The interdisciplinary major in Latino and Latin American Studies offers an understanding of hemispheric relationships between the peoples and cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean, and those of the United States. It explores interconnected histories and contemporary economic, social, and political challenges including migration, transnational communities, and economic development. Completion of the B.A. in Latino and Latin American Studies prepares the student for work in government, community agencies, international organizations, business, journalism and communications, or for graduate studies that lead to careers in research and teaching.
The major in Latino and Latin American Studies consists of a minimum of 37 credit hours of course work, including a required 2-course sequence in writing, research, and methodology (seven credits); an experiential learning component (six credits); a capstone project (three credits); three electives in LLAS (nine credits), and four related courses (12 credits).
Related courses may include LLAS courses provided that they are cross-listed with another discipline. In addition, intermediate proficiency in a language spoken in Latin America, though not a prerequisite for major study, must be demonstrated for completion of the major for students focusing on Latin America, and proficiency in Spanish is strongly suggested for those focusing on Latinos in the United States.
Prerequisite for the major
A 1000-level introductory course on Latino or Latin American Studies.
Required Courses (16 credits)
- Critical Methodology sequence of LLAS 2011W and 2012
- Experiential Learning Requirement. Choose six credits from:
- Community immersion project (combination of Independent Study LLAS 3999, Field Work LLAS 3990 or 4212, or service-learning courses that involve Latino American community)
- Urban Semester with Latino Studies focus (INTD 3584 and INTD 3594 or 3590, the internship itself); additional credits can count as related courses, or towards the capstone)
- Study abroad courses or internship in Latin American or Caribbean Studies
- Capstone project: LLAS 4994W or comprehensive project through Urban Semester (three credits)
Elective Courses (nine credits)
Elective courses must have a LLAS designation, and must fall within content area of chosen concentration, either Latino or Latin American Studies.
Related Courses (12 credits)
Language Requirement
Intermediate proficiency in a language spoken in Latin America is required for students focusing in Latin America, and proficiency in Spanish is strongly suggested for students focusing on Latinos in the United States. Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the ways below:
- Take at least one 3000-level or above course in literature, culture, film or the arts in the target language
- Pass equivalent language exam
- Requirement waived for native speakers
Education Abroad
While study abroad is not mandatory, we strongly encourage all Latino and Latin American Studies majors to spend at least a semester in Latin America or the Caribbean. For further information on academic programs in the region, contact El Instituto or the Education Abroad office.
Information Literacy and Writing in the Major Competencies
Satisfied by completion of the core courses LLAS 2011W and LLAS 4994W.
Minors in Latin American Studies and Latino Studies are described in the Minors section.