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MAJOR IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES

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.

Did you Know?

20% of Assumption undergraduate students are first-generation college students.

Major / Concentration:

Latin American / Latino Studies

The Department of Latin American Studies responds to the increased 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.

Students are strongly advised to study junior year abroad in a Latin American country.
The program fosters multiple opportunities for multiculturalism and diversity.
An appreciation and understanding of Latin American/Latino culture and history gives students an advantage in any profession, particularly international business.
Helps to prepare students for the ever growing diverse work force.
Provides and supports experiential learning opportunities in our local Worcester community
Courses are typically interdisciplinary.

Career Fields

Business
Community Services
Government
International Relations
Media