Latin American Studies Concentration

Effective Date August 26, 2019

Susan Méndez, Ph.D., Director

The Latin American Studies Concentration is offered by the Department of Latin American Studies and Women’s Studies (LA/W/S).

The Latin American Studies Concentration is designed to advance students’ awareness and understanding of Latin America and people of Latin American heritage. It seeks to provide both broad, general knowledge of the entire Latin American region, and in-depth knowledge of specific countries, regional groupings of countries, cultures, and communities. The concentration is open to all majors and it consists of courses from a variety of disciplines with a primary focus on Latin America. These courses fulfill general education requirements in the Humanities area (Foreign Languages, History, and Literature), the Social Sciences area (Political Science), Philosophy/Theology, and some of them also carry cultural diversity and writing intensive designations. Supporting courses may fulfill general education requirements in other areas as well. Core and supporting courses are listed below.

The Latin American Studies Concentration is an attractive complement to many existing majors. Related fields include world languages, international business, international language/business, international studies, history, political science, theology, philosophy and sociology. Some related professions or careers include law, government, non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, banking and teaching.

For more information about the Latin American Studies and Women’s Studies (LA/W/S) department, visit its website.

Language Requirements

Demonstrate familiarity by earning a grade of “C” or better in SPAN 212 or beyond or by challenge exam.

Complete at least four but up to six of the following courses: (12-18 credits)

Supporting Spanish Language Courses:

Spanish proficiency beyond SPAN 212 is not required but students can apply two courses (6 credits) towards the concentration from the following Spanish language offerings, if completing only four courses (12 credits) from the above category.

Additional Information

¹Restricted to senior History majors or students with a Latin-American Studies concentration or major, when course content is specific to Latin America.

²A three-credit intersession travel course to Mexico. Credit load and tuition are applied to Spring Semester.

³ May be used as a supporting course when course content is specific to Latin America.

*Students who study abroad or take other appropriate classes with an emphasis on Latin America may petition to substitute classes and are encouraged to speak with the director of the program.