圣路易斯华盛顿大学

The major in Latin American Studies allows undergraduate students to pursue an in-depth study of Latin America across diverse disciplines, theoretical approaches and historical periods. Through regular courses, seminars and additional activities such as film series, programs abroad, lectures, and the like, students will explore the processes that resulted in the integration of the so-called New World and Western civilizations, from the discovery of America to the present. An essential aspect of this major is the focus on economic, social, and political dynamics corresponding to intercultural relations developed between indigenous cultures, Creole societies, European and North American nations.

This aspect of the major stresses the study of social change, migration, social movements, multiculturalism, inequality, violence and social justice, and combines regional analysis with critical interdisciplinary approaches. The program of study combines the analysis of urban environments, issues of education, gender, language, ethnicity, modernization and border studies. It emphasizes transatlantic approaches as well as the study of topics related to autochthonous cultures in their conflictive interaction with Western traditions, systems of domination, values, and economic/political projects.

Focusing on Latin America allows students to engage with a fascinating historical trajectory that promotes a multifaceted reflection on colonialism, diversity issues, economic development, and international relations. The major has been designed to provide students with a historical background that will be instrumental both in it, as an exciting field of specialization, and in combination with their pursuit of other fields of inquiry such as international relations, business, globalization, and the like. Latin America is a region embedded in the complex networks of global economics, development, social engagement, and cultural innovation.

The Latin American Studies major offers a sound, updated, and competitive approach to the study of the region both in its specificity and in its connections to the world, through the study of Latin America's processes of internationalization and its changing position in global scenarios. This major has also been designed to further contribute to the university mission of improving engagement with race, ethnicity and diversity.

Credit Requirements

The major in Latin American Studies requires students to complete 30 credits. At least 24 units must be at the 300 level or higher and at least 9 units must be at the 400 level. All credits must be exclusive to the major and may not be double counted, unless the College of Arts & Sciences regulations state otherwise.