Learning Outcomes for Spanish Ph.D.

PLO 1. Core Knowledge

• Students demonstrate competence in field of specialty (as defined by reading lists for Ph.D. exam). 
• Students demonstrate broad familiarity with Spanish and Spanish American literatures, with adequate historical and geopolitical knowledge. 
• Students demonstrate knowledge of theoretical issues related to their field. 
• Students show familiarity with interdisciplinary approaches relevant to their area of specialization, such as those pursued in the fields of Critical Theory, Women’s Studies, Visual Studies. 
• Students demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language other than Spanish or Portuguese. 

PLO 2. Research Methods and Analysis

• Students gain an understanding of research methods and challenges at the graduate level. 
• Students develop an independent research project in the form of a dissertation. 
• Students develop familiarity with latest research tools and resources.

PLO 3. Engagement with the Profession

• Show familiarization with current questions and issues being addressed by scholars in their field and in related fields.
• Attend scholarly lectures hosted by department and school of Humanities.
• Gain experience in event organization and service (conference organization, film festival, serve as panel moderator in student conference, etc.) 
• Present in student workshops and brown bag meetings (such as those hosted by the Latin American Studies program

PLO 4. Professionalization

• Present papers at graduate student conferences, workshops, and major conferences (such as LASA and MLA) 
• Apply for internal and external fellowships and grants. 
• Submit essays to refereed journals. 
• Be prepared to present research and teaching in a clear and engaging way.  
• Know what to expect from MLA job search process (cover letter writing, CV, Teaching Portfolio, conference interview skills, job talk)
• Be familiar with different forms of engagement with the profession (reviews, journal editorial board, disciplinary committees)
• Know what to expect from different job placements (community college, liberal arts college, research university)

PLO 5. Pedagogy

• Be prepared to teach language, culture and literature courses.
• Be able to design specific course syllabi in areas related to research.
• Develop constructive relationships with students throughout the quarter and beyond.
• Be prepared to give short lectures and lead group discussions. 
• Hold office hours and guide students through writing assignments and exams.
• Be able to create suitable writing assignments and exams. 
• Grade papers and exams fairly while offering constructive comments.
• Know how to deal with students with difficulties and issues such as plagiarism or academic dishonesty.

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