Latin American Studies Minor

PEAKS | SSH

Latin America is a region composed of over twenty nations that have played a critical 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 intimately tied to the United States and is significant to contemporary global society. The Latin American Studies program in the Social Sciences and History PEAK encourages students to broaden their knowledge of the complex and diverse cultures, histories, and literatures of Latin America through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Anthropology, History, and Modern Foreign Languages. This approach allows students to examine various themes that encompass and expand upon these disciplines and encourages the exploration of contemporary and historical social, cultural, literary, economic, and political trends.

Although it is not required, students are strongly encouraged to study Spanish, Portuguese, and/ or Indigenous languages. Students are also encouraged to select an adviser who will guide the student’s choice of courses toward a diverse experience in the minor. Overseas study immersion experiences are strongly encouraged, as is involvement in the local Latino/a community through internships or volunteer experiences. Ideally, students should complete 12 of the 15 credits required before the semester of their graduation.

Total Credits: 16 minimum. Please note, at least 9 credits must be from Anthropology and/or History

Minor Requirements (16 credits)

• At least two courses from two different departments from:
  • ATH-249 Natives of South America (3 cr)
  • HIS-230 Introduction to the History of Modern Latin American (3 cr)
  • MFL-232 Spanish Language and Culture III (3 cr)
    or
    MFL-233 Spanish Language and Culture IV (3 cr)
    or
    MFL-235 Spanish for Heritage Speakers (3 cr)
• 9 credits of electives of which 6 must be 300- or 400-level):
  • ATH-128 Spirit in Art and Culture (3 cr)
  • ATH-302 Ritual Myth, and World View (3 cr)
  • ATH-305 Culture Change and the World System (3 cr)
  • ATH-309 Cross Culture Approaches to the Environment (3 cr)
  • HIS-377 Women in the Americas (3 cr)
  • HIS-378 Liberation Theology (3 cr)
  • HIS-380 Colonial Latin America (3 cr)
  • HIS-381 Military & Society in Latin America (3 cr)
  • HIS-382 Modern Mexico (3 cr)
  • HIS-386 Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica (3 cr)
  • HIS-387 Modern Cuba (3 cr)
  • HIS-388 Comparative Slavery in the Americas (3 cr)
  • HIS-389 Latin American-U.S. Relations (3 cr)
  • MFL-333 Literature of Latin America (3 cr)
  • MFL-399T.2 Latin American Today (3 cr)
  • MFL-399T.4 Human Rights for the First Generation (3 cr)
  • MFL-437 Spanish Literature and Society (Narrative and/or Film) (3 cr)
  • MFL-438 Spanish Literature and Society (Poetry, Drama, and/or Song) (3 cr)
• LAS-494 Portfolio and Evaluation of Program (1 cr)

Portfolio and Evaluation of Program

Six weeks before graduation, students will submit a portfolio of relevant work completed, such as exams and papers. In 1000 to 1500 words, students will complete an assessment of the most important academic lessons learned and skills acquired during their course of study. The evaluation must also provide an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the LAS PEAK. The portfolio will not be graded but it is required for completion of the minor.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Critical Thinking
• Analytical Reasoning
• Problem Solving
• Written Communication

Additionally, students completing the Latin American Studies Minor will:

• Develop broad knowledge of the diverse cultures and history of Latin America
• Explore contemporary and historical social, cultural, economic, and political trends of Latin America
• Familiarize themselves with basic anthropological and historical approaches and methods regarding the study of Latin America