Latin American studies focuses on the diverse and connected regions, societies, and cultures of Latin America. Students find that combining this minor with a major in another discipline is particularly attractive to employers. Latin American studies enhances a major in Spanish or anthropology for a career in teaching or human rights work; a major in communication for a career in journalism; and a major in business for a career in the U.S. Foreign Service, other government agencies, or international commerce.
Students minoring in Latin American studies must demonstrate reading, speaking, or writing knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese by exam or by achieving a minimum grade of 2.00 in a 300-level course in the language selected. Upper-level Latin American literature or culture courses taught in Spanish or Portuguese may be used to satisfy the electives requirement.
Students may satisfy the electives with any course that contains a significant emphasis on Latin America or the culture, politics, sociology, or history of Latinos living in the United States. Students choose electives from courses offered by at least three different departments in consultation with the program director. Upper-level Latin American literature or culture courses taught in Spanish or Portuguese may be used to satisfy the requirement.