The Master of Arts program in Spanish requires 30 s.h. of graduate credit. A maximum of 6 s.h. of graduate credit in approved courses may be transferred from other institutions toward the 30 s.h. required for the M.A. degree. Students must maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of at least 2.75.

Students choose one of two emphases: literature, which provides training in literary analysis and broad knowledge of representative works in principal areas of Hispanic literature; or linguistics, which provides training in linguistic analysis and argumentation and broad knowledge of the principal subfields of Hispanic linguistics.

Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Master of Arts in Spanish, visit the UI General Catalog.

Spanish Literature Emphasis

At least eight of the ten literature emphasis courses must be taken in Department of Spanish and Portuguese courses numbered 5000 or above. The remaining two may be taken in Department of Spanish and Portuguese courses numbered 4000 or above or in courses offered by related departments, subject to approval by the director of graduate studies.

Spanish Linguistics Emphasis

At least six of the ten linguistics emphasis courses must be taken in Department of Spanish and Portuguese courses numbered 5000 or above. The remaining four may be taken in Department of Spanish and Portuguese courses numbered 4000 or above or in Department of Linguistics courses (prefix LING).

Language Tool Requirement

Students must complete the equivalent of one year of college-level study of any approved second foreign language; Portuguese is highly recommended. They may satisfy this requirement either by examination or through courses taken at the University of Iowa or another accredited university; such coursework does not count toward the 30 s.h. required for the degree.

Examinations

The comprehensive examination includes written and oral components. The written portion consists of a two-hour examination in each of three areas; an oral examination follows, usually lasting 90 minutes. The examining committee is composed of four departmental faculty members.

Students in the literature emphasis may choose to be examined in three literature areas or in two literature areas and one linguistics area. At least one literature area must be in Spanish literature and at least one must be in Spanish American literature. If three literature areas are chosen, at least one must represent literature written before 1700 (peninsular or Spanish American).

Students in the linguistics emphasis may choose to be examined in three linguistics areas or in two linguistics areas and one literature area. At least one of the linguistics areas must be in syntax or phonology. For students in both emphases, the third examination area may be a film area.

Important Deadlines

Application Deadline: January 15th (for financial support)

Admission

Admission decisions are based on prior academic performance, letters of reference, and the applicant's statement about background and purpose. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College on the Graduate College website. For more information, see the Graduate Admissions Process page.