COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s program in Latin American Studies at Leiden University allows students to specialise in one of three disciplinary tracks, each offering a unique lens through which to study the region. The Cultural Analysis in Latin America track examines cultural production through literature, theatre, film, popular culture, and new media, with a focus on the ways these forms engage with and reflect social dynamics. Students explore how cultural narratives shape identity, give voice to marginalized groups, and influence broader social contexts, while also conducting research on expressions such as graffiti, blogs, and community events, supported by archival work in film and cultural journals. The Public Policies in Latin America track centres on modern Latin American history and the evolving relationship between states and civil society. It emphasizes pressing issues such as education, security, poverty alleviation, gender, indigenous rights, health, and environmental policy. Students engage with real-world practices by examining initiatives led by governments, NGOs, and local communities, conducting interviews with citizens, policymakers, and experts to gain firsthand insights. The Language Variation and Bilingualism track focuses on linguistic diversity in Spanish and Portuguese as spoken in Latin America, addressing themes such as bilingualism, second language acquisition, syntactic variation, heritage languages, and language policy. This track draws on interdisciplinary collaboration with other Leiden research centres and encourages studies on individual and social bilingualism, as well as instructional and policy approaches to language. A defining component of the program is its mandatory six- to eight-week fieldwork in a Latin American country, where students conduct research for their final thesis while also enhancing their cultural immersion and practical skills. Partner institutions include prestigious universities and research centres in Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala, offering students access to strong academic networks. This combination of academic specialisation, practical fieldwork, and cultural engagement ensures that graduates develop both deep expertise and hands-on experience in Latin American studies.