2009-2010 Catalog

Latin American Studies

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.