Latin American & Latino Studies

The Latin American & Latino studies (LALS) program offers disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding Latin America and the Caribbean, and the movements and settlement of the peoples and cultures of those regions in the United States. It combines Latin American, Puerto Rican, and Latino ethnic studies.

Courses give students detailed knowledge of the development, institutions, language, and customs of Latin America. They cover such topics as the physical environment, arts and music, culture, and economic and political history. Most courses are conducted in English, with the exception of those on language and literature.

Graduates may go on to such careers as inter-American relations, banking, commerce, or journalism. In tandem with a major in a related discipline (such as Hispanic languages and literatures), students may pursue either a major or minor in LALS. It also makes an excellent field for the certificate to teach social studies in grades 7–12.