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Deepen your understanding of global and multicultural issues with an interdisciplinary minor in Latin American Studies.
This minor is especially beneficial for students majoring in economics, history, political science, business, international business, and Spanish. Students who wish to apply to a graduate program in Latin American Studies will benefit from this minor, as will those who wish to enhance their job prospects by linking a disciplinary major with a regional specialization.
Requirements for the minor include six courses, including one each from three different disciplines below, selected from approved courses in history, music, political science and Spanish. You must demonstrate competency in Spanish or Portuguese at the intermediate level.
Step into the captivating world of Latin America's colonial past in this engaging undergraduate course. Delve into the fascinating material history of the region during the era of Spanish and Portuguese Colonial Rule, from 1500 to 1825. Discover how the interplay between material conditions and material culture shaped the actions of individuals and communities, ultimately shaping the trajectory of Latin America's pre-independence era. Throughout the course, we will embark on immersive weekly case studies that span a wide range of topics. From the agricultural practices of indigenous civilizations before contact, to the pivotal role of technology in the triumph of Spanish conquistadors, to the impact of horses on the Spanish frontier, we will explore the lived experiences of diverse populations in colonial Latin America
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 HI-115
What's the hidden story behind your morning latte, your spring break getaway, or the gas in your car? For centuries, Latin America has been sold as a global "paradise" of coffee, sugar, bananas, oil, and beaches, but the true cost has fallen on its lands and peoples. This course explores how global demand built plantation economies, oil booms, and tourist industries, while shaping everyday life through land and labor systems. Weekly case studies range from Brazil's coffee empire and Central America's "banana republics" to Venezuela's oil wealth and Caribbean tourism. Finally, students will connect these histories to present-day issues such as climate change, sustainable tourism, fair-trade coffee, and global consumption. By semester's end, you'll never look at a cup of coffee, a beach vacation, or a gas pump the same way again.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
Traces the connections between the two regions from the colonial period to the present. Topics covered include political, economic and diplomatic relations, border conflicts, immigration, and questions of identity.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
An in-depth study of the changes in Latin America from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Examines the major issues from the Mexican Revolution of 1910 to the Cuban Revolution of 1959 as well as current problems. Topics include dependency, Marxism, Peronism, neo-liberalism, and social and political change in the region.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
This course traces the development of the most important Latin American musical styles from their historical folk origins to the present. Focus is on music from Cuba and Brazil and the creators and important performers of the styles.
An introduction to the political culture and structures of Latin America. Explores key themes and challenges for the region, including democratization, economic development, violence and revolution, militarism, and the relationship with the United States.
Emphasis on understanding the Spanish-American people through the different periods of their history and their reactions to political, religious, and economic problems.
Prerequisite: Take SP 201 and SP 202
A comprehensive study of the main historical and cultural development of the Caribbean world.
Prerequisite: Take SP-202;
This course covers works of literature spanning Latin America in the Twentieth Century, including novels, essays, and poetry. Various topics will be covered, for example politics, personal and collective identity, social class, social upheaval and mass conflicts, and psychology.
Prerequisite: Take SP-201 and SP-202
