Latin American Studies Minor

This program is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the cultures, histories, politics, and economies of the region. As an emerging geo-political region with strong ties to the United States, Latin America plays an important and often misunderstood role in the global arena. Recent developments, including NAFTA, narco-economies, US intervention in Cuba and Panama, and current immigration trends, underline the growing importance for understanding Latin America. Its complex geography, varied traditions, and heterogeneous populations offer unique examples of colonialism, nation building, social conflict over economic policy, and artistic and literary expression. The Latin American Studies program will incorporate perspectives from the disciplines of history, literature, languages, political sciences and economics.

Students desiring to minor in Latin American Studies must complete a total of five courses selected from three different fields, including one of two required core courses. One of the courses must be at the 3000-level.

In addition, students are required to achieve an intermediate level of language proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese (at the College, if available, or at another approved institution, or through a study abroad program).

Requirements for a Minor in Latin American Studies

Required Core Courses:

• HIST2116 History of Modern Latin America or
• POLSC2301 Latin American Politics

Electives (choose four courses from three different fields):

• ECON3109 Economics of the Developing Countries
• ECON3204 Economics of Latin America
• ENGL2417 Chant Down Babylon: Cultures of the Black Atlantic
• HIST2116 History of Modern Latin America
• HIST2122 History of Colonial Latin America
• HIST3121 Surviving Columbus
• LANG2105 Contemporary Latin American Fiction (conducted in English)
• LANG2415 Spanish at Work in the Community (lectures in Spanish)
• LANG3411 Latin American Literary Giants (lectures in Spanish)
• LANG3417 Spanish American Experience: An Overview (lectures in Spanish)
• LANG3421 Spanish Caribbean Literature (conducted in English)
• LANG3427 Contemporary Spanish American Women Novelists (lectures in Spanish)
• POLSC2301 Latin American Politics
• POLSC3301 Comparative Politics of Developing States
• POLSC3303 Street Democracy

Students in the Latin American Studies minor are encouraged to study abroad in a Latin American country.