Major: Latin American Studies
Perhaps no other area studies major strikes as close to the North American heart as Latin American studies. Since prehistoric times, the northern and southern continents have been linked through migration, colonialization, slave trading, and even current trade policies such as NAFTA.
Latin American studies embraces a land with a complex history and a rich contemporary culture, stretching from the pyramid-like Mayan ziggurats and the African diaspora to Ecuadorian oil workers and mega-star salsa musicians.
Students of Latin American studies learn Spanish and/or Portuguese and study Latin American literature, history, politics, geography, and culture.
“[B]eing from Latin America, I want to know more about my people and the history of my country.”
Rodrigo, junior, Latin American studies,
University of Texas, Austin
Are You Ready To...?
- Read primary sources written in the original Spanish for a research paper
- Consider learning Portuguese while living and studying in Brazil
- Analyze the current trade relationship between Caribbean countries and the United States
- Choose a concentration within Latin American studies such as anthropology or political science
It Helps to Be...
Open to meeting people from a wide range of cultures. Latin American studies attracts people who come from many different countries and non-Hispanic as well as Hispanic cultures.
College Checklist
- How many of the professors teach only in the Latin American studies program?
- Does the department offer classes in your area of interest, such as literature or economics?
- Are professors readily available to students for advice on course selection and project planning?
- Does the department sponsor cultural events such as lectures and readings?
- What opportunities will you have to study abroad?
- Does the school offer instruction in indigenous languages, such as Kaqchikel Maya or Haitian Creole?
Did You Know?
- The most widely spoken indigenous language in the Americas is Kechwa (or Quechua), the language of the Incas.
Course Spotlight
At most schools, you’ll need to take at least two years of either Spanish or Portuguese. Language courses are usually small and conducted in Spanish or Portuguese only. That way, your ability to speak and understand the language should improve quickly. You’ll also build reading and writing skills by reading increasingly complex texts and writing papers. In advanced classes, you may even learn editing and revision techniques.
