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What is Latin American Studies?
Latin American Studies is a program focused on issues of Latin American
history, geography, politics and culture. Our subject matter encompasses
a wide range of topics including art and literature, indigenous cultures,
the colonial legacy, nationalism, liberalism and globalization, and problems
of gender, race, and economic inequality.
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What can I do with a Latin American Studies major?
Many career opportunities are open to students who major in Latin American
Studies. Because of their linguistic training and in-depth knowledge
of the area, graduates of the program often seek employment in government,
including the Foreign Service, international business and banking, and non-governmental
organizations that work extensively in Latin America. In
addition, graduates are well-prepared to pursue advanced degrees either in
Latin American Studies or in a related discipline.
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What’s special about the Latin American Studies major?
- Flexibility. The Latin American Studies program is designed for students
with diverse, international interests and career goals who will
benefit from the flexibility of a program that is genuinely interdisciplinary
in content and method. Students with wide-ranging interests in culture,
politics and other areas can pursue a course of study that both satisfies
their preferences and provides pragmatic, focused curricular objectives.
A Latin American Studies major can easily be combined with a major or minor
in Business, Foreign Languages and Literatures, International Relations,
Political Science or other fields.
- Bi-lingualism. Students majoring or minoring in
Latin American Studies are required to study one or more foreign languages
appropriate to the Latin American context beyond the College of Arts and Science minimum requirements. This objective is supported
by extensive study abroad offerings providing immersion in Spanish, Portuguese,
and French-speaking environments. Proficiency in the Spanish language,
an important goal of the program, may be enhanced with a Foreign Language
Certificate in French or intensive Portuguese courses designed for Spanish
speakers.
- Internationalism. The Latin American Studies program strongly encourages
students to complete one or more courses of study abroad. At present the University of Delaware runs study-abroad
programs in ten Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba,
Ecuador/Galapagos Islands, Martinique, Panama, and Peru.
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Are there internship opportunities in Latin American Studies?
Yes. The Department of Political Science and International Relations offers
the opportunity for students to earn up to 6 academic credits by undertaking
an internship. In the past, students have interned at the US Embassy in Peru (through
the Department of State) and other government organizations. Students with
an interest in global governance may choose to participate in the department’s
simulated OAS session, offered yearly.
The City of Wilmington’s Latin
American Community Center offers a range of cultural programs and internship
options in administration, client support, and community outreach for students
interested in working with Latino minority populations.
The Delaware Review of Latin American Studies, a respected on-line
scholarly journal, offers internship opportunities for students interested
in bi-lingual writing, editing, and web publishing on Latin American issues
across a wide variety of disciplines.
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What kind of facilities and resources does the program offer?
The Foreign Language and Literatures Media Center
offers a wide range of films, computer programs and audio resources designed
to support foreign language learning. In addition, the Media Center
houses a library of over one hundred Spanish and Portuguese-language feature
films and over one hundred documentaries on topics relating to Latin
America.
Other resources available to students pursuing Latin American Studies include
the University Gallery’s collection of Pre-Columbian ritual vessels and the
Department of History’s Latin American slide collection.
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Are there other Latin American resources on campus?
Yes. The Hispanic and Latin American Concerns Office sponsors programs that
focus on the historical, cultural, educational, political, and socio-economic
concerns of Latinos on campus and in society at large. These programs
include guest speakers, workshops, dance presentations, films, cultural excursions,
and the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month beginning in September of
each year. Student involvement is encouraged through employment opportunities,
volunteering for special projects, and program attendance and participation.
HOLA, established in 1991, is a registered student organization which represents
students and staff from Latin America, and welcomes all who wish to learn
more about Latin America. HOLA is committed to cultural
programming, community service and mentoring via cultural celebrations, educational
activities and student leadership.
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Some of the required courses are not offered every semester. What should I do?
Please contact the Director of Latin American Studies, who will advise you
about what courses you can take. Substitutions may be allowed by the Director
as long as the same disciplinary distribution is maintained. |
