Latin American Studies, BA

Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies is a multi-disciplinary program designed to advance students’ understanding of Latin America and people of Latin American heritage.  It seeks to provide both broad, general knowledge of the Latin American region as a whole and an in-depth knowledge of specific countries, regions, cultures, and communities.  Students in the program are encouraged to double-major and/or minor in the wide array of disciplines offered at the University of Scranton and to study abroad in Latin America for at least one semester.

Coursework in History and Political Science provides the foundation for understanding the historical, political, cultural, and economic development of Latin America.  These classes provide an introduction of various cultures and civilizations as well as familiarity with those factors that have shaped the experiences of individuals, groups, and countries.  Students learn about the social significance of concrete events in the past and the present.  These courses enable students to appreciate more fully the specific learning objectives in upper-division courses in these same subject matters as well as specialized topics in the supporting course area.

Examining the role of philosophy and religion within the context of Latin American Studies allows students to appreciate how persons in other cultures have contemplated the human condition and the need for self-transcendence.  Instruction in these courses should engender cultural sensitivity to the intellectual traditions, beliefs, and practices of others while enriching students in their quests to answer fundamental questions about themselves.

The natural history of Latin America has had a tremendous influence on the development of the cultures of the people who live there.  Biology, anthropology, and geography courses provide students with a robust knowledge of the geological, geographic, biological, and cultural diversity of Latin America, and demonstrate how these dimensions have influenced the ways that humans have adapted to and altered their environment.

Literary works represent cultural, social, and political issues such as the articulation and negotiation of class, racial, and sexual identities.  The study of literature enhances an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of the cultures and histories of the different regions of Latin America and Latino/a communities.  Analysis of literary texts facilitates the acquisition of language skills and promotes effective written and oral expression.

Supporting courses allow students to acquire a general knowledge of the region by taking classes in a wide range of disciplines or to gain a deeper understanding of Latin America by focusing on one or two particular areas of interest.