Centro de Estudios Latinoamericanos (CELA)
Founded in 2017, the Center for Latin American Studies (Centro de Estudios Latinoamericanos – CELA) brings together the research on Latin America at the University of Kassel.
The Center for Latin American Studies
Centro de Estudios Latinoamericanos (CELA)
founded in 2017, brings together all research on Latin America at the University of Kassel. CELA sees itself as an interdisciplinary research center and relies on a variety of formats of international cooperation in both teaching and research. Its core activities include events, teaching programs, networking and contact facilitation, support for new research initiatives, and its own research projects.
All News from CELA
Announcements
In addition to facilitating research networks, CELA offers a range of activities, including workshops, conferences, and public lecture series.
Find out more about our activities here
Lecture Series: Discourse and Political Cultures in Argentina Today
We invite you to take part in the Lecture Series: Discourse and Political Cultures in Argentina Today co-organised by Enrique Menéndez (National University of Cuyo, Mendoza), Julia Zullo (University of
Semester abroad in Havanna or Buenos Aires
Semester abroad in Havana and Buenos Aires Students at the University of Kassel have until 15 May to apply for a DAAD scholarship for a semester abroad in the winter
Scholarships for Bogotá, Colombia 2026
CELA, in collaboration with Kunst & Gesellschaft and the documenta Institute, is once again offering four full scholarships this year for student placements abroad in Bogotá, Colombia. The stays will
15th International Conference of the Association of Latin American and Caribbean Historians
15th International Conference of the Association of Latin American and Caribbean Historians (ADHILAC) Topic The history of mobility in the Atlantic and the Pacific: People, goods, ships, ideas, and
Research Interests
The CELA is actively involved in Latin American research at the University of Kassel and participates in the following research projects.
Learn more here about our research topics, projects, and collaborative initiatives
Knowledge and Education for Overcoming Differences, Inequalities, and Polarization
Knowledge is a central component of modern societies and plays a crucial role in addressing social, political, and economic …
Transformations of Global Knowledge
Current global transformations pose a profound challenge to the foundations of our societies, reshaping ecosystems, economic systems, social structures, political orders, and our very understanding of …
Radicalism and Democracy in Latin America
In the Latin American context of social upheavals, economic crises, and far-reaching processes of change, it remains uncertain whether liberal democracy can withstand the current challenges …
Ongoing
Research Projects
The CELA is actively involved in Latin American research at the University of Kassel and participates in the following research initiatives:
The research network of CALAS (Centro Maria Sibylla Merian de Estudios Latinoamericanos Avanzados) is structured as an international consortium with seven locations across Latin America and Germany. It is based on continuous and robust scientific cooperation between universities in both regions.
Extractivism.de How does global demand for natural resources affect societies in the Global South? The research project extractivism.de examines the political economy of resource extraction …
Changes. Exploring Critical Sustainable Development Education from Global Perspectives. The project will be funded from 2025 to 2029 by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of the Lehramt International program. The goal is to establish an international, transcultural, and interdisciplinary cooperation network..
Buscando oro. American riches in historiographical texts and letters (16th-17th centuries).The conquest and colonisation of Latin America is reflected not only in erudite historiography, but also in reports, historiographical texts and letters written by conquistadors and colonisers in the 16th and 17th centuries..
More information on Buscando oro
Studying
… in Kassel and Latin America
Studying in …
Kassel
The University of Kassel offers a cross-disciplinary focus on Latin America within Romance Studies, Political Science, Sociology, History, and Economics. Students with an interest in politics can ideally combine this with intercultural perspectives and the study of Latin America: for example, the B.A. in Political Science includes the option of pairing the program with a minor in Spanish. In the M.A. in Political Science, we also offer a module on Latin America and Cross-Area Studies. This pathway to studying Latin America is optimally supported by the CELA, through events, discussion rounds, and meetings on current political and cultural trends, as well as through assistance in establishing study and research contacts in the region.
Current courses on Latin America see here.
Latin America and Caribbean Certificate
The Latin America and Caribbean Certificate is open to all undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Kassel. It is of interest to anyone who wants to explore the diversity of Latin America and the Caribbean, improve their language skills and look beyond the scope of their degree program. In addition to a wide range of courses from the Institute of Romance Studies’ academic and language-practical curriculum, it includes language courses, as well as lectures and seminars from other departments that address various aspects of Latin America and the Caribbean. With this certificate, graduates demonstrate to future employers their region-specific subject and language expertise, which makes them particularly competent for shaping international cooperation, as well as their ability to think and act in an interdisciplinary manner.
For more information see here.
Studying in …
Latin America
Students at the University of Kassel have a wide range of opportunities to spend a semester abroad at a partner university in Latin America. An overview of all cooperation agreements can be found in the International Office’s database. Funding opportunities are offered both by the International Office and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The University of Kassel currently maintains the following partnerships that include scholarship opportunities for students:
Argentinien
UNSAM, Buenos Aires
Target group: Students of humanities and social sciences (BA, MA) and doctoral candidates
Funded by the DAAD (subject-specific university partnership), annual calls for applications for full scholarships in October/November (see News)
Contact: Johann Eschenburg
Target group: Students of civil and environmental engineering (BA, MA)
Funded by DEAR (Engineers Germany-Argentina) of the German-Argentine University Center (CUAA-DAHZ)
Contact: Prof. Dr. Ing. Oliver Reul
Cuba
Target group: Students of humanities and social sciences (BA, MA)
Funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), annual calls for applications for full scholarships in October/November (see News)
Contact: Dr. Hannes Warnecke-Berger
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Networks and partnerships
Collaborations
In Europe, partnerships and collaborations exist with the following teaching and research institutions.
In addition, members of the CELA collaborate with numerous teaching and research institutions in North and South America through guest lectureships, research stays, joint workshops, and academic advisory activities.
