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Latin American Studies
間眅埶AV to this program has been suspended effective Fall 2013.
This program offers interdisciplinary study and research leading to a master of arts. The program explores the interrelationships between socioeconomic, political, cultural and historical forces in Latin American development processes. It places emphasis on contemporary Latin America and the region’s evolving engagement with the international system, while recognizing the importance of understanding colonialism and nation-state origins. Although most will focus on the contemporary problems of Latin American development, the program welcomes students whose research interests encompass earlier historical periods.
Applicants are considered by how their proposed programs of study coincide with the research and teaching interests of the department. Where a student’s interests span more than one field of study, a program of course work and supervised research in more than one field may be arranged. Individual programs may also be set up in co-operation with other departments under the special arrangements provisions of “1.3.4 間眅埶AV to a Doctoral Program” of the Graduate General Regulations.
Students seeking admission to a Latin American studies doctoral program may apply under the special arrangements provisions of the Graduate General Regulations section. See “1.3.4 間眅埶AV to a Doctoral Program”.
間眅埶AV Requirements
間眅埶AV to this program has been suspended effective Fall 2013.
間眅埶AV is conducted annually. Applicants will satisfy the Latin American Studies graduate program committee that they are well prepared academically to undertake Latin American studies graduate work. See 1.3 間眅埶AV for additional University requirements. As well as this, the following are required.
- a sample of the candidate’s scholarly work, preferably with a Latin American focus (i.e. an undergraduate paper previously submitted as part of a course requirement)
- a short statement of purpose detailing interests and goals in Latin American Studies
- proof of reading and speaking competence in Spanish or Portuguese, equivalent to the successful completion of three college level courses (i.e., SPAN 102, 103, 201). At the discretion of the Latin American Studies graduate program committee, proof of competence in another language of Latin America and the Caribbean may be accepted in exceptional circumstances.
- If applicable, a resume of previous relevant course work and/or employment will be considered. Background may include specialized training, exposure to interdisciplinary studies of Latin America, and/or first hand field experience.
Program acceptance is conditional on the availability of a senior supervisor selected only from Latin American studies and/or associated faculty.
Degree Requirements
Student complete all of
Provides an introduction to choosing a methodological framework for conducting the MA research project. Topics include epistemology of the human sciences, social research design and a review to qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods. Students will gain experience in writing research proposals for external funding early in the term. This course is identical to IS 805 and students may not receive credit for both courses.
A synthetic introduction to historical and contemporary theories of development in Latin America. Topics include political economy of development, sociological theories of development, an introduction to neoliberalism, and the contemporary experience of globalization and development in Latin America. This course is identical to IS 815 and students may not receive credit for both courses.
A general overview of social and political change in Latin America, including revolutions, independence, transition to democracy, and contemporary social movements. Theoretical approaches may include social-movement theory, democratic theory, etc. This course is identical to IS 835 and students may not receive credit for both courses.
and other three courses, which may include LAS 851, which is a directed readings course that may be completed from courses designated as having Latin American studies content offered by other departments or universities. Credit for the latter courses is subject to supervisory committee approval. Students with deficiencies may have to complete more courses. Students are expected to secure approval of their thesis proposal from their senior supervisor before embarking on field research. Students complete a thesis, giving evidence of independent research and critical abilities, that is judged by the examining committee at an oral defence. The thesis may be in English or Spanish.
Other Graduate Latin American Content Courses
The following may be acceptable for inclusion in the program. Permission maybe required from the departments in which these courses are offered and some courses may require prerequisites.
In addition, more broadly listed courses may be acceptable if focused on Latin America, subject to the Latin American Studies graduate program committee designation. Some appropriate courses follow.
A study of communication in development, with a special emphasis on the confrontation of knowledge systems, and their expertise; international organizations and social justice; the roles of science and technology in development; the process of globalization; media and environmental sustainability.
Characterization of non-growing economies; mechanics of the process of economic development; the role of economic and non-economic factors; structural transformation in economic development.
Conditions in the Third World: a review of theories and geographical solutions. Equivalent Courses: GEOG740.
Examines at least two perspectives from the body of social theory that has developed since World War II. Perspectives to be discussed may include but are not limited to: symbolic interactionism, feminism, structuralism, post-structuralism, post-marxism, post-modernism, post-cololnialism, queer theory and neo-functionalism. Required course for MA and PhD students in Sociology. Students from other departments and faculties may enrol with permission of instructor. Offered each spring term. Prerequisite: SA 849 or permission of instructor.
Examines the dynamic relationship among conceptual aims, social relations in research, and the socio-political contexts of anthropological work through close study of selected works in anthropology since 1970. Required course for MA and PhD students in Anthropology. Students from other departments and faculties may enrol with permission of instructor. Offered each fall term.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the (residence, course work, academic progress, supervision, research competence requirement, completion time, and degree completion), as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled, as shown above.
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