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 from the list of electives below, but others may be chosen in consultation with the program director.
Degree Requirements
I. Required Courses (12)
| 18-335 | Latin American Politics | 3 |
| 20-290 | Cultural Diversity and Intergroup Relations | 3 |
| 20-390 | Capstone in Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies | 3 |
| 09-390 | Topics in Ethnic Studies: Introduction to Latina/Latino Studies | 3 |
II. Elective Courses (9)
See courses listed in A and B below. Independent Study, Workshops, and Topics courses must focus on Latina/Latino history and culture in order to apply to the minor. Other courses not listed below may also apply with the consent of the Director of Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies.
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 |
| 09-387 | History of Modern Revolutions: 1789 to the Present | 3 |
| 09-390 | Topics in History | 3 |
| 15-366 | Latin American Philosophy | 3 |
| 19-215 | Topics in Theology | 3 |
| 20-315 | Sociology of Latinas/os in the United States | 3 |
| 21-103 | First-Year Spanish 1 | 3 |
| 21-104 | First-Year Spanish 2 | 3 |
(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 |
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.
IV. Nine hours of this minor (including 2 upper-division courses and one additional course) may not apply to any other minor or a major at Lewis University.