Lato sensu and stricto sensu are Latin expressions that mean, respectively, “in a broad sense” and “in a strict sense”.
the expressions Lato sensu and stricto sensu they are used to determine the sense or interpretation that should be applied to a concept or idea. Both expressions are widely used in the areas of law, biology, linguistics, semiotics, etc, as well as being used in other languages.
an idea in Lato sensu should be interpreted in its broadest sense, while another in stricto sensu must be analyzed in the most specific sense.
Example:
In Law, the expression “collective rights” can be interpreted broadly and narrowly. In Lato sensu, collective rights include:
- diffuse rights;
- homogeneous individual rights;
- stricto sensu collective rights (rights of groups, categories or classes).
Note, therefore, that “collective rights” designates both a group of rights and a component of it. Thus, depending on the context, there is a need to specify, through expressions Lato sensu and stricto sensu, which direction should be adopted.
courses Lato sensu and stricto sensu
In Brazil, the Ministry of Education - MEC, adopted the expressions Lato sensu and stricto sensu to differentiate postgraduate courses.
Postgraduate studies Lato sensu
According to the MEC, the lato sensu postgraduate courses include:
Specialization courses: refresher or refresher courses in specific areas, similar to graduations. Require higher education diploma. Generally require presentation of monograph and at 75% attendance in classes for approval.
MBA (Master Business Administration) courses: specialization in the area of administration. The classes involve practical everyday problems in the area. It does not require a higher education degree but is aimed at individuals with market experience, especially in management or direction positions.
Both specializations and MBA courses must be at least 360 hours long and award certificates of completion (not diploma) at the end. The individual who completes any of the courses is considered an expert.
Postgraduate studies stricto sensu
According to the MEC, stricto sensu postgraduate courses include:
Masters: in-depth programs in an undergraduate area. They are aimed at training teachers and researchers, so the classes are very theoretical. They require the presentation of a course conclusion work.
Doctorates: more in-depth programs than masters. They are also aimed at training teachers and researchers, so they are very theoretical. They demand the presentation of a course conclusion work that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the area through an unprecedented perspective.
Both master's and doctoral degrees require a selection process to enroll in courses. Both last, on average, two to five years and award diplomas at the end. The individual who completes the programs is considered a master's or doctoral degree.
See too:
- University graduate
- Postgraduate studies
- MBA
- Master's degree
- Lato sensu
- strict sense