The Romance Languages MA degree program is open to native and non-native speakers alike. The program promotes the development of cutting-edge pedagogical practices, all aim at optimal preparation for success in attaining academic and professional goals. The department is committed to providing this training by means of the best facilities and technology available, and by relying on a staff of teachers and scholars with commensurate international experience and expertise. The Romance Languages MA degree program incorporates two concentrations: French and Spanish, and the Romance Languages MA, without a concentration and combining two Romance languages.
The French Concentration of the Romance Languages MA is designed to provide students with enhanced proficiency in French (for non-native speakers) and intercultural competence relevant to France and other Francophone nations, regions and minorities in an interconnected global context, and to foster the development. The development of analytical skills in relation to French and Francophone literature, culture, and linguistics. The French Concentration has two focused areas of study: literature and culture, and linguistics, each with or without a thesis. Both focused areas of study are open to qualifying Accelerated Master’s Program students who complete their BA while commencing the MA.
The Spanish Concentration of the Romance Languages MA is designed to provide students with enhanced proficiency in Spanish (for non-native speakers) and intercultural competence relevant to Spain and other Hispanophone nations, regions and minorities in an interconnected global context, and to foster the development . The development of analytical skills in relation to Spanish and Latin American (as well as Latinx) language, culture, and linguistics. The Spanish Concentration has two focused areas of study: literature and culture, and linguistics, each with or without a thesis. Both focused areas of study are open to qualifying Accelerated Master’s Program students who complete their BA while commencing the MA.
The Romance languages MA without a concentration, combines two Romance languages, with or without a thesis, and is designed to provide students with enhanced proficiency in French and Spanish (for non-native speakers) and intercultural competence relevant to France, Spain and other Francophone and Hispanophone nations, regions and minorities in an interconnected global context, and to foster the development of analytical skills in relation to French, Francophone, Spanish and Latin American (as well as Latinx) language, culture, and linguistics. Occasional graduate coursework in Italian or Italian studies (usually bearing an RL prefixed to the course number) is available and can be included.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
- Writing Sample(s): If pursuing the French Concentration applicants must submit a French writing sample. If pursuing the Spanish Concentration applicants must submit a Spanish writing sample. If pursing the Romance Languages without a concentration applicants must submit one writing sample French and one in Spanish. Each writing sample should be about 10 pages (double spaced) in length and the candidate seeking admission will need to demonstrate a commensurate level of proficiency in the target language as well as critical thinking skills.
- Statement of Purpose: The applicant should describe how prior academic experience has prepared them for graduate study in the target language at The University of Alabama (UA) and specify the fields of interest. The statement should indicate how the Modern Languages and Classics (MLC) Department's programs and courses align with the applicant's goals both as a student at UA and after graduation. If the applicant is interested in GTA support, include information on why teaching and pedagogical training during their Graduate program will support their professional goals.
- Video Recording(s) in the target Language: If pursuing the French Concentration applicants must submit a French video recording. If pursuing the Spanish Concentration applicants must submit a Spanish video recording. If pursing the Romance Languages without a concentration applicants must submit one video recording in French and one in Spanish. Each video submission should be 3-5 minutes (.mpv4 or .mov format) in which the applicant speaks freely about themselves in a conversational manner in the target language (do not read a prepared text). Then read a paragraph from a target language text of the applicant's choice or a short poem.
- A resume
- 3 letters of recommendation
No entrance exam scores are required. However, applicants to all programs who seek to position themselves for possible consideration for additional financial support in the form of an enhanced assistantship or fellowship should submit an entrance score (GRE or MAT), even when it is not required for admission. Applications for both full-time and part-time status are welcome. All applicants seeking full-time student status are considered for financial support in the form of a graduate teaching assistantship.
For applicants with insufficient undergraduate preparation, admission may be contingent upon completion of designated undergraduate requirements. Qualified students with an appropriate undergraduate degree may be admitted directly to the Doctoral program in Romance Languages. However, in such circumstances completion of all requirements for the appropriate Master of Arts program, including comprehensive testing and subsequent awarding of the Master of Arts degree, will be a prerequisite for completion of the Doctoral degree.
