Master of Arts

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» Master of Arts in Spanish

Each student designs a personalized plan of study along with the program director. In addition to one required seminar — Contemporary Critical Theory, or Cultural Theory and Multicultural Practice — students choose seven additional courses. Interdisciplinary coursework addresses culture through history and literature, as well as art, music, theater, and film. Course topics include advanced conversation and composition, medieval and contemporary literature, Hispanic theater, Spanish and Latin American civilization, Puerto Rican culture, politics and art in Latin America, and more. An optional fieldwork seminar on the Puerto Rican migrant experience examines issues such as housing, employment, and racism, and includes placements in bilingual schools, social service centers, government agencies, and hospitals.

Curriculum and Courses

A full course load is three courses per semester. Although the program may be completed in one academic year, including summer study, most students attend part time and complete the program in two years. A late afternoon and evening course schedule makes it convenient for those balancing graduate study with teaching jobs. Students should plan to complete degree requirements within five years. An undergraduate degree in the language is not required in cases where competency has been acquired through experience. A master’s thesis is not required for this program. Simmons also offers special student status for men and women who wish to enroll in one or two courses before formally applying to the program (please see non-degree enrollment ).

Sample Courses