers and your class mates.

During stage 2 you will spend 2,5 months in Latin America to independently conduct field research. During this period, you will make contacts with people relevant to your research, conduct interviews, make structured observations, and collect secondary data.

During stage 3 you will analyse the research data and write your thesis, as described above.

Restricted-choice electives provide more in-depth knowledge on particular theories and academic debates in Latin American studies from which students can elaborate their research question. Students choose one of the following two courses:

• Socio-Environmental Changes in Latin America
  You will learn and reflect on current debates on the effects of economic activities, political decisions and social conditions of the environment in Latin America.
• Approaches to Popular Culture in Latin America
  You will discuss different ways to study popular culture, such as in cultural history, cognitive cultural studies, cultural anthropology and cultural criminology.

All students must follow a tutorial (see below), too. However, they may also take an elective course elsewhere instead.

In your tutorial (Lectura Guiada), you will deepen your knowledge in your particular field of interest which usually ties in with your research project. Through individually selected literature on a theme or process in Latin America, you will deepen your academic expertise further with support from your supervisor or another Master’s programme teacher.   

You will write your Master’s thesis in the final stage of your research project. In addition to your individual meetings with your supervisor, you will follow the Thesis Seminar. This course is designed to support you during the analysis of your research data and the writing of your thesis.