The Major in Latin American Studies is designed to
respond to the increasing interest in the societies of
the region and to the need to understand the
complexity of their history, political and economic
systems, social structures, and literary and artistic
expression. The history of the Latin American nations
and the development of their distinctive identities
developed since pre-Columbian times through
colonization, the struggle for independence, and the
establishment of modern democracies offer a
challenging range of areas to explore. The presence of
Latin America within the United States in the Latino
communities gives another dimension to the study.
Through a program that focuses on this
significant region of the world, students will have the
opportunity to increase familiarity with the dynamics
of other societies while strengthening their awareness
of cultural diversity.
The program provides a comprehensive
course of study. Since no single discipline
affords full study of any area, the interdisciplinary
approach will give coherence to the major, fostering
scholarship. The goal is to provide students with
methodologies and modes of inquiry derived from
different academic disciplines. This major draws upon
courses from the departments of Foreign Languages,
History, Economics and Global Studies, Political
Science, Sociology and Anthropology, and Art and
Music.
The major in Latin American Studies prepares
students for graduate work or employment in fields
such as government, business, industry, media, and
community services. The major is also excellent
preparation for a teaching career.
Students interested in pursuing this major must
discuss their intention early in their sophomore year
in order to plan their program and have access to a
wider range of course selections, since most of the
courses are offered within departmental cycles.
Students may also select courses from the listing of
the Worcester Consortium, with previous approval by
the director of the program.
Program Requirements:
The study of Spanish is vital to any training in
Latin American studies. Language courses, therefore,
are an integral part of the major. Students are strongly
encouraged to pursue language study beyond the
required level V. The major includes foundation
courses in History and Literature. These survey
courses provide the connections to other courses. The
listing of other Latin America-related courses will give
students flexibility to pursue specific interests and in
many instances to combine the major with another
major or minor. Electives offer a broader scope of
study which will help students explore a specific
aspect or issue related to Latin America.
Students are expected to participate in cocurricular
activities, which may include films, lectures,
field trips, art exhibitions, concerts, and other
academic or cultural events.
Course Distribution:
The Major in Latin American Studies consists of
10 courses which include a minimum of three 300-400
level courses and a maximum of three in any single
discipline selected from C and D. They are divided
into five areas:
A. LAS 200 Introduction to Latin American Studies
B. Language:
One course at level SPA 120 Spanish V:
Conversational Spanish and Grammar
Review (or SPA 110 Spanish IV/V), or above.
C. Two courses, one course in each discipline, from
the following:
- HIS 250 Colonial Latin American
History
- HIS 251 Modern Latin American
History
- SPA 253 Main Currents of Spanish-
American Literature I
- SPA 254 Main Currents of Spanish-
American Literature II
- HIS/SPA
256 Colonial Encounters
in Spanish America
D. Five courses selected from:
- ANT 235 Ethnography of Latin America
- CLT 253 Contemporary Spanish-American
Literature in Translation
- CLT 256 Latino Voices
- GEO 222 Regional Geography of
South America
- *HIS 250 Colonial Latin American History
- *HIS 251 Modern Latin American History
- HIS 389 Special Topics in History
(when topic is on Latin America)
- HIS 392 History Colloquium
(when topic is on Latin America)
- HIS 393 Seminar
(when topic is on Latin America)
- LAS 390 Internship
- LAS 395 Special Topics
- LAS 399 Independent Study
- MUS 236 Latin American Music
- POL 331 Politics of Latin America
- *SPA 253 Main Currents of Spanish-
American Literature I
- *SPA 254 Main Currents of Spanish-
American Literature II
- *SPA 256 Colonial Encounters in
Spanish-America
- SPA 312 Spanish-America Culture
and Civilization I
- SPA 313 Spanish-American Culture
and Civilization II
- SPA 315 Caribbean Literature and Culture
- SPA 316 Emerging Modernity in the
Hispanic World
- SPA 381 Twentieth Century Spanish-
American Drama
- SPA 384 Twentieth Century Spanish-
American Fiction
- SPA 385 Spanish-American Short Fiction
- SPA 386 Latin American Cinema
- SPA 387 Modernismo
- SPA 396 Spanish American/Latina
Women Writers
- SPA 400 Special Topics (when topic is on
Latin America)
* if not taken in area C
One elective** may be included from:
- ANT 131 Cultural Anthropology
- ANT 135 Ancient Civilizations
- ANT 225 Women and Men in
Cross-Cultural Perspective
- ECO 252 Economic Development
- ECO 353 International Trade
- ECO 354 International Finance
- GEO 251 Economic Geography
- LIN 221 Sociolinguistics
** When the course has a substantive component on Latin
America. Requires approval of director.
E. LAS 400 Latin American Studies Seminar
Note: Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this major,
several courses fulfill General Education requirements, thus
allowing for a minor or double major. Students are encouraged to
consider these options.