Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Concentration

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.

Courses

Courses offered within the last 2 Academic Year

• ENG 238 - Contemporary Latino/a Literature
• GEOG 179 - Global and Local Environmental Justice
• HIST 235 - The Atlantic World
• ID 272 - Environment and Justice in Latin America
• IDCE 30272 - Environment and Justice in Latin America
• PSCI 094 - Dictators and Revolutionaries in Latin America
• PSCI 173 - Latin-American Politics
• PSCI 290 - U.S. - Latin American Relations - Capstone Seminar
• PSYC 232 - Research in Community
• SPAN 117 - Field Work in the Latino Community
• SPAN 131 - Readings in Hispanic Literatures
• SPAN 133 - Studies in Hispanic Culture
• SPAN 136 - Women in Hispanic Literature & Art
• SPAN 243 - Latin American Essay and Thought
• SPAN 296 - Advanced Topics

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