When available, we offer teaching assistantships to qualified full-time MA and PhD candidates. Assistantships include a stipend paid over nine months, a tuition waiver and health insurance. Exceptionally qualified candidates may be eligible for fellowships or enhanced assistantships.
We have rolling year-round admissions.
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Curricular Requirements
The Romance Languages degree program is available in a variety of configurations; two concentrations: French and Spanish, and the MA in Romance Languages without a concentration and combining two Romance languages (for example, Spanish and French). Each configuration can incorporate either of the two focused areas of study:
- Linguistics
- Literature/Culture
All focused areas of study include a comprehensive exam. However, the configuration of the exam is specific to each area of study, as indicated below. Regardless of the concentration or area of study, all new graduate teaching assistants must enroll into the Practicum in Applied Linguistics (SP 502 Pract Appl Linguistics or FR 512 Practicum Appl Linguist).
All nonthesis areas of study of the Master of Arts in Romance languages include a core of six courses in the six areas listed below:
- Teaching Practicum
- Topics in Linguistics
- Research Methodology: Critical Theory/ Qualitative or Quantitative methods in Linguistics
- Topics in Culture and Civilization
- Graduate Seminar
- Special Topics/Directed Readings
Concentration in French
The French concentration of the Romance Languages, MA has two focused areas of study: the literature and culture area of study and the linguistics area of study, each with or without a thesis. Both focused areas of study are open to qualifying Accelerated Masters’ Program students who complete their BA while commencing the MA.
All focused areas of study include a comprehensive exam. However, the configuration of the exam is specific to each area of study, as indicated below. Regardless of the area of study, all new graduate teaching assistants must enroll into the Practicum in Applied Linguistics (FR 512).
Literature and Culture - Focused Area of Study with a Thesis
This focused area of study requires a total of 33 hours, with 27 hours of coursework and a thesis, including at least one course in each of the five fields below. A teaching practicum is required, FR 512 Practicum Appl Linguist.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| FR 512 | Practicum Appl Linguist | 3 |
| At least one course in each of the following five fields: | 15 | |
| Additional courses maybe available with advisor approval. | ||
| Early Modern | ||
| 17th Cent French Lit I | ||
| 17th Cent French Lit II | ||
| 19th Century | ||
| Spec Top 19th Cent French Lit | ||
| 20th and 21st Centuries | ||
| Bande Dessinée | ||
| 20th-Century French Novel | ||
| 20th-21st FR Lit Sp Topics | ||
| French Cinema | ||
| Francophone Studies | ||
| Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa | ||
| Top French Culture Civilizatn | ||
| Bande Dessinée | ||
| Quebecois Lit & Culture | ||
| Writing Immigration | ||
| French Linguistics | ||
| Qual Methds/Applied Ling Res | ||
| Topics 2nd Lang Acquistn | ||
| Pronunciation & Phonetics | ||
| French Linguistics | ||
| French-English Translation | ||
| Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Research Methodology | ||
| Critical Theory | ||
| Thesis | 6 | |
| Thesis Research | ||
| Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Elective courses include French Language, literature, culture and linguistics options as well as RL courses that relate to French and francophone topics. | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
French Linguistics - Focused Area of Study with a Thesis
This focused area of study requires a total of 36 hours, with 30 hours of coursework and a thesis. In addition to the thesis, the linguistics focused area of study involves two components: language and linguistics. The language component consists of 15 hours of course credit in French language, literature, and/or culture. A teaching practicum is required, FR 512 Practicum Appl Linguist.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Practicum | 3 | |
| Practicum Appl Linguist | ||
| Linguistics Component | ||
| FR 561 | French Linguistics | 3 |
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Qual Methds/Applied Ling Res | ||
| Topics 2nd Lang Acquistn | ||
