The Program in Latin American and Caribbean Studies is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore the concepts of civilization, culture, and society as applied to the region of Latin America and the Caribbean.  The program’s curriculum draws from a variety of disciplines—including history, literature, economics, politics, and sociology,--in an effort to explore the ways the region has been shaped by the meeting of Amerindian, African, and European peoples.  The program aims to teach students about the commonalities and diversity within the region.  Students will consider how these factors differ from or complement the characteristic traits of North American societies..

Students who complete the program can gain the background necessary for careers in teaching, bilingual education, social work, government or international organizations, business, journalism, and specialized non-profit organizations, and/or for graduate work in Latin American Studies and related disciplines.

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program is not a major.  Students identified by the director of the program as having completed the requirements will have a notation placed on their transcripts at graduation. 

The program requires completion of at least 21 credits in the following categories:  

1. Introduction: Latin American and Caribbean Studies 101
    
2. Distribution: 15 credits selected from the following, with at least one course from each of the three areas.  Latin American and Caribbean Studies 421, 422, and 423 may count towards the total count of 15 credits.  Additional courses may be used when the topic is relevant and the program director approves.
    
   1. Literature: Literature in Translation 253, 259; Spanish 207, 315, 317, 344, 346, 348, 350, 396; and, when appropriate, English 262, French 344, and Literature in Translation 295
   2. Humanities: History 130, 131, 180, 333, 366; Spanish 201*, 212 ; and, when appropriate, French 280 and Spanish 295
   3. Social and Natural Sciences: Biology 216; Economics 255, 280, 381; Politics 215 and 247;  Sociology 272, 334; and, when appropriate, Business 305, Economics 385, 386
       
3. Capstone experience (typically after completion of other program courses): Latin American and Caribbean Studies 396

Students must complete the language FDR (the intermediate level or its equivalent) in Spanish or French.  Students who wish to fulfill the requirement in Portuguese must consult the Program Head.  Subsequently, students are strongly encouraged to pursue advanced language courses in French, Portuguese, and/or Spanish. 

Students should also take advantage of opportunities that will offer first-hand knowledge of the target culture(s) through formal study abroad, internships, or individual research.  Various departments, for example, periodically offer study abroad programs in Latin America, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador and Brazil.  In addition to W&L and independent study abroad opportunities, the Program also facilitates internship placement information.

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Special Advice for freshmen:  

• Students should plan to take LACS 101 as early in their career as possible, as well as other courses that meet the distribution requirement below.   (There are several spots reserved for freshmen in the Fall and the course will likely be offered in Winter.)
   
• Freshmen should continue their language study at the appropriate level and ultimately pursue advanced language courses in French, Portuguese, and/or Spanish  (The FDR must be completed in Spanish or French.  Portuguese requires approval from the Program Head.)
   
• Finally, students should begin to seek advice early on about the many spring term and independent study abroad opportunities available to Program members.

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