Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies (LTAC) is an interdisciplinary program that explores the diversity and richness of Latin American and Caribbean peoples and their diasporas in the United States. It is a program that allows students to immerse themselves in the cultures, economies, histories, origins and politics of various countries and dependencies that make up Latin America and the Caribbean. It is also one that engages students with crucial and relevant topics affecting U.S.-Latin American relations, as well as the Latinx and Caribbean immigrant and migrant communities in the United States through a series of academic and experiential opportunities. Topics discussed in many of the courses offered under this program include colonialism and war, identity, gender, race, immigration, activism, and cultural, political and social marginalization of immigrant populations.
Students seeking to minor in Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies must complete 18 credits of courses in at least three disciplines from among the courses listed below, including LTAC 201: Introduction to Latin American & Caribbean Studies. Students are also encouraged to take LTAC 210: Introduction to Latinx and Caribbean Diaspora Studies. Since the minor is both regional and interdisciplinary, students can enroll in approved courses from departments such as: Anthropology, English, Global Languages and Literatures, History, Sociology, Geography, Social Work, Theatre and Dance. No more than nine credits in any one department may count toward the minor.
Students can obtain credit for the minor by enrolling in academic travel courses to any Latin American or Caribbean nation. Current study tours include those to: Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, Peru and Nicaragua.
Program goals:
- Provide students with the tools and cultural knowledge to critically assess the Pre-colonial, colonial, postcolonial and de-colonial socio-political cultures and histories of Latin American and Caribbean nations and independencies.
- Underscores the vibrant contributions of Latinx and Caribbean peoples in U.S. history, the arts, economy, sciences, social life and popular culture.
- Develop global citizens who are socially conscious about issues pertaining diversity, equity and social justice.
- Promote engaged research, scholarship and study abroad participation among diverse student groups.
- Internationalize the curriculum as well as the student and faculty bodies at the university.
For further information, interested students should contact Dr. José Lara in the Department of Global Languages & Literatures.