威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校

The Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program is one of the major U.S. centers for research about Latin America. This program is for those who seek a multidisciplinary education on Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal. It offers a wide range of courses in fields such as anthropology, business, economics, geography, history, journalism, music, political science, sociology, Spanish and Portuguese, and indigenous languages such as Yucatec Maya.

The aims of the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian studies major are to provide:

• A broad exposure to Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian studies by requiring students to take area and language content courses;
• Basic working knowledge in Spanish and/or Portuguese;
• Flexibility which allows students to take courses of interest, study abroad, and develop innovative academic projects; and
• Career-related advice and opportunities including volunteer work and internships with international organizations.

Students should contact the undergraduate advisor to determine which courses may satisfy major requirements. A minimum of 40 credits is required for the LACIS major. Upon declaration of the LACIS major, an assessment file is opened for each student which will include:

• The development and submission of an "area of concentration,"
• Writing samples,
• Results of a language proficiency exam, and
• An exit survey.

Learning Outcomes

• Interdisciplinary: analyzing contemporary political, economic, and cultural realities in the LACIS regions from multi-disciplinary perspectives, ideally including humanities, social sciences and sometimes natural science approaches.
• Depth of knowledge: mastering at the undergraduate expert level a particular disciplinary (e.g. history, anthropology etc.) or topical (e.g. poverty, gender, social justice etc.) theme in the LACIS regions by taking five courses in an area of concentration.
• Historical and cultural grounding: understanding the historical, political, and cultural forces and conditions that have given rise to the unity and diversity in LACIS regions today.
• Language knowledge: mastering at the undergraduate generalist level a particular facet of life in one or more LACIS regions by studying a foreign language to the advanced (3rd year) level and beyond.
• Analytical skills: demonstrating the ability to think critically and analytically, the capacity to write clearly and effectively, and the ability to identify and evaluate research methods and outcomes.