The Major /
Double Majors and Minors /
Declare the Major /
Requirements /
Languages Across the Curriculum
Courses /
Independent Study /
Honors /
Study Abroad /
B.A.-M.A. Program
The Major in Latin American Studies:
The major in Latin American Studies fosters intellectual discussion, learning, and research on Latin America and the Caribbean for students seeking an interdisciplinary perspective of the region. There are three main goals:
- To develop basic knowledge and comprehension of key themes in Latin American and Caribbean history, cultures, and contemporary social, economic, and political issues;
- To develop abilities to think critically, in an interdisciplinary manner, about Latin American and Caribbean issues, past and present, and to locate them within broader global perspectives;
- To develop proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese, and other languages of the region as needed, as part of their program of study.
Why major in Latin American Studies?
By offering in-depth, interdisciplinary study of the region, the major provides sound training for students who intend to go on to graduate or professional schools or for students interested in careers in education, public health, law, medicine, journalism, international development, and international business, among many others.
Double Majors and Minors:
The majority of Latin American Studies majors also double major or minor in other fields. Double majors and minors gain extra skills and knowledge. Some students double major in fields that are closely related or complementary. Others double major in order to pursue two different aspirations or to deepen knowledge in two separate fields. If you are considering pursuing more than one major or minor ask yourself:
- How important is the minor or double major to me?
- Will I be able to balance the requirements of both programs?
- Do I want to add more skills for personal reasons or to make my skills more competitive in the job market or graduate school?
Students interested in working with the Latino community may want to consider combining the Latin American Studies major with the
Latina/Latino Minor. The minor recognizes the increasing importance and influence of the rapidly growing number of people from Latin America settling in the United States.
How to declare a major?
By fourth semester, students should have declared a major. Talk to your Academic Advisor to file the appropriate paperwork. If you want to major in Latin American Studies, you will be "promoted" from the General College to the College of Arts and Sciences. You will be assigned to the Latin American Studies departmental advisor along with your team advisors. If you haven't done so before, please be sure to consult with the Latin American Studies departmental advisor as soon as you declare the major. She will help you select courses that fulfill requirements, plan a complete educational program, and learn about academic policies and procedures.
Requirements:
- All General Education requirements apply
- 10 courses (a minimum of 30 credits) including the capstone seminar LTAM 697
- Intermediate proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese
The Curriculum in Latin American Studies is divided into two concentrations that are further divided into sequences as outlined below:
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Social Science
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Humanities
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- Anthropology-Economics-Geography
- Journalism-Political Science
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- History
- Culture and Literature
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To ensure depth in a single discipline of Latin American Studies, four of the ten courses required for the major must be selected from
one of the sequences. To ensure breadth of exposure to other areas of Latin American Studies, two courses must be selected from each of the other three sequences. LTAM 101 and LTAM 697 may count toward any sequence.
Language Requirement:
In addition to the 10 required courses, each major must complete through fifth semester-level or higher (or equivalent) in Spanish or Portuguese. While this is a minimum requirement, majors are encouraged to work toward advanced proficiency in both Spanish and Portuguese. Several courses in Spanish and Portuguese will satisfy this requirement while also fulfilling General Education requirements. Please note that courses in translation will not satisfy this requirement.
Languages Across the Curriculum (LAC)
The Languages Across the Curriculum (LAC) Program offers LAC course options (independent seminars, discussion sections, combined discussion sections, and research components) in seven languages--Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish--for over 40 courses in 20 departments or professional schools.
Learn more.
Independent Study:
An Independent Study course may be a special research project, directed study on a specific topic or theme, a service-learning or experiential education activity that allows you to focus on a subject that is not currently offered in the regular curriculum.
Learn more.
Honors in Latin American Studies:
Latin American Studies majors with an overall grade point average of 3.25 are invited to pursue a degree with honors by writing an honors thesis during the senior year.
Learn more.
View Previous Honors Theses.
Study Abroad:
Study abroad is not a requirement of the major; however, living and studying in Latin America or the Caribbean is highly recommended as an experience that majors should consider. Both ISA and the Study Abroad Office offer scholarships for majors wishing to undertake study in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Learn more.
B.A./M.A. Program with Georgetown:
The Curriculum in Latin American Studies participates in a cooperative BA/MA program with the Center for Latin American Studies at Georgetown University. The agreement allows qualified Latin American studies majors to earn a Masters in Latin American studies in a year and a summer following their senior year at UNC. For details see
http://clas.georgetown.edu/joint_cooperative.html
