Latin American and Caribbean Studies major

Director:   Professor Kostopulos-Cooperman
Undergraduate Advisors: Shahruz Mohtadi-Haghigh, Economics; Sebastian Royo, Government; Robert Bellinger, History; Felicia Wiltz, Sociology.

The degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the peoples and cultures of our Latin American and Caribbean neighbors. Through a multi-disciplinary program in the humanities and social sciences students will be prepared to pursue their post-graduate interests in international organizations, education, business, government, communications and journalism. Demonstrated proficiency of Spanish beyond the Intermediate level is required. Normally this can be fulfilled by successful completion of one 300 level course. For native speakers and in the case where the student’s area of interest is better served by knowledge of another language (e.g. Portuguese or French), proficiency will be determined by an examination administered by the Department of Humanities and Modern Languages.  

Program requirements

The major in Latin American and Caribbean Studies requires 36 hours of interdisciplinary work built around 5 core courses (15 credit hours), 1 capstone seminar (3 credit hours), and 6 related courses (18 credits). For course descriptions, refer to the appropriate department of this catalog. * An asterisk signifies that a research paper or its equivalent in the course will focus on Latin America.

Required Core Component                   15 credits

Economics: EC 141 Transition and Developing Economies*
Government: GVT 281 Introduction to Comparative Politics*
History: HST 276 History of Modern Latin America
Humanities: SPN 302 Hispanic Culture II: Latin America
Sociology: SOC 228 Cultural Diversity and Human Needs*

Senior Latin American and Caribbean Studies Special Topics Seminar :
(Prerequisite: juniors and seniors in LA&C Studies or Instructor’s permission)
This is a capstone course.   The topic for this seminar will vary and may involve the coordinated efforts of faculty representing different disciplines.   Individuals will have the opportunity to explore special areas of interest in the field.

Elective Courses                                           18 Credits

At least 2 of the 6 related courses must constitute a concentration in a single discipline or an interdisciplinary field.   Course selections will be made in consultation with the Latin American and Caribbean Studies advisor.

Communication and Journalism:
CJN 218   Photojournalism*
CJN 255   Introduction to Mass Communication*
CJN 491   Special Topics*

Economics:
EC 441   International Trade*
EC 442   International Monetary Economics*

Government:
GVT 387   Caribbean and Central American Politics
GVT 393   Politics of Mexico
GVT 395   North American Politics*
GVT 397   South America: Political Institutions and Political Change
GVT 466   Politics of Free Trade*
GVT 486   Political Economy of Latin America
GVT 488   Government and Politics of the Caribbean
(In collaboration with the University of the West Indies)
GVT 505   Studies in Government*
GVT 507   Government Study Trip*
GVT 524   Washington Internship Seminar   (Summer)**
GVT 525   Washington Internship Seminar **
GVT 526   International Internship / Seminar I,II**
GVT 528   International Seminar I
GVT 529   International Seminar II

History:
HST 160   Cultural Contact in World History*
HST 277   Early Mesoamerican Life and Culture
HST 278   Mexico Since the Spanish Conquest
HST 291   American Foreign Relations to 1898
HST 325   Exploration, Colonization and Imperialism*
HST 326   World Affairs, 1875-1930s*
HST 396   The African Diaspora

Humanities / Hispanic Studies / Caribbean Studies :
SPAN 390   Introduction to Latin American and Caribbean Literature
SPAN 400   Transatlantic Vistas: Cultural Interactions between Spain and Latin America
SPAN 402   Social Literature of Latin America
SPAN 405   Women’s Voices from Latin America
SPAN 407   Latin American Short Narrative
SPAN 408   Latin American Cinema
SPAN 414   Masterpieces in Latin American Literature in English Translation
SPAN 416   Border Crossings: The Latino Experience in the United States

Sociology:
SOC 227                Race in American Society*
SOC 347                Immigration Law and Policy*
SOC 327-330         Special Topics in General Sociology*

Study abroad opportunities

Students who concentrate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program.   This may be done through the International Internship Program (GVT 526/528/529) with a placement in Latin America or the Caribbean, or by enrolling in an International Study Program such as Interfuture that will partially fulfill the degree requirements for the major.   LA&C Students also have the option of participating in a domestic internship (GVT 507/524/525) related to Latin America or the Caribbean.   [A maximum of 9 credit hours.]

Information / Advising

Prospective concentrators should consult with the Director or Designated Undergraduate Advisor of LA&CS for guidance in selecting courses

Minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

The minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies requires 18 credit hours or six courses of combined interdisciplinary study.   Students must take at least (1) ONE course from the following disciplines: Government, Hispanic and Caribbean Studies and History and three additional courses which may include but not be restricted to related interdisciplinary fields: Communication and Journalism, Economics and Sociology.