Latin American Studies

The interdisciplinary major in Latin American studies provides students with broad knowledge of contemporary and historical issues relevant to Latin America. The program offers training in areas such as the geography, history, society, economy, politics, religion, arts and culture of Latin America. Students will demonstrate or otherwise acquire proficiency in at least one major Latin American language and will learn how to identify and conduct relevant research or field work on a Latin America-related topic.

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to evaluate the significance, quality and veracity of information gathered from scholarly sources and to apply it effectively. They also will be able to construct analytical arguments and communicate their perspective confidently in spoken and written form.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in a major Latin American language as determined by successful course completion, adequate score on the AP or SAT II exams or individual oral examination (for native speakers).
• Satisfactorily complete IDS 4906 Interdisciplinary Research Thesis (capping 7-12 credits of thesis research), graded according to department rubric.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

1. Conduct interdisciplinary research on a Latin American topic and articulate research results clearly.
2. Critically evaluate the significance, quality and veracity of information gathered in the literature and apply it effectively.
3. Communicate effectively in spoken and written formats.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Direct assessment of thesis and research paper