Latin American and Latino Studies Minor
The Latin American and Latino Studies minor is designed to introduce students to an interdisciplinary study of the history, populations and cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the study of people of Latin American and Caribbean origin in the United States. An introductory course will explore the development and state of interdisciplinary studies in the field, the diverse nature of Latin American and Caribbean communities, and the experiences of different Latino groups in the United States. Other courses will be drawn from offerings in History, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Interdisciplinary Studies, Education, Social Work, Foreign Languages and Literature. Field study in Latin America, the Caribbean, or local and regional Latin American or Latino organizations and communities is also encouraged.
The minor consists of 15 credits including IDS 230, Introduction to Latin American and Latino Studies, and IDS 500, Special Problems in Interdisciplinary Studies. The remaining 9 credits will be chosen in consultation with the Coordinator of the minor. No more than two courses from the same department may be counted toward the minor. A student will focus on one of three tracks (Latin American Studies, Latino Studies or Caribbean Studies) and will choose from one of the lists below. Substitutions to courses on the lists will be allowed if a significant portion of the coursework focuses on Latin America, the Caribbean or Latinos. There is no language requirement for the minor, but students are encouraged to pursue the study of one or more of the languages and literatures of Latin America or the Caribbean (especially Spanish, French or Portuguese).