BA with
Latin American
Studies
GY 117
Why Latin American Studies?
This BA with Latin American Studies allows
you to take a similar route to the traditional
BA in two subjects, with the added benefit
of a specialism that will set you apart from
other BA students when you graduate.
What is the advantage of taking Latin
American Studies and Spanish?
Latin American Studies must be taken with Spanish,
which is a major world language, spoken by over
400 million people. It is the official language of 21
countries, the majority of these in Latin America.
You do not need to have prior
knowledge of Spanish:
We welcome students who have taken Leaving
Certificate Spanish, and also Beginners taking
up the language for the first time at university.
Indeed, although the number of students with
Leaving Certificate is growing, those with no prior
knowledge of Spanish should not be put off from
taking this course since the majority of our students
are still Beginners.
Spanish is spoken
by over 400 million
people worldwide
Official Language
Co-official Language
Significant non-official Language
Portuguese Spoken
BA with Latin American Studies
BA with Latin American Studies
Course Facts
First Year
Third Year
The BA with Latin American Studies is an exciting new
programme, unique to NUI, Galway, that offers BA students
the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most dynamic
and diverse regions from an interdisciplinary perspective. In
the first two years at NUI, Galway students will gain an insight
into topics ranging from Latin American cinema and literature,
visual arts and culture, to history, society and politics. All of
this serves as preparation for the third year which is usually
spent in Latin America on placement. Living and studying
and/or working through Spanish in Latin America will give
students a valuable insight into the societies and cultures they
are studying, and will also help to develop their language skills
prior to their entry into final year where they concentrate on
their two main degree subjects.
CAO Code: GY117
Course level: 8
Duration: 4 years
In first year students take Latin American Studies with three
other subjects, one of which must be Spanish.
The reason why Spanish is compulsory for this programme
is because Third Year will be devoted exclusively to Latin
American Studies and students will pursue academic studies or
a work placement (or a combination of both elements) in Latin
America. Although most of our academic links are currently
with Mexico, Argentina and Chile, there is scope to tailor
placements to suit the specific interests of individual students.
Entry Requirements:
Minimum Grade HC3 in two subjects and passes in four
other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate
including: Irish, English, another language and three other
subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements:
Students taking Latin American Studies must also take
Spanish (as Beginners or at post-Leaving Cert level) as one
of their degree subjects from first year to final year.
Minimum entry points 2011: 350
Average intake: 15
A rich and diverse culture
There are three Latin American Studies modules:
Representations of Latin America
Introduction to Latin American Politics and Society
Introduction to Latin American Culture
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■
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Second Year
Students continue with Spanish and one of their other
subjects and take two modules in Latin American Studies:
Latin American History and Society
Cultural Debates in Latin America
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■
Buenos Aires
Final Year
In fourth year students return to NUIG and continue their
studies in their two other degree subjects, incorporating the
knowledge gained in Latin American Studies in the previous
three years.
Career Opportunities
Students graduating with a BA with Latin American Studies,
as well as having a regular Arts Degree, will have a range of
skills which are widely valued in the workplace. In addition
to their linguistic abilities they will have developed a broad
socio-cultural understanding of Latin America and more
specialist knowledge of the country in which they spend
their third year.
Career options will include teaching, translation, media and
communications, arts and culture, positions in international
agencies or Non-Governmental Organisations.
Contact Details
Dr Kate Quinn
Lecturer in Spanish
School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
NUI, Galway
T: 091 492702
F: 091 494580
e-mail: kate.quinn@nuigalway.ie
Web: http://www.nuigalway.ie/spanish/
undergraduate_courses/ba_connect.html
Web: http://www.nuigalway.ie/courses/
undergraduate-courses/arts-with-
latin-american-studies.html
What Our Students Say...
“I have always wanted to take Latin American Studies and was delighted to have the opportunity to
do so at NUI, Galway. Here I can fulfill this ambition while also studying two other subjects in Arts to
degree level. The lecturers and other teaching staff involved deliver a high quality course which provides a
great insight into Latin American history, politics, art and literature.
Taking Spanish is a requirement of the course and the combination makes
everything more interesting. I have developed new skills in interpreting
literature, my writing skills have improved a lot, as has my speaking
ability in Spanish. I am looking forward to my year abroad where
I will be able to apply and expand the knowledge I have gained so
far. Anyone who is fascinated by Latin America will enjoy this
programme as much as I do.”
Kamila Polchowska, Second year student