At the M.A. level, graduate students develop a solid, general base in Hispanic language, literature and culture. Our M.A. program is broad in content, reflecting a balance between Spanish and Spanish American literature and culture. Upon completion of the M.A. degree, students will be prepared to enter a Ph.D. program at UTK or elsewhere, or to use their training in Spanish as a point of departure for other kinds of careers, such as secondary education or government service. In keeping with the above philosophy, the Spanish faculty has developed guidelines regarding the selection of courses.
Students take courses in as many different areas as possible.
Among the 30 graduate hours required for an M.A., students will have at least 9 hours in Peninsular literature and at least 9 hours in Spanish American. These courses should cover the literature of several different centuries. Since most graduate students are Teaching Assistants, the normal class load is 9 hours per semester. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available for the M.A. degree. Upon completion of the Ph.D. degree, a student will be prepared to teach and to conduct research in Spanish at the college or university level.