Latin American Studies

The Center for Latin American Studies, in cooperation with the colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agricultural and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Construction and Planning, Education, Fine Arts, and Journalism and Communications, offers a certificate in Latin American studies for undergraduate students. Through special arrangements, students in other colleges also may obtain the certificate.

Overview

The program is designed to supplement a major with broad cultural and language training appropriate for graduate work or a Latin America-related career in business, government or teaching. In general, it is for students who plan to live in Latin America, work with Latin Americans, or interpret Latin American culture to others.

Required Courses

21 credits with Latin American content, distributed as follows:

• Three credits of LAS 4935, the undergraduate seminar in Latin American studies. Students may repeat LAS 4935 for an additional six credits if the topics vary.
• Six credits of courses outside the student's major with 100% Latin American content (designated by a C in the LAS course guide).
• Twelve credits of additional courses with Latin American content, including courses in the student's major; at least three credits must be core courses (with 100% Latin American content, designated by a C in the LAS course guide); up to nine credits may be electives with at least 25% Latin American content (designated by an E in the LAS course guide).
• Only courses at 2000 level or above will count toward the certificate. Advanced Placement credits do not count. Overseas study credits can count as core or elective courses pending review of the undergraduate advisor at the Center for Latin American Studies.

In addition, the student must demonstrate high-intermediate proficiency in a Latin American language through coursework (Spanish, SPN 2240; Portuguese, POR 3242; Haitian Creole, HAI 2200) or examination (Advanced Placement scores of 4-5 plus approval or an SAT 2 score of 700). Language courses at the 3000 level can count as core courses.

Students with prior knowledge of a Latin American or Caribbean language must demonstrate proficiency through a written placement test (SAT 2 test for Spanish) or oral examination for speakers of Portuguese or Haitian Creole. Courses in a second Latin American language at or above the 3000 level may count toward the certificate if these courses are not used to meet the language requirement.

Related Latin American Studies Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Latin American
  
• Latin American Studies minor