Specifics
A special feature of the master's program lies in the combination of regional expertise with subject-specific methods, alongside interdisciplinary cooperation, an in-depth understanding of a chosen discipline, and an international focus. This is reflected above all in the cooperation with people and institutions in and from Latin America. This teaching and learning environment, which is conducive to development and internationalization and is locally based, is characterized by:
- a close connection between teaching and research at the Central Institute for Latin American Studies;
- introducing students to possible involvement in projects early on;
- project work in the third semester, which prepares students for their final thesis and career entry;
- a large number of lectures integrated into the teaching and the exchange with representatives from Berlin and national institutions and international guests, especially from academia and professional practice;
- e-learning elements that serve the preparation and follow-up of study content, as well as project support and continuous communication.
The program combines the social and practical aspects of collaborative in-person learning with the flexibility of digital formats, especially in research practice in the third semester. It balances cooperation and exchange between instructors and students at German and especially Latin American partner universities and cooperating institutions in Berlin, including museums, foundations, cultural institutions, publishing houses, research institutes, etc.
Students enrich their interdisciplinary and subject-specific knowledge by specializing in a specific profile area during their studies. In the profile area “Brazil in a global context”, students intensively examine the historical and current particularities of the region, while honing their language skills in Brazilian Portuguese. The course of study presents interdisciplinary insights into social transformation processes and dynamics in Latin America, while incorporating the necessary theoretical-methodological tools.
In addition, students discuss current global theories on cultural, socioeconomic, political, and gender differences as well as the main features of research development in Germany, Latin America, and worldwide. The master's program promotes a critical examination of the development of gender relations and diversity-addressing topics such as gender construction and gender equality policies, intersectionality, constructions of ethno-cultural difference, and unequal access to socioeconomic resources and the dynamics of their change and interactions. Furthermore, students have opportunities to study abroad and participate in field projects, internships, and occasional field trips.