Spanish Language and Literature

The objective of the study is to develop and enlarge the knowledge and skills acquired in the Bachelor’s degree study program of Hispanic languages and cultures or similar programs. The Master’s Degree focuses on enlarging the scope of Cultural knowledge, as well as critical thinking. It also acquaints and introduces the student to the main currents of research in Spanish Philology and Hispanic Studies. In the area of Linguistics, students focus on the historical development of Spanish Language and its varieties in a social-historical a social-cultural conceptual framework. In Literary criticism, students learn to use modern methodologies and critical theories in literary analysis, applied in texts of the Hispanophone countries, including Spain. A broad knowledge of the Spanish and Latin-American canon is presupposed. Input language competence is at the C1 level according to the CEFR; output language competence is at the C2 level.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• Will be able to communicate with full Proficiency in the four domains of Spanish language: reading, speaking, writing and listening, at C2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Comprehends the structure, historical development and functioning of Spanish and its varieties.
• Has a broad and sophisticated knowledge of the main currents of research in literature and literary criticism in the area of Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain.
• Must have the ability to think critically and to create objective and critical assessments.
• At more general level, the graduate acquires the skill of working independently with various sources of information and knows how to interpret them in their respective context.

Graduate is prepared to work in those areas requiring a deep and proficient command of the Spanish language and a wide range of knowledge of Spanish and Spanish speaking culture; areas such as: specialized research action, editorial, publication, translation, advertising, marketing, etc. Typically, s/he would find career opportunities in other professional positions that require skills such as independent critical thinking and full competence in Spanish language at a high level.

Practical training is not required.

A standard scope of a Master's thesis is about 120,000 characters including footnotes, list of literature, etc.; supplements do not count in the scope of characters. Master's thesis has the character of an independent empirical research but it is not expected to change the level of knowledge in the area. Students should demonstrate the ability to work critically with specialized texts and apply their acquired knowledge in their own research. The student selects the subject of her/his thesis, pending on consultations and approbation of her/his thesis tutor or director, who recommends a methodology and primary reading. The undergraduate must consult with her/his thesis tutor on a regular basis.

After completing the Master’s degree study program, it is possible to further continue studies in a doctoral degree study program in Romance languages, Romance literatures, or other appropriate doctoral studies.