| Quantitative Methods in Ling | ||
| Bilingualism | ||
| Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Quantitative Methods in Ling | ||
| Qual Methds/Applied Ling Res | ||
| These courses need not be language-specific; they can be general and inclusive of all literature and languages. | ||
| Elective Courses | 12 | |
| Elective courses include French Language, literature, culture and linguistics options as RL courses that relate to French and francophone topics. | ||
| Thesis | 6 | |
| Thesis Research | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Literature and Culture - Focused Area of Study Non-Thesis
This focused area of study requires 33 hours of coursework, including at least one course in each of the five fields below. A teaching practicum is required, FR 512 Practicum Appl Linguist.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| FR 512 | Practicum Appl Linguist | 3 |
| At least one course in each of the following five fields: | 15 | |
| Additional courses maybe available with advisor approval. | ||
| Early Modern | ||
| 17th Cent French Lit I | ||
| 17th Cent French Lit II | ||
| 19th Century | ||
| Spec Top 19th Cent French Lit | ||
| 20th and 21st Centuries | ||
| Bande Dessinée | ||
| 20th-Century French Novel | ||
| 20th-21st FR Lit Sp Topics | ||
| French Cinema | ||
| Francophone Studies | ||
| Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa | ||
| Top French Culture Civilizatn | ||
| Bande Dessinée | ||
| Quebecois Lit & Culture | ||
| Writing Immigration | ||
| French Linguistics | ||
| Qual Methds/Applied Ling Res | ||
| Topics 2nd Lang Acquistn | ||
| Pronunciation & Phonetics | ||
| French Linguistics | ||
| French-English Translation | ||
| Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Research Methodology | ||
| Critical Theory | ||
| Elective Courses | 12 | |
| Elective courses include French Language, literature film, culture and linguistics options as well as RL courses that relate to French and francophone topics. | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
French Linguistics - Focused Area of Study Non-Thesis
This focused area of study requires 36 hours of coursework. The linguistics focused area of study involves two components: language and linguistics. The language component consists of 21 hours of course credit in French language, literature, and/or culture. The linguistics component is comprised of a 3-hour descriptive linguistics course (FR 561 French Linguistics) and 9 hours of other linguistics courses. A teaching practicum, FR 512 Practicum Appl Linguist, is required.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| FR 512 | Practicum Appl Linguist | 3 |
| Linguistic Component | ||
| FR 561 | French Linguistics | 3 |
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Qual Methds/Applied Ling Res | ||
| Topics 2nd Lang Acquistn | ||
| Quantitative Methods in Ling | ||
| Bilingualism | ||
| Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Quantitative Methods in Ling | ||
| Qual Methds/Applied Ling Res | ||
| Elective Courses | 18 | |
| Elective courses include French Language, literature, culture and linguistics options as RL courses that relate to French and francophone topics. | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Concentration in Spanish
The Spanish concentration of the Romance Languages, MA has two focused areas of study: the literature and culture area of study and the linguistics area of study, each with or without a thesis. Both focused areas of study are open to qualifying Accelerated Masters’ Program students who complete their BA while commencing the MA.
Masters’ Program students who complete their BA while commencing the MA.
All focused areas of study include a comprehensive exam. However, the configuration of the exam is specific to each area of study, as indicated below. Regardless of the area of study, all new graduate teaching assistants must enroll into the Practicum in Applied Linguistics (SP 502).
Literature and Culture - Focused Area of Study with a Thesis
Curriculum requirements: 24 hours of coursework and a thesis. The curriculum centers on Peninsular and Spanish-American literature. The Romance languages core requirements do not apply to thesis options. However, the curriculum must include either a course in critical theory or a literature course designated as theory enriched. The Teaching Practicum, SP 502, is also required.
