Latin American Studies Research Program - Collegiate Mentorship Program

Program Learning Objective

The Latin American Studies Research Program is designed to deepen students’ knowledge of the region’s rich and multifaceted history, politics, and culture. Through a focus on critical issues such as post-colonial identity, social justice movements, environmental challenges, and the role of global politics, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Latin American societies. The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration, equipping students with the tools to analyze and engage with the complex realities facing the region today.

Feel free to reach out and schedule a complimentary consultation with our counselor. Each mentorship program is tailored to match an individual’s level of expertise and research interests.

Program Outline

Week 1:

The student is introduced to the foundational concepts and scope of Latin American Studies, exploring historical, social, and political dynamics. Together with their mentor, the student selects a specific research topic, such as the impact of colonialism, indigenous movements, or contemporary economic policies.

Week 2:

The student conducts a comprehensive review of academic sources, both primary (e.g., historical documents, speeches) and secondary (e.g., journal articles, books). The student identifies key debates in their chosen field and refine the research question.

Week 3:

The student learns advanced research methodologies, including archival research, qualitative interviews, and case study analysis. The designs a research approach for gathering and analyzing data, emphasizing ethical research practices in Latin American contexts.

Week 4:

The student engages in detailed analysis of primary sources such as government documents, literary works, or art. The student contextualizes these sources to draw meaningful insights about their research question. The mentor will complete a mid-point evaluation to be given to the student.

Week 5:

If applicable, the student conducts field research, either through virtual interviews with Latin American scholars or collecting secondary data. They practice skills in organizing, annotating, and interpreting the data collected.

Week 6:

The student applies various theoretical frameworks to their research, such as post-colonial theory or Marxist analysis, to interpret their findings. Analytical tools such as discourse analysis or comparative historical methods are introduced and used.

Week 7:

The student continues drafting their research paper, using the insights gained from their sources and analysis. The mentor provides detailed feedback on structure, argumentation, and writing style, ensuring the paper is clear, persuasive, and well-organized.

Week 8:

The student continues refining their research paper, focusing on improving the structure, argumentation, and clarity. The mentor helps with polishing the introduction, conclusion, and citations, ensuring the paper meets academic standards and is ready for final submission.

Latin American Studies Mentors

Who Should Sign Up For This Program?

The Latin American Studies Research Program is well-suited for high school and undergraduate students eager to explore the cultural, political, and historical dimensions of Latin America. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to pursue careers in fields like international relations, political science, anthropology, or social justice. Students with a keen interest in examining the socio-political dynamics of Latin American societies, including topics such as migration, indigenous rights, or environmental policy, will find the program especially valuable.

Next Available Start Date

Please contact us through our application form for more information!

Past Students’ Case Studies

Students’ names have been anonymized to ensure their privacy is protected.

Nathan Bailey

Residence: California, US School: Miramonte High School Intended major: Latin...

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