Specialization in Latin American Studies

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Objectives:

The course SPLA315 is an in-depth course in linguistic, literary or historical issues within Latin American Studies. The students achieve analytical and theoretical deepening in the discipline they choose to concentrate on.

Content:

The course contains various types of source material and a selection of central theoretical texts within linguistics, literature or history from the Spanish-speaking world. The student chooses an in-depth subject and bibliography in collaboration with subject teachers.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student has the following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

  • specialized knowledge of specific sources, works, and genres and an understanding of the cultural-historical context in which they exist.

Skills

The student has

  • experience working independently with academic texts.

General competence

The student has

  • an understanding of research ethical norms and the ability to critically evaluate bibliographies and sources.

ECTS Credits

20 (ECTS)

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
No formal requirements, but all lecturing is conducted in Spanish and demands a solid command of the language.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Access to the Course
The course is open to students with admission to the master's program in Spanish and Latin American Studies.
Teaching and learning methods

The teaching consists of joint seminars (10-12 hours) followed by guidance sessions (approximately 3 hours). Each student is assigned a supervisor for the semester assignment. It is a prerequisite that the students actively participate in the seminar sessions and take responsibility for independent study of the syllabus throughout the semester.

If fewer than five students register for a course, the teaching offer may be adjusted according to the number of students. In such case, students will be informed about the alternative teaching arrangement at the beginning of the semester.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

The students must submit a reading list by a date set at the beginning of the semester. Each student must compile their own list of references that is relevant to their topic and approved by their supervisor.

During the teaching period, students are required to give an oral presentation. It is also mandatory to submit a draft of the assignment (essay) and to attend guidance sessions three times throughout the semester.

As an integral part of the subject, the students must submit an application telling the subject coordinator which disciplines they wish to study in the work on the master's thesis. In the application, the student must rank two disciplines. The choice of discipline will set an overall framework for the master's thesis and at the same time dictate the distribution of supervisors. Concrete information about the process is given at the start of the course.

The work requirements must be approved by the instructor before students can take the final exam. Approval of the compulsory work requirements is valid for the teaching semester and the following semester.

Forms of Assessment
A supervised assignment (essay) of approximately 4000 words in Spanish, plus a bibliography. The topic of the assignment is approved by the instructor/supervisor.
Grading Scale
The grading scale A-F is used, where F is a failing grade.
Assessment Semester
The spring semester. If you have registered valid absence, you will be offered a re-sit exam in the same semester.
Reading List
Approximately 800 pages taken from textbooks and articles related to the chosen specialization topic. The reading list will be ready by 1 December to be used during spring semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.
Examination Support Material
During work on the bachelor's thesis, students must demonstrate academic integrity. For more information on the concept, please visit the webpage, 'Academic Integrity and Cheating.'
Programme Committee
The Program Board for Spanish Language and Latin American Studies is responsible for the academic content and structure of the study program, and for the quality of all the subjects therein.
Course Coordinator
The Program Board for Spanish Language and Latin American Studies.
Course Administrator
The Faculty of Humanities by The Department of Foreign Languages has the administrative responsibility for the course and the study program.