Latin American Studies, BA

Combined major offered by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Department of History, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

65 credits

Introduction

Latin American Studies major is designed to expand the students’ knowledge and experiences related to Latin America’s histories, societies, politics, political economies, racial relations, class formations, and social movements.

Why Consider a Latin American Studies Major?

The United States and the different countries of Latin America have shared a critical history since the nineteenth century. Currently, close to 60 million Latino/a/x people are part of the U.S. society. Latino/a/x constitute 18 percent of the nation’s total population. The histories of Latin America are part of the histories of the United States and the histories of the United States are indeed part of the histories of Latin America. Courses in this major help students to develop analytical, interpretive, and evaluative skills. Divided in two concentrations this major seeks to address important themes that pertain to linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as the impact of the ensuing and continued contact among indigenous people, Africans, and Europeans as a result of the encounter, slavery, displacement, and immigration.

Contact Information

Department of Modern and Classical Languages Luis Portugal Miller Hall 222B 360-650-4200 portugl@wwu.edu

Department of History A. Ricardo López-Pedreros Bond Hall 330 360-650-2939 Ricardo.Lopez@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

The central goal of this degree is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Latin America, knowledge valued by all employers, including businesses and government agencies. The research, analytical, and evaluative skills that our majors develop prepare them for graduate study in many humanistic disciplines, public affairs, and for careers as journalists, government officials, and attorneys.

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Go to the Department of Modern and Classical Languages (Miller Hall 222B) to declare the major with the LAS advisor, Professor Luis Portugal who will help you navigate through the Latin American Studies major.

Transferring Credits from Study Abroad

The program in Latin American Studies is working very closely with Education Abroad to give students all the possibilities and resources available to maximize experiences abroad and to use those experiences to keep enriching our communities. Credits from WWU will be transferred automatically and credits from other institutions will be transferred by the advisor.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.