Degree Requirements

Faculty

Director: Frank Proctor (History)

Christine Armstrong (French), Monica Ayala-Martínez (Spanish and Portuguese), Isabelle Choquet (French), Dosinda García-Alvite (Spanish), Melissa Huerta (Spanish), Francisco López-Martín (Spanish), Frank Proctor (History), Charles St-Georges (Spanish), Luis Villanueva (Economics), Micaela Vivero (Art Studio)

Department Guidelines and Goals

The concentration in Latin American and Caribbean Studies is designed to promote a multidisciplinary approach to social, historical, political and linguistic issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is founded on the basic pillars of a Liberal Arts education such as understanding the person as a whole, promoting critical thinking and expanding cultural horizons. Its mission is to provide students a strong historical, social and cultural foundation for the understanding of specific components of differing Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Through this approach, we strive to foster critical awareness of the heterogeneity that characterizes the region as well as a critical understanding of the complexities of its relationship with the United States. The curriculum of the Latin American and Caribbean studies concentration expresses our commitment to developing the person as a whole by allowing students to explore, analyze, discuss, read and write about a variety of themes directly related to Latin America, from different theoretical frameworks. This in turn encourages students to reflect upon their own cultural background.

LACS Concentration

Core Requirements Students in the concentration are required to take (or demonstrate that they have taken the equivalent of) the following courses: Two modern language courses (or the equivalent), beyond the general education requirements in a language spoken in the Latin American and Caribbean area (Portuguese, Dutch, French, Spanish, or an indigenous language). The two courses may be the two first semesters in one of these languages, if the student has already fulfilled the GE requirement in a language that is not spoken in the area - 8 credits; LACS 201, Introduction to Latin American and Caribbean Studies (taught in English), or SPAN 230, Introduction to Latin American Cultures (taught in Spanish). It will count as an I GE course as well - 4 credits; Senior Research, one semester of senior research. The research project can be submitted in English and where possible this could be done in conjunction with the student’s major - 4 credits.

Electives Latin American and Caribbean Studies students will also take three elective courses from different departments. These courses are cross-listed by different programs. History: HIST 140, 141, 142, 240, 243, 244, 265/365, 266, 340; Fine Arts/ Language and Culture: ARTS 141, SPAN 220, 325, 425; Society and culture: ANSO 339, 319, SPAN 230, 330, 435.

Additional Points of Interest

The same course cannot be used to fulfill more than one of the above requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with the Director of Latin American and Caribbean Studies in making their choices. Students are also encouraged to pursue study abroad programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.