Secondary Major in Latin American Studies

The Latin American Studies program promotes understanding of the nations and cultures commonly referred to as "Latin American" through its commitment to interdisciplinary study. The program provides students not only a field of academic study, but also a useful background for various careers.

The program encourages a distribution of regional and topical course work which is approved by the Latin American Studies Advisory Committee and administered by the Director of International and Area Studies. Students who complete the secondary major in Latin American Studies are expected to include the following within their areas of knowledge or competence:

• Reading and speaking capability in Spanish or Portuguese
• Basic knowledge of the geographic, demographic, political, racial and ethnic landscape of Latin America today
• Ability to understand and analyze cultures other than their own
• An integration of their program of study into a meaningful and coherent whole

At its core, the program will focus on two essential learning objectives: (1) intermediate level proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese, and (2) the successful completion of a research project that gives evidence of an understanding of basic concepts or issues, critical thinking skills, the clear articulation of ideas, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and the demonstration of academic integrity through appropriate documentation.

Course Requirements

• 21 hours, including the Senior Research Project
• Minimum of four departments
• No more than nine hours in any one discipline
• Study abroad transfer credits encouraged
• Senior Research in Latin American Studies (DAS 507). An independent studies project under the tutelage of an instructor in the subject field and under the general direction of the program director. Guidelines for DAS 507
• Foreign Language Requirement: Four college semesters of Spanish or Portuguese or the equivalent.