MPhil in Latin American Studies

University of Oxford

This course offers an interdisciplinary approach towards the understanding of modern Latin America, allowing you to develop an in-depth research project that may involve a period of fieldwork in the region.This is a 21-month course spanning six academic terms, including a fieldwork project in Latin America for up to three months. The course will be informed by a range of disciplines: history, political science, sociology, economics and international relations. Major trends in the development of Latin America will be analysed with reference to the main categories of explanation advanced to interpret that development.In the first year, you will choose two disciplinary papers from the following:Latin America since IndependenceIntroduction to the Latin American EconomiesEnvironmental Geography of Latin AmericaThe International Relations of Latin AmericaThe Politics of Democracy in Latin America.In addition, you will choose three option papers, or you may substitute these with further disciplinary papers. One paper will be taken in the first year, and two papers in the second year. As a guide, the following option papers are available in the current academic year, however they may vary from year to year:Andean PoliticsThe Politics of BrazilRoman Catholicism in Latin AmericaThe course will provide you with a critical understanding of the major elements in the development of Latin America over the past two hundred years. You will be taught to relate economic and political trends, and to assess the importance of international influences. The course will demonstrate the way in which different disciplines contribute to an overall understanding of the historical development of the continent. You will also be taught the importance and the limitations of the comparative method of analysis.