Doctoral Program in Arts and Sciences

Hispanic Studies, Cooperative Ph.D.

The Department of Language and Literature offers a cooperative Ph.D. program in Hispanic Studies, through partnership with Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M International University. Graduates of the Hispanic Studies Ph.D. will have the single discipline competence needed to qualify for an academic appointment in Spanish, Hispanic Studies, or a related discipline, as well as the broadly based expertise in Hispanic Studies essential to hold leadership positions in government agencies, public service, educational institutions and foundations. The degree is awarded by Texas A&M University; however, much of the course work, research and graduate advising can be completed at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. All off-campus courses will be delivered through distance learning. Residence requirements for the doctoral program can be satisfied by completing two consecutive semesters (at a minimum of nine resident credit hours each) either at the College Station campus or through distance education courses originating from the College Station campus and available at all System campuses. Students admitted into the program will work under the direction of a Ph.D. committee composed of a chair (from College Station), a dissertation adviser (who may be from Kingsville) and three other committee members.

Entrance Requirements

Admission to the doctoral program will be predicated on several factors:

  1. a completed masters degree in Spanish or Hispanic Studies or in a related area, with a minimum grade point average of 3.2;
  2. demonstrated oral and written proficiency in Spanish;
  3. the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
  4. at least three letters of recommendation;
  5. the student’s goals and career interests as stated on the application form; and
  6. the availability of faculty members who are qualified to direct the student’s program of study.

Admission will be consistent with House Bill 1641. Alternatively, students holding an appropriate baccalaureate degree (including a minimum of twelve hours in Spanish at the advanced undergraduate level) could be admitted to the program under the same criteria outlined above. These students will need to complete an additional 30 hours at the graduate level.

Students should apply directly to Texas A&M University. An admissions committee will consist of the Director of Hispanic Studies at College Station, three faculty from College Station and a faculty member from each of the other participating campuses.

Spanish (SPAN)

The following courses are offered by Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

SPAN 6301  Research Methods  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Orientation to critical proficiency and tools in literary theory, cultural studies approaches and linguistic methods necessary for conducting research in the resolution of problems relevant to the study of the topic selected.

SPAN 6311  Hispanic Film Studies  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Study of Latin American, U.S. Latino and Spanish film and multimedia as historical and cultural active re-discoveries and re-constructions of the Hispanic peoples and their worlds. Readings and discussion on the articulation between history, film, multimedia and the production-consumption of image cultures in the Hispanic world.

SPAN 6350  Topics Hispanic Cultural Stds  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Study of cultural constructs and practices in the Hispanic World. Interpretation of Hispanic signifying practices, institutions, subjectivities, ideologies, gender roles and the Other. Critical analysis of the interactions among high culture, mass media and popular culture. May be repeated when topic changes.

SPAN 6360  Topics Studies Span-Amer Lit  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Topics include studies in Spanish-American Literature. May be repeated when topic changes.

SPAN 6398  Dissertation in Progress  3 SCH  (0-3)  

Hispanic Studies, Cooperative Ph.D.

Degree Plan and Course Requirements

The interdisciplinary Ph.D. cooperative program in Hispanic Studies is grounded in a solid knowledge of the language, culture and literature of Spanish-speaking peoples and is designed to meet the needs of selected students who enter the program with well-defined goals for their course of study. The program permits a student to integrate the subject matter of different disciplines into a course of study relevant to her or his specific interests in the national and international Hispanic world. The Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies consists of one curriculum and one set of overarching educational objectives. Within the general framework of the curriculum, however, there are four concentrations, each of which overlap. Every Ph.D. student must take a core of four courses that will introduce him or her to the various methods and resources for the study of:

  • Hispanic literature, language, culture and socio-economic issues;
  • the research and methodological skills necessary to conduct and present research;
  • the linguistic variations of the Southwest; and
  • U.S. Latino/a literature(s).

Once a student has chosen a particular concentration, he or she will be required to take 15 hours of courses in that concentration, and 18 hours of prescribed and free electives.

Additional Requirements

Each Ph.D. student will be required to write a doctoral dissertation. Nineteen (19) semester credit hours of dissertation credit (HISP 691: “Research”) are required.

Each Ph.D. student will be required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English and Spanish by taking a translation exam (dictionary allowed) or by passing a 300-level class in that language with a grade of B or better. Students may satisfy this requirement at any point before completing their 45 semester credit hours of regular course work.