The Spanish and Latin American studies program at The University of Melbourne offers language options at all levels together with a growing number of cultural studies subjects in topics as diverse as literature (from Don Quixote to contemporary classics), cinema, popular culture, food studies, gender studies, and area studies in both European and Latin American studies. The Spanish and Latin American Studies program will allow you to acquire and improve your Spanish language skills and increase your awareness of Spanish and Latin American culture through a variety of authentic written and spoken and visual materials. You will also learn to interact with other Spanish speakers at a sophisticated level. The program also provides opportunities to undertake independent research projects into different multidisciplinary areas of study including language, literature, culture, politics, cinema, theatre, music, food and identity. The program has agreements with prestigious universities in Spain and Latin America, which allow students to undertake exchange and study abroad options as part of their Spanish studies. Spanish language subjects are organised in a progressive sequence (of units) from Spanish 1 to 7 through the Spanish Electives. Students may enter at any point, subject to placement testing and/or prerequisites, and normally progress through the sequence in consecutive order. Accelerated progression and mid-year entry are also possible in special cases with the permission of the course convenor. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Arts (History) should: demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values; apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex changing social contexts; act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the work force; communicate effectively; commit to continuous learning; and be proficient in the use of appropriate modern technologies, such as the computer and other information technology systems, for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of data. The Graduate Diploma in Arts in this area of specialization requires: two compulsory subjects (25 points) two core subjects (25 points) elective subjects (50 points) Total 100 points Please note: students can only take a maximum 12.5 points of Level 1 subjects WHO IS IT FOR? The Graduate Diploma in Arts is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated area of study. If you're keen for further study, or want to gain new skills, you'll be introduced to a specialized area and emerge with a fresh body of knowledge. The 12-month structure gives you an opportunity to explore a new discipline before deciding on a longer period of study - it's an ideal program because there's no assumed knowledge in your chosen area. Mix and match your subjects in the Graduate Diploma in Arts and improve your communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. After graduating, you may be eligible for a postgraduate diploma in Arts or a range of Masters by coursework. WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME? Depending on the area of study you specialize in, with a Graduate Diploma in Arts you can expect to advance in areas including: Higher research and academia Public service Private enterprise Entry-level positions.