Certificate in Latin American Studies

The Latin American Studies Certificate Program is designed to give students an understanding of culture, economies, political structures and the history of Latin American nations.

Fourteen units in five colleges offer courses that combine to make up the interdisciplinary certificate, namely:

• Barrett, the Honors College
• Katherine K. Herberger College of the Arts (School of Art, Department of Dance, School of Music, School of Theatre and Film)
• College of Design (School of Design, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture)
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Geography Department, History Department, Political Science Department, Religious Studies, School of International Letters and Cultures, Department of Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies)
• New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences)

Students must complete 30 credit hours of upper-division courses from the above departments/colleges with a concentration in Latin America—15 credit hours in the major subject and 15 credit hours in other disciplines. The certificate requires Spanish or Portuguese proficiency through the 313 level of conversation and composition. Only language courses above 313 in literature and civilization count toward a major or interdisciplinary areas of preparation. Spanish and Portuguese courses above 313 in grammar and phonology do not count toward the major requirements. For more detailed information, please see this document (69kB, PDF) about language and course requirements.

Why should I pursue an Undergraduate Certificate in Latin American Studies?

• In an era of globalization, a number of emergent Latin American economies offer vibrant business opportunities.
• To become aware of the myriad interconnections (language, religion, cultural production, etc.) resulting from past and current migrations between the Americas.
• To discover some of the most exciting contemporary trends in literature and film that underscore the richness and complexity of national traditions emerging from a shared colonial experience.
• Because Latin America is and will continue to be of enormous strategic importance to the US. As a consequence, there are many governmental and academic opportunities to pursue careers and employment with a background in Latin America. Currently, both National Security and Fulbright grants are available to serious students with an interest in Latin America.

For more information, e-mail Cynthia Tompkins, visit her at SILC 402C or call 480-965-6446.

Participating Faculty