Our Goals

The M.A. programs in French and Spanish at the U of C provide students with (1) a broad set of high-level research and communication skills; (2) specialized knowledge in their chosen field and in the latest theoretical approaches; (3) a high degree of cultural literacy and global awareness. This prepares them for entry into a Ph.D. program in their field or for a profession in fields such as business, teaching or government service. 

Specific objectives of these programs are to develop the following: 

1. Depth and breadth of knowledge in the chosen field. 
   
   1. In literary and cultural specializations, this means 
      (i) acquiring a solid background in major literary and cultural movements, close knowledge of a set of specific literary texts and literary theory, and a general awareness of the political and socioeconomic context in which these movements are situated; (ii) developing an in-depth knowledge of the period or question about which the thesis is written.
   2. In language-oriented specializations, this means 
      (i) familiarity with standard linguistic analyses of the language in question, both diachronic and synchronic, and 
      (ii) knowledge of specific theoretical approaches and discussions relevant to the thesis topic. 

    

2. Advanced research and writing skills.
   
   1. Being able to think critically and independently. 
   2. Having an active understanding of current theoretical issues and trends in the field. 
   3. Undertaking sophisticated analyses that draw on current research paradigms. 
   4. Being able to read critically not only primary texts but also complex theoretically informed secondary works in Spanish or French as well as English. 
   5. Being independent in acquisition of knowledge, organisation of materials, planning and research design. 
   6. Organizing and expressing clearly in written and oral form the results of research. 
   7. Being aware of and able to use effectively the print and electronic resources (bibliographies, catalogues, standard reference works, search engines, etc.) in the chosen field and related areas. 

    

3. Pedagogy and teaching skills.
   
   1. Awareness of current pedagogical practices and approaches in second language teaching. 
   2. Familiarity with the basic technological tools used in language teaching. 
   3. The ability to organize and give an effective language class. 
   4. The ability to organize and give an effective literary or theoretical presentation. 

    

4. Interdisciplinary awareness. 
   
   1. Broad understanding of the ways in which literary, cultural, linguistic, psychological, sociological, political, scientific, historical, and other research impinge on the field. 
   2. Awareness of modes of inquiry and ways of thinking about the construction of knowledge. 
   3. Ability to make connections to other fields. 

    

5. Intercultural awareness. 
   
   1. Appreciation of the ways in which cultures differ and the ways this influences social and individual values. 
   2. Ability to interact appropriately with members of the other cultures. 

    

6. Research communication. 
   
   1. Being aware of the appropriate venues (conferences, journals) for the dissemination of research. 
   2. Being prepared to present the results of research at these venues. 
   3. Beginning to develop a research network. 
   4. Becoming aware of sources of research funding. 

    

7. A high level of linguistic ability in the language. 
   
   1. Native or near native competence in speaking and writing. 
   2. The ability to use language appropriate to the context of communication.