Contents of the CMP

The CMP focuses on the changes in Latin American societies as a result of the fundamental adjustments that, since the 1980s in particular, have taken place in their political and economic systems. These changes have been the result of a deeper integration of the respective countries in international markets, the new international economic and political contexts, as well as the political and social processes that have taken place in these societies, partly in reaction to these changes and partly as independent processes at the local, regional or national level.

Although the countries of Latin America have strong differences in geographic, historic, economic, ethnic, cultural and political terms, s almost all of them have experienced transformation since the 1980s, of which the general characteristics are:

• Liberalisation of domestic and foreign markets for goods, services, capital, labour and land;
• Growing social inequality and poverty that goes together with improved quality of life and rising consumption;
• Reduced influence of the state upon society and fragmentation of political processes;
• Revaluation of democratic political procedures and the reduction of the role of the military in politics;
• Decentralisation of decision-making to provincial, regional and local governments;
• Emergence of new social and political movements that attempt to influence society from either within or outside the official system;
• Cultural transformations that generate uniformity and new social, ethnic and religious identities at the same time;
• Growth of crime, violence and feelings of insecurity;
• Spatial reorientation and large-scale national and transnational flows of migration whereby the population is increasingly concentrated in cities and/or takes over ecologically vulnerable areas.

These changes in Latin American society are taking place in a context of international developments that are being felt, even in relatively isolated regions, in nearly all levels of society. Increasing globalisation is putting ever more pressure on traditional societal institutions such as family life, the church, and village community and their concomitant norms and values. The traditional distinctiveness of the continent, such as ‘lo andino’ in the Andes region or the regional cultures of Mexico, is thus subject to change. In the fields of politics and economics as well, developments can no longer be studied without giving sufficient attention to external events and actors.

The decreasing capacity to regulate trends on a national level has led to new discussions about the economic and political developments of Latin America, and about the meaning of social and cultural identities. These developments put new demands on the functioning of governments, the private sector, political and social movements and civil society in general. The collective interactions among people in Latin America should be analysed in the context of international developments. On the other hand, understanding the effects of international measures and globalisation trends requires considering the dynamics and reactions of local societies and their various actors. The CEDLA Masters Programme focuses on these areas of stress.

Structure of the CMP

The CEDLA CMP has a study load of 75 European credits (ECs) and lasts 15 months. The programme is split into two parts. The first part of the programme earns 40 ECs and is made up of course work. You take courses, complete various assignments, and write papers. The introductory course and preparatory fieldwork course are mandatory; in addition you have a choice of various other master’s courses. The second part is given to your research project, which earns 35 ECs. This period will be spent doing fieldwork in Latin America and writing a master’s thesis. The structure of the programme is as follows:

Sep-Oct	Nov-Dec-Jan	Feb-Mar-Apr	May  through Nov
Intro course 10 ECs	Courses 15 (or 10) ECs	Courses 10 (or 15) ECs	Research project, Fieldwork, Post-fieldwork Seminar and thesis: 35 ECs
	Preparatory fieldwork course + Research Proposal: 5 ECs

It is advisable that CMP students start their orientation for fieldwork and research as soon as possible to avoid running out of time. They should join the current research themes of the CEDLA research staff, which are components of the CEDLA Research Programme 2009-2013.

The course ‘Democracy, Identity and Sustainable Development in Latin America’ offers an introduction to the CMP themes. It is taught by all the research staff members of CEDLA. This introduction serves two aims: first, to build an analytical and cognitive foundation as preparation for the more specialised courses that will follow; and second, to create common terms of reference. The knowledge and skills of students will also be tested so that potential deficiencies can be caught at an early stage.

During the introductory course and in consultation with the teachers, you will decide which other courses you will take. In the period from November to April, and in addition to the preparatory fieldwork course, you will take two or three courses. These are master’s courses that provide an in-depth study of one of the CMP research themes. It is also possible to replace one course for the lecturas guiadas at CEDLA, a master’s course outside CEDLA, or an internship.

You will begin preparing your research project during the first part of the CMP. All CEDLA research staff members are involved, and research methods from various disciplines are dealt with. During classes, attention will be given to theoretical points of departure, a methodological approach to research issues, and the operational aspects of doing research in Latin America. Your research ideas will also be discussed, and you will be supervised in defining and elaborating your research theme. You will present your research plan at the end of the course.

During the second half of the programme from May to November, you will carry out your fieldwork in Latin America and write your master’s thesis. Doing research in Latin America is a mandatory part of the CMP. You can choose your own theme, or participate in ongoing research (research themes) of the CEDLA research staff. You will be supervised by a CEDLA research staff member during your fieldwork and while writing your thesis.

Please note: The duration of 15 months can only be modified under exceptional circumstances and following written permission due to illness, family emergencies or pregnancy.

