Latin American Studies
Minor
Program Committee
Karen Kampwirth, Political Science , chair
Catherine Denial, History
Jessie Dixon, Modern Languages and Literatures
Timothy Foster, Modern Languages and Literatures
Gregory Gilbert, Art and Art History
Fernando Gómez, Modern Languages and Literatures
On-Site Director, Buenos Aires Program, Fall 2012
Konrad Hamilton, History
William Hope, Anthropology/Sociology
Frederick Hord, Black Studies
Jerome Miner, Modern Languages and Literatures
Antonio Prado, Modern Languages and Literatures
Robin Ragan, Modern Languages and Literatures
Magali Roy-Féquière, Gender and Women's Studies
The minor in Latin American Studies is designed to help students better understand, and act in, an increasingly interconnected world. Through courses and a final integrating project, students gain an appreciation of the culture, history, politics, economics and literature of the region. Students explore the range of dilemmas that face all of Latin America, as well as the diversity of Latin American countries, whose linguistic, ethnic, cultural and political differences are sometimes as great as their similarities.
The minor is appropriate for students in a variety of majors. Scientists with interests in environmental issues can benefit from an understanding of social issues that shape the debate over degradation of the region’s rainforests. Social science majors can expand their understanding of political and cultural factors that shape economic development in countries whose economies are increasingly integrated with that of the United States. Educational Studies students can gain knowledge which will assist in their teaching U.S. students from diverse backgrounds, increasing numbers of whom are immigrants from Latin America or of Latin American descent.
Latin American Studies minors are strongly encouraged to participate in a study-abroad program, such as the ACM program in Costa Rica or Knox’s Argentina program. The student’s understanding of the region and facility in Spanish is deepened immeasurably by living and studying with Latin Americans. Credits earned in off-campus programs may be applied to the minor with the program chair’s approval.