Study plan for MAHF-SPLA Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies, Master's, 2 years, fall 2024

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time

If you want to complete a part of or the whole program as a part time student (at minimum 50%), you must apply to the department for changes to your academic progress, using the applicable form. Please see Routines for the master's degree programme.

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Objectives and content

The Masters degree is compiled of a Masters thesis (60 ECTS) and five courses (total of 60 ECTS). The Masters 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 program). These three disciplines are the basis for the courses SPLA311-SPLA313. In addition there are the courses SPLA314 and SPLA315 which are tied to the MA thesis project. The Masters 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

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

Skills

The student shall

1. Develop an independent and critical understand of research traditions within the subject.
2. Continue to develop the linguistic skills from the degree from 1. cycle.
3. 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

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

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master's Programme in Spanish language and Latin-American Studies you need a bachelor's degree in Spanish language and Latin-American Studies or equivalent. You must hold a minimum of 80 ECTS in relevant courses such as Spanish language and Latin-American Studies, or equivalent.

Bachelor degrees from UiB that qualify:

Bachelor degree in Spanish language and Latin-American Studies

Bachelor degrees that qualify:

Other bachelor degrees can qualify if you can document minimum 80 ECTS in Spanish language and Latin-American Studies or equivalent

You also need to document:

Average grade of minimum C (equivalent to Norwegian grade C)

Proficiency in English: Please note that admission to the Master's Programme in Spanish language and Latin-American Studies requires lower test results in English than the general requirements for UiB. The language requirements for the Master's Programme in Spanish language and Latin-American Studies are:

- IELTS academic - International English Language Testing System: Minimum score of 6.0 in each of the bands: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

- TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test (iBT): Minimum total score: 80

- PTE Academic - Pearson Test of English Academic. Minimum overall score: 53

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelors 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

SPLA311 - Developments in Modern Spanish Linguistics. Theory and Method. (F - 10 ECTS)

SPLA312 - Latin American Literature: Approaches and Methodology (F - 10 ECTS)

SPLA313 - Voices in Latin American History (F - 10 ECTS)

SPLA314 - Project Design for Latin American Studies (S - ECTS)

SPLA315 - Specialization in Latin American Studies (S - ECTS)

SPLA350 - Spanish and Latin American Studies - Master's Thesis (F og S - 60 ECTS)

Recommended electives

SPLA301, SPLA302 and SPLA303

Sequential Requirements, courses

Semester 1 (fall)

SPLA311 - Developments in Modern Spanish Linguistics. Theory and Method. (10 ECTS)

SPLA312 - Latin American Literature: Approaches and Methodology (10 ECTS)

SPLA313 - Voices in Latin America (10 ECTS)

Semester 2 (spring)

SPLA314 - Prosject Design for Latin American Studies (10 ECTS)

SPLA315 - Spesialization in Latin American Studies (20 ECTS)

Semester 3 (fall)

SPLA350 - Spanish and Latin American Studies - Master's Thesis

Semester 4 (spring)

SPLA350 - Spanish and Latin American Studies - Master's Thesis

Everyone with admission to the Masters program has a right to individual supervision in correspondence with the resources of the Spanish section. Student and supervisor will sign a binding supervision contract in the second semester. The topic for the MA thesis must be approved by the supervisor

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 and learning methods

Lectures/Seminars/Supervision

Assessment methods

Throughout the programme, students will encounter various forms of assessment. These can include written exams, thesis supervision, oral presentations, home exams, and portfolio assessments.

The forms of assessment are dependent on the learning outcomes of the individual courses.

• For more detailed information on the forms of assessment, see the individual course descriptions.

Grading scale

Grades for the different courses are based on one of two grading scales:

• A-F, where F is a failing grade
  
• Pass/fail

Information about which grading scale is used can be found on the course description.

Access to further studies

The Master's degree in Spanish Language and Latin American Studies prepares one for further study at the PhD-level.

Students planning on taking Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE/PPU) need to make sure that they meet the entry requirements for PGCE/PPU. These differ from the entry requirements to the master program in Spanish Language and Latin American Studies.

Please visit Praktisk-pedagogisk utdanning (PPU), årsstudium

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

The Master's program will be continually evaluated in accordance with the requirements for quality assurance at UiB. Course and program evaluations can be found at studiekvalitetsbasen.uib.no

Programme committee

The program committee is responsible for the programs academic content, structure, and quality.

Administrative responsibility

The Department of Foreign Languages at the Faculty of Humanities has administrative responsibility for the study programme.

Contact information