Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS)
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies program offers an integrated interdisciplinary approach to the historical, political, social, and cultural interrelationships of the nations and peoples of our hemisphere. The program in Latin American and Caribbean Studies is not a major. Courses applied toward requirement for Latin American and Caribbean Studies also may be counted for other programs, majors or minors. Students who fulfill the area studies requirements will receive a certificate recognizing completion of the program.
Program Requirements
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies program requires a minimum of 20 credit hours of course work.
| LACS 320 | Americas Seminar I | 4 |
| LACS 321 | Americas Seminar II | 4 |
| LACS 420 | Senior Capstone | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 3 to 4 | |
| The French World: Africa, Europe, the Americas | ||
| Accelerated Portuguese: Language & Culture I | ||
| Accelerated Portuguese: Language & Culture II | ||
| The Hispanic World: Spanish America | ||
| Building Linguistic and Cultural Competence Through Oral Texts | ||
| Hispanic Narrative Fiction | ||
| Interdisciplinary Ibero-American Cultural Studies | ||
| Select two courses from the following (in consultation with the program coordinator): | 6 to 8 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Communications | ||
| Ecology (with lab) | ||
| Case Studies in Public Health | ||
| Case Studies in Environmental Issues | ||
| Environmental Economics | ||
| International Economics | ||
| Comparative Economic Systems | ||
| Race, Gender, and Empire | ||
| International Finance | ||
| Global Issues | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| International Conflict | ||
| NGOs in World Politics | ||
| Colonial Latin American History | ||
| Modern Latin American History | ||
| American Diplomatic History | ||
| Contemporary Theology: 1965-Present | ||
| Total Hours | 20-23 | |
LACS 280. Selected Topics in Latin American & Caribbean Studies. 1 to 4 Hours.
Selected topics in Latin American & Caribbean Studies at the introductory or intermediate level.
LACS 320. Americas Seminar I. 4 Hours.
An interdisciplinary seminar focusing on the historical, political, social, and cultural
interrelationships of the nations in our hemisphere. It concentrates on the historical
and cultural foundations of Latin America and the Caribbean and explores the topics of race and identity, rural and urban life, authoritarianism and democracy, and national development. The course is conducted in English. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.
LACS 321. Americas Seminar II. 4 Hours.
An interdisciplinary seminar focusing on the historical, political, social, and cultural
interrelationships of the nations in our hemisphere. It concentrates on Latin American women, revolution, problems of sovereignty, and the Latin American and Caribbean presence in the United States. The course is conducted in English and may be taken independently of 320. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.
LACS 420. Senior Capstone. 3 Hours.
The Senior Capstone is designed to help students focus and integrate their knowledge of Latin America and the Caribbean. Each student will complete an independent research project focusing on a specific problem or region from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will meet together periodically to share results of their research.
Prerequisite: LACS 320 with a minimum grade of D and LACS 321 with a minimum grade of D.
LACS 480. Advanced Topics in Latin American & Caribbean Studies. 1 to 4 Hours.
Selected topics in Latin American & Caribbean Studies at the advanced level.