24 credit hours of graduate coursework plus a thesis. Candidates must take a minimum: of 6 credit hours in Peninsular literature, 6 credit hours in Latin American literature, 3 credit hours in Spanish linguistics, 3 credit hours in the Teaching practicum, and 6 credit hours of SP/RL electives. One of the previous 8 classes (a 3 credit-hour course) must be either the Critical Theory class (RL 557) or a literature class with a strong emphasis on literary theory.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| SP 502 | Pract Appl Linguistics | 3 |
| Peninsular and Latin American Literature/Culture Courses | 12 | |
| Additional courses maybe available with advisor approval. | ||
| Thematic Courses | ||
| Spanish Women Authors | ||
| Gender in Hispanic Works (may count as peninsular or Latin American) | ||
| Peninsular | ||
| Golden Age Peninsular | ||
| Cervantes | ||
| 16th C Peninsular Lit | ||
| 17th C Peninsular Lit | ||
| 19th Century Peninsular | ||
| 19th-Century Spanish Prose | ||
| 20th and 21st Century Peninsular | ||
| 20th C Span Novel Post Civil W | ||
| Historical Memory in Spain | ||
| Contemporary Iberian Culture | ||
| Latin America | ||
| 19th and 20th Century Latin America | ||
| 19th C Span Amer Lit | ||
| 20th and 21st Century Latin America | ||
| Spanish American Short Story | ||
| Latinx Studies in the United States | ||
| Sem Spanish-American Lit (Any relevant topic) | ||
| Spanish Linguistics | 3 | |
| Intro Spanish Linguistcs | ||
| Special Topics Spanish Ling | ||
| Topics 2nd Lang Acquistn | ||
| Phonetics and Phonology | ||
| History of Spanish Language | ||
| Pragmatics | ||
| Bilingualism | ||
| Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Critical Theory | ||
| Theory-enriched course in one of the fields listed above | ||
| Elective Courses | 3 | |
| Any SP or RL courses with the provision that the candidate's final research project for the RL courses must be related to a Spanish or Hispanic topic. | ||
| Thesis | 6 | |
| Thesis Research | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
The curriculum must include either a course in critical theory or a literature course designated as theory enriched. In consultation with the Spanish graduate advisor, each student must also select a special area of interest in Hispanic literature in order to write the thesis. Six hours of SP 599 Thesis Research with the thesis director are required beyond the 24 hours of coursework. It is the student’s responsibility to keep syllabi from each course on file for reference.
Spanish Linguistics - Focused Area of Study with a Thesis
This focused area of study requires 36 hours of coursework and a thesis. In addition to the thesis, the Spanish linguistics focused area of study involves two components: language and linguistics. The language component consists of 15 hours of course credit in Spanish language, literature, and culture (a minimum of 6 hours must be in peninsular literature and 6 hours in Latin-American literature. Thematic courses can count as either peninsular or Latin American). A teaching practicum is required, SP 502 Pract Appl Linguistics.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Practicum | 3 | |
| Pract Appl Linguistics | ||
| Linguistics Component | ||
| SP 556 | Intro Spanish Linguistcs | 3 |
| Select three classes from the list below: | 9 | |
| Phonetics and Phonology | ||
| History of Spanish Language | ||
SP 586 or | Pragmatics | |
| Pragmatics | ||
| Topics 2nd Lang Acquistn | ||
| Bilingualism | ||
| Additional courses maybe available with advisor approval. | ||
| Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Quantitative Methods Span Ling | ||
| Qual Methds/Applied Ling Res | ||
| These courses need not be language-specific; they can be general and inclusive of all literature and languages. | ||
| Literature Courses | 12 | |
| Six hours must be in peninsular literature and six hours in Latin American literature. | ||
| Thematic Courses | ||
| These courses may cover either Peninsular or Latin American areas. | ||
| Spanish Women Authors | ||
| Gender in Hispanic Works | ||
| Peninsular - Six Hours | ||
| Cervantes | ||
| 16th C Peninsular Lit | ||
| 17th C Peninsular Lit | ||
| 19th-Century Spanish Prose | ||
| 20th C Span Novel Post Civil W | ||
| Spanish Women Authors | ||
| Latin American - Six Hours | ||
| Span Amer Colonial Texts | ||
| 19th C Span Amer Lit | ||
| Thesis | 6 | |
| Thesis Research | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Literature and Culture - Focused Area of Study Non-Thesis
