Latin American Studies (research) (MA)

About the programme

This programme focuses on the ideas and practices of resistance and change in Latin America and the Caribbean. You will be able to specialise in one of three areas: Culture and identity; State-society relations; and Literature, arts and media.

Year 1

During your first year you take two core courses covering the latest theoretical debates on the subject of modernity. You also study a relevant methodology course and submit a research proposal for your MA thesis.

Three opportunities are available for you to study a thematic elective in your chosen area of specialisation. The thematic electives combined with the core courses will help you to define your own research interest within the profile and expertise of the programme.

Year 2

During your second year, you will focus on a period of fieldwork of 8 – 12 weeks. This usually involves travel to Latin America to conduct research in a country of your choice. This might involve data collection/interviews etc., which is gathering first-hand information, or socio-semiotics, which involves conducting discourse and image analysis. Depending in the nature of your thesis, this component can be carried out in Leiden (remotely/digital fieldwork/close textual analysis etc.), always in consultation with your supervisor.

Following this step, you will complete your thesis based on the data/materials collected. A writing workshop will provide support in how to present your findings in different academic writing formats (for example: PhD research project; article publication; funding proposal).

Programme structure

First year
Course	EC
Theoretical Approaches to Modernities in Latin America	10
Resistance, Revival and Change; Mechanisms and Expressions	10
Methods I: Research Seminar Latin American Modernities	10
Brazil in Latin American and Global Perspectives	10
Issues in Latin American Foreign Policies	10
Social Movements in Latin America	10
Remapping the City in Modern Literature and Visual Cultures	10
The place of the political in Latin American literature and cinema	10
Cultural Memory in Latin America (trauma, migration and identity)	10
New Latin American Feminisms	10
State, public policies and civil society in Latin America	10
Contemporary Brazil	10

Second year
Course	EC
Methods II: Research in Latin America	20
Methods III: Writing Workshop	5
Brazil in Latin American and Global Perspectives	10
Issues in Latin American Foreign Policies	10
Social Movements in Latin America	10
Remapping the City in Modern Literature and Visual Cultures	10
The place of the political in Latin American literature and cinema	10
Cultural Memory in Latin America (trauma, migration and identity)	10
New Latin American Feminisms	10
State, public policies and civil society in Latin America	10
Contemporary Brazil	10
MA Thesis Latin American Studies (Research)	25

Edmund Amann

Professor of Brazilian studies

“Brazil is one of the world's most important, fascinating, vibrant and - in some ways - frustrating countries. During the Research MA students have the opportunity to undertake coursework and conduct research around multiple facets of Brazil's economy, society, culture and politics. Students working with me on their theses have the opportunity to investigate such topics as the contemporary Brazilian economy, the business environment, the political system and Brazil's role in the regional and international order. There is also the opportunity to take courses to which I contribute covering such issues as Brazil's relationship with the Lusophone world, the recent political and economic crisis in the country, and Brazil's development since the Estado Novo (a critical milestone in the country's history dating from the 1930s). For those wanting to gain in-depth insight concerning Latin America's largest country, the RES MA offers plentiful options.”

Admission and Application

Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?

Check the entry requirements