Minor in Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary major that covers the important region of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The B.A. degree in Latin American Studies is intended to promote intercultural understanding, and offers students an opportunity to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of Latin America in its many aspects and from many different points of view. Coursework in the program offers students a solid foundation in the history, politics, economics, culture, and literature of Latin America and the Caribbean.  

Learning Objectives

  1. A multidisciplinary understanding of the history, politics, economics, and culture of Latin America. 
  2. Knowledge of the literature and creative works of the region, from the pre-Colombian period to the present.
  3. A capacity to summarize and evaluate critically theories and concepts used in the analysis of the history, politics, and economic development of Latin America.
  4. Writing and research skills, including an ability to develop a research question, review the relevant research literature, collect information and data from a variety of sources, and support an argument with evidence and data.
  5. Proficiency in Spanish (reading, writing and oral proficiency), and knowledge of the regional varieties of Spanish.
  6. Awareness of cultural diversity in Latin America, the U.S., and other parts of the world.

Latin American Studies Minor Requirements

Includes LAS 101 and fifteen additional credits from approved courses. No more than six credit hours from any single department: Anthropology, Architecture, Foreign Languages, History, Latin American Studies, and Political Science. Two years of Spanish or Portuguese language courses or the equivalent knowledge established by examination are required.  A semester or year at a Latin American university, or extensive field work in a Latin American country is strongly recommended.

The Latin American Studies minor also counts as the College of Business' regional area requirement.