Required courses

The Introduction course “Democracy, Identity and Sustainable Development” offers an introduction to the themes of the CMP. This introduction serves two aims:

• First, to build an analytical and cognitive foundation as preparation for the more specialised courses that follow;
• Second, to create common terms of reference for those students from different backgrounds who have begun the CMP.

It also tests the knowledge and skills of students so that potential deficiencies can be caught at an early stage.

The introductory course is given by CEDLA research staff in the form of lectures and student participation in class. Students participate by discussing the literature and carrying out special assignments. Assessment takes place based on assignments, literature discussions and a written take-home exam.

Thesis - Fieldwork - Post-fieldwork

Students who successfully complete the first 40 of the total 75 credits within the required time limit are eligible for a research grant of maximum € 1000 to meet costs during their research training in Latin America.

CMP Research Project 2011-2012 Syllabus (PDF available in English)
Staff Researchers: Dr Christien Klaufus and Dr Annelou Ypeij

1) Preparatory fieldwork course and research proposal

Assessment: Marks (from 1 to 10) are given for four of the seven assignments. The average forms 50 per cent of the grade. The final research proposal forms the other 50 percent of the final grade.
EC’s: 5 credits based on assignments and research proposal. Participation is mandatory.

2) Fieldwork and reports

Assessment: Marks (from 1 to 10) are given for every report.
ECs: 5 credits for fieldwork research including two reports.

3) Post-fieldwork seminar and thesis

Staff Researchers: Dr. Christien Klaufus en Dr. Annelou Ypeij
Assessment: no separate assessment; marks (from 1 to 10) are given for the thesis.
ECs: 5 credits, based on participation. Participation is mandatory.

Staff Researchers: Dr. Christien Klaufus en Dr. Annelou Ypeij
Assessment: no separate assessment; marks (from 1 to 10) are given for the thesis.
ECs: 5 credits, based on participation. Participation is mandatory.

Additional courses

Upon completion of the introductory course you will take two or three courses in addition to the preparatory fieldwork course. These are master’s courses that provide an in-depth study of one of the CMP research themes. It is also possible to replace one course for the lecturas guiadas at CEDLA, or a master’s course outside CEDLA. Your selection of these courses is made in consultation with the CEDLA research staff.
List of all master’s courses.

CMP Research Themes 2011-2012

Doing research in Latin America is a mandatory requirement of the CMP. The CMP students are supervised by the CEDLA research staff during their fieldwork research and when writing their graduate thesis. Although students choose their own research themes (who their supervisor will be is decided by the research staff), it is advisable to either participate in the ongoing research of research staff or to further build on the results of past CEDLA research.

Application and admission

Early Applications Academic year 2012-13
Your digital application form should be sent in to CEDLA before 01/06/12

The CMP is primarily intended for students with an M.A. or doctoraal degree in the social sciences, economy, social geography and/or history, law or a comparable academic study. Students with a different M.A. degree and good students with a B.A. degree may also apply. All CMP candidates are required to show verifiable knowledge and experience in the areas of Latin American studies, and, upon admission, must have sufficient knowledge of English and Spanish (or possibly Portuguese) to be able to study the required literature.

You can apply by completing the digital application form and sending a letter or an email with your motivation and research idea. You should also send your C.V. and copies of your university degrees and academic transcript. Candidates without an M.A. degree in one of the above mentioned studies should also include their final thesis and a four-page research plan. Admission is based on an intake interview.

For any questions please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@cedla.nl or 020 525 3498.

To apply

Interested? Fill out the digital form, and you will be contacted by the Secretariat very soon.

Make sure you also send in the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of your university degrees and academic transcripts
• A letter / email containing your motivation and research plan

Candidates without an M.A. degree in one of the specified studies must also submit their final thesis and an extensive research plan.

Admission is based on an intake interview. A maximum of 15 to 20 students is admitted to the CMP on a yearly basis. The CMP begins in the first week of September.

For any questions please contact: secretariat@cedla.nl or 020 525 3498.

Tuition

Tuition for the CMP 2011-2012 is €2650 for the entire study. Students who successfully complete the first 40 of the total 75 credits within the required time limit are eligible for a research grant of maximum € 1000 to meet costs during their research training in Latin America.

Het CEDLA Master's Programme is an accredited post-initial M.A., and is registered with the Centraal Register Opleidingen Hoger Onderwijs (CROHO − Central Register of Higher Education). By enrolling for the CMP, Dutch students are eligible for a (possible) student loan and the OV-card (public transport card) of the DUO IB-group (not the performance-based loan). Foreign students can find information at NUFFIC (www.nuffic.nl) about possible grants, or through their university or agency in their homeland.

Testimonials of CMP Students

"The library is without question fantastic!"

"The supervision is intensive and of high quality"

"The programme aimed at current issues is embedded in a research institute; this provides an optimum link between education and research"

"The study succeeds in offering a well-organized programme regarding its content, that is flexible enough to respond to the demands and previous education of the students"

Quotes from QANU (Quality Assurance Netherlands Universities) report