Latino and Latin American Studies

Required

Linguistic competence

By the end of the program, students must demonstrate competence in Spanish, equivalent to at least the fourth semester of college study, through placement or course work (at McDaniel, through SPA 2212). Students wishing to minor in Latin American Studies and are not already proficient in the language are advised to begin their language study as early as possible. Students who wish to demonstrate competence in an alternate language, such as Portuguese, should consult with the LLAS Coordinator.

One foundational survey course:

SIS 2223 - Cultural History of Latin America
SPA 3303 - Contemporary Latin American Culture/Cultura Latinoamericana Contemporánea
Another course approved by the LLAS Coordinator

Five additional courses

Five additional courses selected from the list below or taken in approved study abroad programs. Courses must be chosen carefully in consultation with the LLAS Coordinator and include a range of interdisciplinary perspectives – from history, environmental studies, politics and international studies, society and the fine arts (e.g., literature, music, art, dance). Students are strongly encouraged to take some of the courses offered for the minor in Spanish.

Courses marked by + have variable content and may be approved toward the minor if the topic is deemed relevant by the program coordinator.

Additional Courses

Relevant courses in Cross Cultural Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, the First Year Seminar Program, Sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies, the January Term, or a special topics course in a department not listed above may be approved toward the minor. Recent examples include ‘Latino Culture in the United States’ (FYS) and January Term offerings such as ‘Viva Mexico’ (SPA), ‘Volunteer in Guatemala’ (IDS), and ‘Life Experiences of the Deaf in the Dominican Republic’ (ASL).

Approved Internships (2295, 3395, 4495) or Independent Studies (2298, 3398, 4498) from any of the above areas.

Experiential Program

All students are encouraged to complete an approved program (credit or non-credit) that involves intensive experience and interaction with a Latino community in the United States or a Latin American community abroad. Experiential programs include:
• an internship with an agency or organization that is involved with Spanish American issues or serves the Latino community
• a volunteer or service learning project that serves the needs of a local or regional Latino or Latin American community
• an on-site research project that involves significant interaction with a Latino or Latin American population
• study abroad in a Latin American country or a domestic off-campus program in a Latino community