GRADUATE
Terminal Master of
Arts Degree
The Department of Hispanic Languages and Literatures’ graduate program is
mainly oriented to the PhD. However, we
also offer the possibility of a terminal Master of Arts degree for students who
do not intend to go on to the PhD (e.g. high school teachers). This terminal MA is not equivalent to the en route MA that allows the recipient to
continue studying for the Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh
. The academic requirements are not the same;
specifically, the terminal MA does not require that a student take the
two-day written PhD Preliminary examinations.
The Master of Arts degree incorporates a concentration in Latin American Literature and Cultural
Studies, as well as a minor in Brazilian or Peninsular Literature or in Cultural
Studies. Major portions of
the relevant literary and critical works and theoretical issues are covered in
core courses, and there are departmental reading lists for these areas.
For those who are pursuing the terminal MA degree, a minimum of thirty
(30) credits of coursework, chosen in consultation with an advisor, and
completed with grades of B or better, is required. This must include a minimum of
twenty-four (24) credits of coursework (eight [8] courses) in the
department. This should include
-- a minimum of three
(3) departmental Core Courses;
-- at least four (4)
courses in Latin American Literature and Cultural Studies; and
-- at least two (2)
courses in the area that will constitute their minor field: Brazilian or Peninsular Literature or Cultural Studies.
Core courses can often also count toward the major or minor field. The remaining six (6) credits may be earned by any combination
of courses taken outside the department (including transfer credits and
1000-level courses), and a maximum of three (3) credits of Directed Study (SPAN
2902) (permission required). The six (6)
credits can also be earned by taking two (2) additional departmental courses.
An MA Comprehensive Research Paper, a minimum of thirty (30) pages in length,
including notes and bibliographic references, is also required. It is elaborated under the direction of a
faculty advisor and handed in to the Graduate Office by the mid-point of the
semester during which students hope to receive their degree. This paper should demonstrate
both research and analytic abilities. In
presentation, it should follow
either the MLA Style Handbook or LSA Style Sheet. This paper will be evaluated by the graduate
committee, and must be approved by that committee before the MA can be awarded.
There is no
language requirement in addition to English and Spanish.
Master of
Arts degree candidates who are full-time graduate students are expected to
complete all requirements for the degree by the end of their second full year
of study. It is understood that
part-time students will take no more than five years to do so.
Students in the terminal MA sequence are not eligible for teaching
assistantships or other departmental financial support.
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