This focused area of study requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, of which 27 credit hours must be Spanish graduate courses. Candidates must take a minimum: of 9 credit hours in Peninsular literature, 9 credit hours in Latin American literature, 3 credit hours in Spanish linguistics, 3 credit hours in the Teaching practicum, 3 credit hours in Spanish electives, and 3 credit hours in other elective graduate courses. One of the previous 10 classes (a 3 credit-hour course) must be either the Critical Theory class (RL 557) or a literature class with a strong emphasis on literary theory.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Hours Teaching Practicum | ||
| SP 502 | Pract Appl Linguistics | 3 |
| Literature | 18 | |
| Nine hours must be in peninsular literature and nine hours in Latin American literature. | ||
| Additional courses maybe available with advisor approval. | ||
| Thematic Courses | ||
| These courses may cover either Peninsular or Latin American areas. | ||
| Spanish Women Authors | ||
| Gender in Hispanic Works | ||
| Peninsular | ||
| Golden Age Peninsular | ||
| Cervantes | ||
| 16th C Peninsular Lit | ||
| 17th C Peninsular Lit | ||
| 19th Century Peninsular | ||
| 19th-Century Spanish Prose | ||
| 20th and 21st Century Peninsular | ||
| 20th C Span Novel Post Civil W | ||
| Spanish Women Authors | ||
| Historical Memory in Spain | ||
| Contemporary Iberian Culture | ||
| Latin American | ||
| Colonial Latin America | ||
| Span Amer Colonial Texts | ||
| 19th and 20th Century Latin America | ||
| 19th C Span Amer Lit | ||
| Latinx Studies in the United States | ||
| Sem Spanish-American Lit (Any relevant topic) | ||
| Spanish Linguistics | ||
| Phonetics and Phonology | ||
| History of Spanish Language | ||
SP 586 or | Pragmatics | |
| Pragmatics | ||
| Bilingualism | ||
| Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Critical Theory | ||
| Theory-enriched course in one of the fields listed above | ||
| Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Any SP or RL courses with the provision that the candidate's final research project for the RL courses must be related to a Spanish or Hispanic topic. | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Spanish Linguistics - Focused Area of Study Non-Thesis
This focused area of study requires 36 hours of coursework. The linguistics area of study involves two components: language and linguistics. The language component consists of 21 hours of course credit in Spanish language, literature, and culture (a minimum of 6 hours must be in peninsular literature and 6 hours in Latin-American literature. Thematic courses can count as either peninsular or Latin American). A teaching practicum, SP 502 Pract Appl Linguistics.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| SP 502 | Pract Appl Linguistics | 3 |
| Linguistics Component | ||
| SP 556 | Intro Spanish Linguistcs | 3 |
| Select four courses from the list below: | 12 | |
| Phonetics and Phonology | ||
| History of Spanish Language | ||
SP 586 or | Pragmatics | |
| Pragmatics | ||
| Topics 2nd Lang Acquistn | ||
| Bilingualism | ||
| Additional courses maybe available with advisor approval. | ||
| Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Quantitative Methods Span Ling | ||
| Qual Methds/Applied Ling Res | ||
| These courses need not be language-specific; they can be general and inclusive of all literature and languages. | ||
| Literature Courses | 12 | |
| Six hours must be in peninsular literature and six hours in Latin American literature. | ||
| Thematic Courses | ||
| These courses may cover either Peninsular or Latin American areas. | ||
| Spanish Women Authors | ||
| Gender in Hispanic Works | ||
| Peninsular - Six hours | ||
| Cervantes | ||
| 16th C Peninsular Lit | ||
| 17th C Peninsular Lit | ||
| 19th-Century Spanish Prose | ||
| 20th C Span Novel Post Civil W | ||
| Spanish Women Authors | ||
| Historical Memory in Spain | ||
| Contemporary Iberian Culture | ||
| Latin American - Six Hours | ||
| Span Amer Colonial Texts | ||
| 19th C Span Amer Lit | ||
| Additional courses maybe available with advisor approval. | ||
| Elective Courses | 3 | |
| Any SP or RL courses with the provision that the candidate's final research project for the RL courses must be related to a Spanish or Hispanic topic. | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Some courses can be counted as either language or linguistics, depending upon the candidate's programmatic needs. For example, a candidate with a focus on Spanish with linguistics can count a course in Spanish linguistics under the language category or under the linguistics category in order to free up additional hours in the category that best serves the candidate's programmatic needs.
Romance Languages without a Concentration - combination of Romance Languages
It combines Romance Languages and incorporates two focused areas of study: the literature/culture area of study and the linguistics area of study, each with or without a thesis.
