M.A. Political Science with Specialization in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

The Department of Political Science offers students the opportunity to complete their Master’s degree with a specialization in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS).

As this program is based in Ottawa, it gives students a unique opportunity to capitalize on the presence of diplomatic and non-governmental institutions in the nation’s capital. Students will also have access to the long-established working relationships that faculty have cultivated in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Join the community!

This MA specialization gives students an opportunity to be part of an intellectual community that actively participates in interdisciplinary approaches to the study of Latin America and the Caribbean. Incoming graduate students will have the opportunity to test their ideas and develop their research program alongside other students who are working on projects relevant to the region. They will also have access to the approximately 30 faculty members affiliated with the program. As researchers and educators committed to the study of Latin America and the Caribbean, students will be exposed to a range of innovative methodological and theoretical approaches that are relevant to the study of the region.

LACS Program Requirements

To complete the Specialization in LACS you will also need to take the following courses:

LACS 5000 [0.5 Credits] Interdisciplinary Approaches to Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
LACS 5800 [0.0 Credits] Scholarly Preparation in Latin American and Caribbean Studies: This professional development course is comprised of three elements: graduate students must attend specific events organized by LACS; submit a research journal; and provide a research presentation based on their graduate work (linked to work completed in LACS 5000).
Students choosing either the thesis or research paper options must choose a topic related to Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Students choosing the coursework option must choose a number of LACS-related elective courses, as designated by their home unit and with the permission of the LACS Coordinator.

Requirements - Thesis pathway (5.0 credits)

1. 0.5 credit in:		0.5
LACS 5000 [0.5]	Interdisciplinary Approaches to Latin American and Caribbean Studies
2. 0.0 credit in:		0.0
LACS 5800 [0.0]	Scholarly Preparation in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
3. 1.0 credit in course(s) designated as having sufficient Latin American and Caribbean Studies content, approved by both the Political Science Graduate Supervisor and the Coordinator of Latin American and Caribbean Studies		1.0
4. 2.0 credits in:		2.0
PSCI 5909 [2.0]	M.A. Thesis (in the specialization)
5. 1.5 credits in approved courses		1.5
Total Credits		5.0

Requirements - Research essay pathway (5.0 credits)

1. 0.5 credit in:		0.5
LACS 5000 [0.5]	Interdisciplinary Approaches to Latin American and Caribbean Studies
2. 0.0 credit in:		0.0
LACS 5800 [0.0]	Scholarly Preparation in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
3. 1.0 credit in course(s) designated as having sufficient Latin American and Caribbean Studies content, approved by both the Political Science Graduate Supervisor and the Coordinator of Latin American and Caribbean Studies		1.0
4. 1.0 credit in:		1.0
PSCI 5908 [1.0]	M.A. Research Essay (in the specialization)
5. 2.5 credits in approved courses		2.5
Total Credits		5.0

Defences
In the case of the student choosing a thesis, the thesis will be evaluated by three people: the student’s thesis supervisor from the Department, a second reader from the Department, and an internal third reader who is generally from another Carleton Department but may sometimes come from outside the University. A thesis must be defended orally before the three evaluators. No letter grade is assigned, but notations of Pass with Distinction, Satisfactory, and Unsatisfactory are assigned.

In the case of the student choosing a research essay, that essay will be evaluated by two of the Department’s faculty members including the supervisor and a second reader, and a letter grade will be assigned. An oral defence of the essay is not required but may be requested by the supervisor or second reader.