Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies

The Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Studies (LALACS) Program offers an interdisciplinary concentration that joins students and faculty in a meaningful study of the Americas. As its name suggests, this is an inclusive program that combines area studies in Latin America and the Caribbean with recognition of the growing cultural plurality of the United States—diversity that is increasingly evident in Minnesota and the Gustavus community.

The LALACS minor offers students the opportunity to study the Americas across a wide spectrum of the humanities and the social sciences through a variety of geographical and cultural emphases. It also offers students the technical tools needed for in-depth experiential learning through language courses and cultural immersion in study abroad programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. A unique aspect of the program is its focus on research internships and service-learning. As part of the minor, students may work in Latin American, Latino, or Caribbean immigrant communities in rural and urban Minnesota. Another unique aspect of the program is the exploration of historical and cultural ties to the countries of the Iberian Peninsula.

Requirements for the Minor: 5 courses, including:

1. HIS-160, Introduction to Latin America
2. SPA-320, Spanish-American Culture, or SPA-322, Masterworks of Spanish American Literature.
3. Two courses selected from the approved list below or others subsequently approved by the advisor.
4. One semester-long course of approved field experience. This can be either from study abroad in a Latin American country or from independent study or internship work in a Latino community in the United States.