Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies
Engage in an interdisciplinary study of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking nations in the Americas, and the Latina/Latino presence in the U.S.
![Latina and Latino students collaborate in the Fisher Student Center.](/sites/web/files/2022-11/courses-of-study-latin-studies-1160x654-hero.jpg)
At A Glance
What You’ll Learn:
- Foster a greater understanding of the peoples and societies of the Western Hemisphere.
What You’ll Do:
- Explore cultural, social, political, and economic dynamics shaping Latin American and Latina/Latino communities.
Where You’ll Go
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting, human resource management, teaching, law, journalism, advocacy, and counseling settings
- Prestigious graduate schools to further your career preparation.
Program Overview
The Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies minor offers students a rich and interdisciplinary exploration of the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and experiences of Latin America and the Latina/Latino diaspora. Through a combination of academic coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and cultural engagement, this program provides students with a nuanced understanding of the complexities and contributions of Latin American and Latina/Latino communities.
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is a fundamental component of the program, enabling students to engage directly with primary sources, literary texts, films, and oral histories in their original languages. Language courses offered as part of the program focus on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as cultural competency and cross-cultural communication.
Experiential-Learning Opportunities
The program offers various experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts. Internship programs, research projects, community engagement initiatives, and study abroad experiences enable students to gain practical skills, develop cultural competency, and make meaningful contributions to Latin American and Latina/Latino communities locally and globally.