2014-2015 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 18, 2024  
2014-2015 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Concentration


Overview


Undergraduate Concentration


The cultural, economic and geopolitical importance of Latin America and Latinos in the U.S. is substantial and growing. Themes such as immigration, narco-trafficking, the ascendance of indigenous movements, the recent resurgence of left-wing governments, the perennial problems of poverty and inequality, and the rise of Brazil as a global economic power, are among the many issues which make the study of Latin America and Latinos in the U.S. both interesting and important. Coupled with issues of political and economic significance is the growing influence of Latin culture as indicated by Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa’s recent receipt of the Nobel Prize for Literature as well as the increasing popularity of Latin music, art, cinema and food along with the growing numbers of Spanish and Portuguese speakers across the U.S. and other parts of the globe. 2010 census data indicates that there are now 50.5 million Latinos in the U.S. or one sixth of the U.S. population. These figures represent more than a 46 percent increase in the Latino population since 2000 and reveal that Latinos are far and away the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. Thus, undoubtedly, the significance of Latino culture will continue to increase in years to come.

Latin American and Latino Studies is a multidisciplinary concentration designed to expose students to the complexities of these issues. It offers courses which elucidate the diversity of historical, cultural and political experiences of Latin America, the interrelationships between Latin America and the U.S., and the growing influence of Latinos in the U.S. Students have the opportunity to take concentration-related courses in Art History, Communications, Economics, History, International Development, Political Science and Spanish.

For more information, please visit the Latin American and Latino Studies Concentration’s website.

Concentration Requirements


Six courses are required to complete the concentration. Two of the courses must be taken at the 200-level and one must include a significant research component. Students may take up to three courses in Latin American Culture and Literature in Spanish. Study abroad in Latin America is highly encouraged and can be chosen in consultation with the concentration advisor.

Program Faculty


Maria Acosta Cruz, Ph.D.

Kiran Asher, Ph.D.

Belen Atienza, Ph.D.

Anthony Bebbington, Ph.D.

Ramon Borges-Mendez, Ph.D.

John Brown, Ph.D.

Esteban Cardemil, Ph.D.

Marvin D’Lugo, Ph.D.

Tim Downs, Ph.D.

Odile Ferly, Ph.D.

John Garton, Ph.D.

Denise Humphreys-Bebbington, Ph.D.

Liza Grandia, Ph.D.

Willem Klooster, Ph.D.

Stephanie Larrieux, Ph.D.

Heather Silber Mohamed, Ph.D.

Constance Montross, Ph.D.

Paul Posner, Ph.D. - Director

Lucila Valerio, Ph.D.