Institute for the Study of the Americas

100 Years of Scholarship

As early as 1915, Latin American course offerings at UNC were coordinated in a special curriculum, and the continued growth of interest in Latin America resulted in 1940 in the creation of the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS). ILAS was thus one of the first educational centers in the United States dedicated exclusively to the study of Latin America.

The Institute for the Study of the Americas (ISA), as we are now known, seeks to promote a deeper understanding of Latin America, past and present. Latin America has expanded beyond its historic geographical boundaries. ISA responds to the proposition that a fuller understanding of the Latin American experience must include the conceptual logic of the Americas, conceived as a complex geo-political configuration in which peoples of diverse national, ethnic, and racial origins share a common transnational context and engage one another in continual cultural, political, and socio-economic interaction. In recognition of the changing circumstances of the Latin American reality, ISA is committed to the support of innovative research strategies, imaginative curricular development, and creative public policy initiatives. Its principal mission is given to support the continued development of Latin American studies as it has developed at UNC for the past one hundred years. Click here for the complete ISA Mission Statement.

Major Funding

In 1990 the Carolina and Duke Consortium received a major grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for additional cooperation, which has funded a variety of activities including research and training working groups. The working groups meet throughout the academic year, bringing students and faculty from both campuses together. Since 1991, the Carolina and Duke Consortium has been designated a National Resource Center under Title VI of the Higher Education Act. As one of nineteen such centers nationwide, the Consortium receives resources that significantly enrich the curriculum. In addition to encouraging research and teaching of Latin American subjects, Title VI funds permit the Consortium to sponsor unique activities such as our highly regarded summer intensive language program in Yucatec Maya. Outreach is also an important part of Title VI, which includes an annual public school teacher workshop and film festival. The Outreach Program also houses a video library and other resource materials available to all.

Giving to the Institute

Your gift helps inspire new approaches and understandings to the study of Latin America and the Caribbean. It supports UNC students' travel to learn a new language, conduct research, or participate in an internship opportunity. It brings to campus Latin Americanist scholars, leaders, and innovative thinkers. It makes possible outreach services to North Carolina K-12 classrooms and library collections available to the community-at-large.

We are deeply grateful to all our friends and donors for their financial support. Simply follow the secure link below to make your gift. In the form, beside "Department or Program," please specify "Institute for the Study of the Americas."

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