Romance Languages without a Concentration (combination of Romance Languages) with a Thesis
Curriculum requirements: 24 - 30 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis. The curriculum requires study of at least two Romance languages, one as the primary and one as the secondary. The primary component includes a minimum of 18 hours (six courses). The secondary component includes a minimum of 12 (four courses). More than the minimum is recommended for both the primary and the secondary languages. Graduate courses in Italian studies are available on occasion (see the RL prefix in course listings). Based on the advice of the graduate advisor, the appropriate courses taken will fulfill the Romance languages core requirements listed above.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Language (minimum) | 18 | |
| Secondary Language (minimum) | 12 | |
| Course selection must include: | ||
| Research Methodology course - Three Hours | ||
Critical Theory course - if focus is literature and culture | ||
Quantitative or Qualitative course - if focus is linguistics | ||
| Teaching Practicum - Three Hours | ||
FR 512 or | Practicum Appl Linguist | |
| Pract Appl Linguistics | ||
| If the candidate is a Graduate Teaching Assistant in either French or Spanish, then the candidate must accumulate no fewer than 18 hours in the respective language during the first two semesters of enrollment. | ||
| Thesis | 6 | |
FR 599 or | Thesis Research | |
SP 599 or | Thesis Research | |
| Thesis Research | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Romance Languages without a Concentration (combination of Romance Languages) Non-Thesis
Curriculum requirements: This focused area of study requires 30 - 36 hours of coursework. The curriculum requires study of at least two Romance languages, one as the primary and one as the secondary. The primary component includes a minimum of 18 hours (six courses). The secondary component includes a minimum of 12 hours (four courses). More than the minimum is recommended for both the primary and the secondary languages. Graduate courses in Italian studies are available on occasion (see the RL prefix in course listings). Based on the advice of the graduate advisor, the appropriate courses taken will fulfill the Romance languages core requirements listed above.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Language (minimum) | 18 | |
| Secondary Language (minimum) | 12 | |
| Course selection must include: | ||
| Research Methodology course - Three Hours | ||
Critical Theory courses - if focus is literature and culture | ||
Quantitative or Qualitative courses - if focus is linguistics | ||
| Teaching Practicum - Three Hours | ||
FR 512 or | Practicum Appl Linguist | |
| Pract Appl Linguistics | ||
| If the candidate is a Graduate Teaching Assistant in either French or Spanish, then the candidate must accumulate no fewer than 18 hours in the respective language during the first two semesters of enrollment. | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Transfer Credit
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Comprehensive Exam
French Concentration: Literature and Culture - Focused Area of Study with a Thesis and Non-Thesis
For the literature/culture focused area of study, candidates must pass a comprehensive examination based on their coursework in the five fields of study. However, for the written component of the exam, students may be exempted from examination in a maximum of two fields (and earn an automatic "pass" in those fields) in two ways: either by writing a research paper in the field and presenting it at a professional conference or by satisfactorily completing two courses in the field, earning a grade of "A" or "B." Success on the written component precedes the oral component of the exam, which involves generating an oral presentation on a topic indicated in advance.
French Linguistics - Focused Area of Study with a Thesis and Non-Thesis
For the linguistics focused area of study, the comprehensive examination is based on the coursework. From the selection of questions provided, the candidate must generate six written answers (one for FR 512, one pertaining to linguistics, one pertaining to French linguistics, and three pertaining to electives).
Spanish Concentration: Literature and Culture - Focused Area of Study with a Thesis and Non-Thesis
For the literature/culture focus area of study, the six-part written examination will be based both on coursework and a reading list in each area. Candidates are required to take exams in the following areas: either three Peninsular areas (of the student's choosing) and two Latin American areas (of the student's choosing) or vice versa, and one area of linguistics.
It is important that the candidate keep an archive of the course syllabi of every course taken. Should the candidate, for any reason, not take a course in one of the assigned areas, he/she will have to make up for this omission by supplying appropriate selections from the Reading List for the Master of Arts in Spanish. Please check the Spanish Literature MA reading list (PDF) for a detailed description of the selections for each area.
