The minor in Latin American Studies allows students to obtain basic knowledge on Latin America and to systematize their coursework and their abroad experiences in Latin America in a coherent program. This minor is an ideal program for students pursuing other majors with secondary interests in Latin America.
General Guidelines
- Minors in Latin American Studies must complete the 18 units of coursework as follows. All students must keep track of their progress through the checklist found here.
- 3 units of introductory coursework (L45 165 Survey of Latin American Culture). Students also pursuing a major in International and Area Studies may count the course for both programs.
- 3 units, at least, of courses in Latin American history.
- 3 units, at least, of courses in Political Science related to Latin America.
- 6 units of elective credit at the 300 or 400 level.
- 3 units of 400-level credit, which must come from a designed “Latin American Seminar” course home-based in L45 and taught by a core member of the LASP faculty.
- All minors in Latin American Studies must complete 3 consecutive semesters of Spanish or Portuguese, regardless of their original placement. Study abroad programs may be counted as one of these semesters. The Survey of Hispanic Cultures (L38 380) and Latin American Literary and Cultural Studies (L38 343) may count for both a language requirement and for 300-level elective credit, as long as they are not counting also for a Spanish major or minor.
- Completion of all minor course work with a grade of C+ or higher; all courses for the minor must be taken for a letter grade.
- Independent study and research may not be counted towards the minor.
- We strongly encourage students to study abroad. For those students who do not study abroad in Latin America, an additional 3-unit course at the 300 or 400 level is required.
- Only 300-level requirements may be fulfilled through study abroad programs. Survey of Latin American Cultures and 400-level courses must be taken in residence.
- All advanced units must be unique to the Latin American Studies minor (i.e. not counted toward any other major or minor).
- LAS minors may count a maximum of 6 units from each study abroad program, and a maximum of 9 units from combined programs. Study abroad guidelines for majors and minors in Latin American Studies may be found here.
- Transfer students may not transfer credits towards the Latin American Studies minor.