Latina(o) Studies
Latino studies is an 18-credit interdisciplinary minor that consists of courses from a wide variety of academic disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, education, geography, history, humanities, mathematics, music, philosophy and Spanish, as well as an introductory and senior-level course in Latino studies. The Latino studies minor will allow students to become conversant with the language, roots, culture, history and socioeconomic perspectives of the rapidly growing Latino population in the United States. Because the program is both multicultural and multidisciplinary, it promotes the holistic liberal arts approach to learning. Courses in the minor will emphasize Latino perspectives, the development of critical thinking as well as written and oral communication skills within this field of study and across other disciplines.
This program will be particularly effective when combined with majors that offer an organic relationship to Latino issues (such as business administration, government and political affairs, history, sociology, social work or education, to name a few). Successful completion of the Latino studies minor will enable graduates to become effective employees, as they take their place in an increasingly diverse workplace.
the courses
Experimental
An introductory course designed to study the history, politics, economics and culture of the major Latino groups in the United States: Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans and Central Americans.
Allows students to volunteer or work at a Latino/a serving organization.
Critical examination of the complex diversity of experiences among U.S. Latinos, with a specific emphasis on Afro-Latino experiences. Afro-Latinos are Latinos with strong African phenotypic features and whose experiences as both "Black" and "Latino" mark them as distinct from both the larger African American and broader Latino communities, even though Afro-Latinos hold certain connections to both groups. Primary focus will be places on Afro-Latino historical and contemporary experiences, efforts to establish local, national, and transnational recognition, and Afro-Latino struggles against racism within the broader American society and from the larger Latino community.
This course provides a multi-disciplinary perspective on issues at the U.S. – Mexico border from the perspectives of sociology, anthropology, geography, art, and political affairs. Women's non-governmental organizations that serve the border region are also discussed.
Experimental
Investigation of topics related to the cultures, contributions and experiences of Latinas/os living in the United States. Pre/co-requisite of LATS 201.
Allows students to pursue an academic area of interest not available through an established course under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member. For further information, see the Special Academic Opportunities section of the catalog, and consult with the director of Latino studies or your adviser.