Degree Requirements
2018 - 2019
Program 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 Caribbean Study (taught in English), or SPAN 230 - Introduction to Hispanic 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.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| History | |
| HIST 140 | Studies in Latin American History |
| HIST 141 | Colonial Latin America |
| HIST 142 | Modern Latin America |
| HIST 240 | Advanced Studies in Latin American History |
| HIST 243 | Sex and Sexuality in Latin America |
| HIST 244 | Race and Ethnicity in Latin America |
| HIST 265/365 | Comparative Slavery in the Americas |
| HIST 266 | Women, Sex, and Power in the Modern World |
| HIST 340 | Research Seminar in Latin American History |
| Fine Arts/Language and Culture | |
| ARTS 141 | Introduction to Sculpture |
| SPAN 220 | Introduction to Hispanic Literature |
| SPAN 325 | Survey of Latin American Literature |
| SPAN 425 | Seminar in Latin American Literature |
| Society and Culture | |
| ANSO 339 | Culture, Identity and Politics in Caribbean Society |
| SPAN 230 | Introduction to Hispanic Cultures |
| SPAN 330 | Cultures of Spain |
| SPAN 435 | Seminar in Latin American Culture |
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.
