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.

Courses

• ARTH 159 - Latin-American Art
• CMLT 150 - Journeys with Hyphenated Americans: Emerging Identities, Evolving Cultures
• CMLT 174 - Islands in the Stream: Puerto Rico and the French Antilles
• ECON 246 - Latin America and the World Economy
• ENG 238 - Contemporary Latino/a Literature
• HIST 227 - The Caribbean in the Era of Slavery, 1492-1886
• 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 - Introduction to Latin-American Politics
• PSCI 212 - Politics, Culture and Society in Latin America
• PSCI 290 - U.S. - Latin American Relations
• 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 236 - Women in Hispanic Literature
• SPAN 239 - Hispanic Caribbean Fiction
• SPAN 242 - The Latin-American Novel
• SPAN 243 - Latin-American Essay and Thought
• SPAN 245 - Hispanic-American Short Story
• SPAN 248 - Studies in Latin-American Cinema
• SPAN 249 - Studies in Hispanic Cinema
• SPAN 265 - Latin-American Poetry
• SPAN 296 - Advanced Topics

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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