A solid introduction to the participating disciplines is provided primarily in the first semester. Students are introduced to the content, theory, and methodology of the respective disciplines.

In the second and third semesters, the course content in the individual subject areas is explored in greater depth. The module "Development in Latin America: Diversity – Power – Ideology" also establishes an explicit connection between the content of the various subject areas. Students increasingly acquire transdisciplinary learning and working skills.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth semesters aim to consolidate the knowledge and skills acquired in the individual subject areas, as well as to impart and develop intercultural competence. The semester abroad plays a key role in this process, allowing students to experience the course content from a Latin American perspective. This allows students to reflect on what they have learned so far and apply it in a Latin American context. It also serves as a starting point for choosing a topic for their bachelor's thesis. Following the semester abroad, there is an extended break from lectures, providing an ideal opportunity for an internship in Latin America.

From the 4th semester onwards, students have the opportunity to develop their own profile. A subject-specific focus can be developed and documented on the Bachelor’s degree certificate through

the elective modules in the 4th semester, 10–20 ECTS credits

the compulsory semester abroad in the 5th semester, 20–30 ECTS credits

the Bachelor’s thesis in the 6th semester, 10 ECTS credits

The prerequisite for developing a subject-specific profile is the completion of 50 ECTS credits in one of the subject areas involved in the degree programme. The following four profiles can be developed

• Geography
• History
• Romance Studies, Linguistics and Literary Studies
• Political Science

In addition to the subject-specific focus, it is also possible to specialise in a Latin American country through seminar papers, the semester abroad, and the topic of the Bachelor’s thesis.

The regional focus on Brazil can be specifically documented on the Bachelor’s degree certificate. The requirements for this are the completion of the semester abroad at a Brazilian partner university, the completion of the internship in Brazil or with a connection to Brazil, and the choice of a Bachelor’s thesis topic related to Brazil.

The development of these areas of focus is voluntary.

The form for profile development can be found here. It is important that the form for determining a subject-specific profile or focus be fully signed, reviewed, and submitted to the Examination Office before applying for the degree certificate, at the latest together with the certificate application.

How are ECTS credits, for example from the semester abroad, assigned to a specific subject area?

In principle, the module descriptions should provide information about the relevant subject area. The subject area should also be clear from the title of the Bachelor’s thesis. However, if, for example, confirmation of the required ECTS credits is needed for admission to the intended Master’s programme, ZILAS can issue a corresponding confirmation.

The Bachelor’s thesis can be written in one of the participating subject areas and may also have an interdisciplinary focus. Since the degree programme is integrated into the Central Institute for Latin American Studies, students have access to supervisors with comprehensive expertise on Latin America.

An overview of final theses that have previously been written within the BA Latin American Studies can be found here.

Information on registering the Bachelor’s thesis can be found here. The registration form can be found here.

The processing period begins when the topic is assigned. The Bachelor’s thesis must be registered with the Examination Office immediately after the topic has been issued, using the corresponding form. The processing period is three months. Please note that, at the time of submitting the final thesis, the maximum period of study must not yet have been exceeded.

The Bachelor’s thesis should be 40–50 pages long.

To receive your Bachelor’s degree certificate, you must submit an application for the certificate.

In the certificate application form, there is a column where you can list additional credits. If you enter your additional credits, meaning additionally completed modules, in this column, they will be listed in a document attached to the certificate. You may also choose to have only selected additional credits listed. In general, you should only indicate those additional credits that you actually want to appear in the certificate documents. Listing additional credits is optional.

You can find the certificate application:  hier.

In the first semester, the compulsory module Grammar and Vocabulary I ensures Spanish language skills at level C1. In addition, students are free to decide whether they wish to deepen their Spanish skills or acquire Portuguese skills, or, if they already have them, further develop them. From the first semester onwards, both language competencies can be developed in parallel.