Spanish Linguistics - Focused Area of Study with a Thesis and Non-Thesis
For the linguistics focus area of study, the written examination will be based on coursework. Candidates are required to take exams in the following areas: SP 502 and an elective, Spanish language and linguistics, and literature. From the selection of questions provided in each area, the candidate must generate six written answers.
Romance Languages, without a concentration - Combination of Romance Languages with a Thesis and Non-Thesis
From the selection of questions provided, the candidate must generate six written answers (four pertaining to the primary main language and two pertaining to the secondary language; however, if the candidate has 18 or more hours in both French and Spanish, then the candidate will generate three written answers for each).
General scheduling and assessment of the written MA Comprehensive Examination
For all plans and areas of the MA in Romance Languages degree program, typically, there are three exam days, with two exam sessions each day, spread out over the course of a week. Each exam day lasts 3 hours, divided into two sessions. During each exam session, the examinee writes answers to one question. A typical sequence for taking the exam would follow this schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 3 hours each. After evaluating the written answers, the professor in each area of specialization decides if the candidate passes his/her question. In order to pass the entire exam, a candidate must earn a pass in five of the six areas. Should the candidate fail more than two areas, he/she will have one final opportunity to repeat the failed areas, normally in the following semester (without expectation of renewed support in the form of an assistantship). Should the candidate fail in two areas, normally he/she must repeat both areas two weeks later. Should the candidate pass both repeated areas or fail in only one of the two repeated areas, then the candidate will earn a pass on the overall exam. Should the candidate fail both repeated areas, then he/she has one final opportunity to retake the failed exams, normally the following semester (without expectation of renewed support in the form of an assistantship).
Plan I - Thesis Process Requirements
A thesis evidencing research capacity, independent thought, and the ability to interpret materials is required of all master's degree candidates who pursue Plan I. The subject chosen must be in the major field and must be approved by the graduate committee of the major department or school and by the head of the candidate's major department or division.
A thesis committee must consist of at least three members appointed by the dean of the Graduate School. Candidates set up their committee through the Graduate Academic Activities portal on the Graduate School website. The request normally is made as soon as the successful defense of the thesis proposal has been completed. All members of a thesis committee must be members of the Graduate Faculty. The Committee Chair must be a full or associate member of the Graduate Faculty. One member must be from outside the candidate's major department. The majority of the thesis committee must be full-time regular University of Alabama faculty. If the outside member is not a full or associate member of the UA Graduate Faculty (e.g., a highly qualified person from another university, a business, or industry), the graduate dean needs to appoint that member by approving Affiliate Graduate Faculty status for the specific purpose of serving on the candidate's thesis committee. Unless there are extraordinary circumstances meriting approval by the graduate dean before the final oral defense of the thesis, all members of the thesis committee must attend the defense.
The candidate must give members of the examining committee a minimum of two weeks to read the thesis before the date of the final oral examination. All members must agree that the candidate is ready for the final oral thesis defense. A final oral thesis defense is required of all candidates completing a thesis. All members of the thesis committee must be members of the UA graduate faculty and must attend the final oral thesis defense unless there are extraordinary circumstances warranting the graduate dean's approval of the absence prior to the defense meeting.
The final oral thesis defense is the culminating experience in the master’s program. As such, all members of the thesis committee are expected to attend and participate in real time. Virtual attendance via interactive video or teleconference is permitted for off-campus external committee members, but the student and Tuscaloosa campus faculty should attend in person unless extraordinary circumstances dictate the need for virtual attendance. In circumstances where virtual participation is necessary, all participants must follow the Virtual Participation guidelines found in this catalog.
Plan II - Non-Thesis Process Requirements
For the literature and culture focused areas of study a minimum of 30 hours are required. For the linguistics focused areas of study a minimum of 36 credit hours are required. Candidates in both areas are required to take the Comprehensive exams in their last semester in the program.
Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Student Progress Requirement
Graduate School information on Student Progress.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Scholastic Requirements
Graduate School information on Scholastic Requirements.
Graduate School Deadlines Information
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation Information
Information for the Application for Graduation.