Latino Studies

May be elected as an area concentration program

Concentration Program. An interdisciplinary degree, the Latina/Latino Studies concentration consists of 30 credits, in addition to prerequisite work (7 credits). The objective of this concentration program is to engage students in a diversity of disciplinary approaches to the study of U.S. Latino/as as well as to introduce them to the central intellectual questions and topics that have emerged in this field of inquiry. Given the interdisciplinary nature of Latino Studies, students interested in pursuing graduate study in a particular discipline should double concentrate in the respective department in order to have the needed background to enter graduate school.

Prerequisites to the Concentration. Seven credits of prerequisite work is required before completing courses for the concentration.

American Culture 212 or 213, Introduction to Latino Studies (3 credits).

Language Requirement. Latina/Latino Studies concentrators must prove competency in Spanish. They can do this either by enrolling in Spanish 290/American Culture 224, "Spanish for U.S. Latino/as," (4 credits) or by proving equivalency at the Spanish 275/276 level. Spanish native speakers who have enrolled in upper-level Spanish courses and complete them successfully may have this requirement waived by passing a proficiency interview and having a waiver form signed.

Required Courses:

American Culture 312, History of U.S. Latinos
American Culture 243, "Latinas in the United States" or three credits on a gender-focused course in Latino Studies.
One course or three credits in a Latino Studies course that focuses on race and racialization in the Americas. Courses in other departments may count with the approval of the advisor.
Three credits of community-service learning in a Latino context. Courses may be chosen from among the following: American Culture 310, "Schooling and Community," Sociology 389-018, "Tutoring Latinos," Psychology 401-001, "Community Practice in Spanish." Appropriate practicum courses offered under American Culture 309 may also meet this requirement. Students may also complete this requirement through independent studies or through a combination of one-credit units of community service learning attached to specific courses.

Electives and Cognates

One course each in two of the following fields:

Latin American culture, history, literature

African American Studies

Asian American Studies

Native American Studies

Additional Electives

The remaining 12 credits can be elected from 300- and 400-level Latino Studies courses. Courses focusing on U.S. Latinos offered by other departments may also count toward electives if approved by concentration advisor.

Advising. Students are encouraged to consult with the Director of the Latina/Latino Studies Program who serves as concentration advisor. For appointments regarding the concentration program, please call 763-0031.

Undergraduate Committee. Students who wish to consult or petition the program regarding any requirement should submit a written request addressed to the Program Undergraduate Committee.

Half-Term Information. Courses are offered normally in half terms for 3 credits.

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