Latin American Studies Minor

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Latin America is a region composed of over twenty nations that have played a crucial role in shaping the history of the modern world. Today, the region is home to over half a billion people who are the descendents of American Indians, Europeans, Africans, Asians, and Middle-Easterners. Economically and politically, Latin America is intricately tied to the United States and is significant to contemporary global society. In this context, the Latin American Studies minor encourages students to broaden their knowledge of the complex and diverse culture and history of Latin America through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, history and modern foreign languages. This approach allows students to examine various themes that encompass and expand upon traditional disciplines and encourage the exploration of contemporary and historical social, cultural, economic, and political trends.

Students will select an advisor from the Latin American Studies Committee who will guide the student's choice of courses toward a diverse experience in the minor, except for the few students with focused interest in one geographic region. Overseas study immersion experiences are strongly encouraged, as is involvement in the local Latino/a community through internships or volunteer experiences. During the senior year, students are required to enroll in LAS 499, Senior Project, and complete a capstone project. Students are encouraged, although not required to participate in the winter LAS 101, Introduction to Latin American Studies.

The minor consists of 18 credits, spanning at least three disciplines. 12 credits of the minor's 18 credits must be upper division. 12 credits of the minor's 18 credits must be in the core, and students must complete a minimum Spanish language proficiency of MFL 233 (MFL 233 will count toward the minor).

Core Courses

• ATH 249 Natives of South America
• ATH 250 Natives of Mexico & Central America
• ATH 253 Contemporary Mexican Society & Culture
• ATH 402 Native Issues in the Americas
• HIS 209 Pre-Columbian Latin America
• HIS 210 19th Century Latin America
• HIS 380 Colonial Latin America
• HIS 381 Military & Society in Latin America
• HIS 382 Modern Mexico
• HIS 383 Modern Brazil
• HIS 385 Cuba & the Caribbean
• HIS 399T.1 Liberation Theology
• MFL 233.1 Spanish Language & Civilization II
• MFL 235 Spanish Composition for Spanish Speakers
• MFL 399T.1 Latin American Women Writers
• MFL 399T.2 Latin America Today
• MFL 435 Literature of Spanish America
• MFL 437 Literature & Society: Narrative & Film
• MFL 438 Literature & Society: Poetry, Drama & Song
• IND 308 The Cuba Experience

NOTE: Other courses will be added in the future. Consult with a Latin American Studies advisor.

Complementary Courses

• ATH 128 Understanding Spirit in Art & Culture
• ATH 202/302A Cultural Diversity
• ATH 305 Culture Change & World Systems
• ATH 308 Gender in Cross Cultural Perspective
• BIO 306 Conservation Biology
• EDS 200 Ethnographies
• EDS/MFL 447 Theoretical Foundation for Bilingual Education & ESL
• SOC 301 Women & the World
• SOC 360 Race & Ethnic Relations

NOTE: to receive credit toward the minor, students must complete the course's required paper or project in a Latin American Studies topic.

Latin American Studies (LAS)

LAS-101 Introduction to Latin American Studies 1.0 cr.

Winter. An introduction to Latin American Studies through a variety of formats, including films, speakers, and discussions. Themes vary annually. Pass/Fail only. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

LAS-294 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Individual readings or research in Latin American Studies, conducted in consultation with a Latin American Studies faculty member. This course does not fulfill the general graduation requirement for independent work. See independent study guidelines. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

LAS- 494 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Intensive reading or research in Latin American Studies, conducted in consultation with a Latin American Studies faculty member. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INDEPENDENT WORK)

LAS-497 Internship 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Supervised service work in an approved organization, firm, agency, or office. A written summary or other form of presentation is submitted at the end of the internship to a Latin American Studies faculty member. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INDEPENDENT WORK)

LAS-499 Senior Project 2.0 cr.

Fall, spring. Prereq.: permission. A capstone experience for Latin American Studies students designed to synthesize their major field of study and interest in Latin American Studies into a portfolio, project, paper, or other format. Students will work in consultation with a project advisor and one other Latin American Studies faculty member who will serve as a reader. Students must design, propose, and complete the project according to the Latin American Studies senior project guidelines, and will make a formal presentation to the campus community. Students may write and present in either Spanish or English.