Latin American and Latina/o Studies Minor

Minor Credit Hours: 21

The Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies minor includes courses from a variety of disciplines, such as sociology, history, Spanish, literature, philosophy, psychology, communications, political science and social work. The minor provides an analysis of the histories, politics, cultures, and societies of both the region of Latin America and the Latina/o communities in the US. It seeks to stimulate and facilitate inquiry, research, and outreach activities related to these areas and their cultural traditions. The minor provides a framework for understanding Latina/o history and culture and contemporary triumphs and struggles of Latinos. The rich traditions, cultural expressions, and historical experiences of Latinos are explored. For further information about the Latin American and Latina/o Studies at Lewis University, consult the program director or the chair of the Sociology Department.

Three courses are required for the Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies minor beyond the foundation course, 20-290 Cultural Diversity and Intergroup Relations (3):

09-320 Topics in History: Introduction to Latina/Latino Studies is offered according to need and is an introduction to Latina/o studies. The course analyzes the immigrant experience and its role in the incorporation of Latinas/os into U.S. society, the socio-economic condition of US Latinas/os, and the interconnections between diverse subgroup communities. Also examined are the differences which sometimes divide them, such as demographic trends, citizenship, political participation and activism. The contributions of Latinas/os to the United States of America are highlighted.

18-335 Latin American Politics (3) provides an introduction to contemporary Latin American political institutions, processes, and problems, focusing on economic policies, development, regional integration, democracy, and US-Latin American relations.

20-390 Capstone in Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies is offered according to need and is designed for the student completing the Latin American and Latina/o Studies minor. The course integrates the student’s prior coursework in Latin American and Latina/o Studies and provides additional perspectives. Students are expected to conduct some independent scholarship and participate in a service learning contribution to a Latina/o community as well as share those experiences with the Lewis University community, especially the Latina/o community at Lewis University.

Minors choose an additional 9 credit hours in consultation with the program director.

Degree Requirements

I. Required Courses (12)

09-390	Topics in History	3
18-335	Latin American Politics	3
20-290	Cultural Diversity and Intergroup Relations	3
20-390	Capstone in Latin American and Latina/o Studies	3

09-390: Topics in History: Introduction to Latina/Latino Studies

II. Elective Courses (9)

A. Courses offering full coverage of Latin American heritage and issues. Select 6 to 9 credits from this list.

06-339	Topics in World Authors	3
06-346	Topics in Ethnic and Immigrant Literatures	3
09-211	Latin American and Caribbean History: Ancient Times to the Present	3
09-390	Topics in History	3
09-390	Topics in History	3
09-387	History of Modern Revolutions, 1789 to the Present	3
15-366	Latin American Philosophy	3
19-215	Topics in Theology	3
20-315	Sociology of Latinas/os in the United States	3
78-355	Workshop: Social Work with Latina/o Populations	1
21-103	First Year Spanish 1	3
21-104	First Year Spanish 2	3

06-339: Topics in World Authors: Latin America

06-346: Topics in Immigrant Literatures: Hispanic America

(Up to six hours of Spanish language courses beyond first year may be substituted for First Year Spanish 1 and 2.)

B. Courses offering partial coverage of Latin American heritage and issues. Select 0 to 3 semester hours from this list.

10-350	Intercultural Communication	3
15-225	Philosophical Issues in Race and Gender	3
19-281	Christianity in Africa, Asia, and Latin America	3
19-285	Theologies of Liberation	3
20-492	Special Topics in Sociology	3
26-275	Topics in Psychology	3
26-285	Cross-Cultural Psychology	3
78-215	Cultural Sensitivity in Social Work Practice	3

Must take 20-492 Special Topics: Cultural Anthropology AND 20-492 Special Topics: Social, Political and Economic Disadvantages of Race

26-275 Topics in Psychology: Psychology of the Minority Experience

(Independent Study, Workshops, or other courses offered by contributing College of Arts and Sciences departments may be used to fulfill requirements for the minor with the consent of the program director of Latin American and Latina/o Studies Minor.)

III. The upper-division course requirements are fulfilled through the completion of 09-390 (Topics: Introduction to Latina/o Studies), 18-335, and 20-390.