Introduction

The Latin American Studies (LAS) minor enables students to acquire an in-depth, interdisciplinary understanding of the culture, economics, environment, history, literature, and politics of Latin America.  It also provides students with the opportunity to study the experiences of Latinas and Latinos living in the United States.  Faculty and courses from Environmental Studies, History, International Studies, Modern Languages, Political Science, Sociology, Theology & Religious Studies, and Women Studies contribute to the LAS program.  The increasing integration of the Americas, along with the growing importance of Latin American immigrants and their descendants in the United States, heightens the need for well-informed leaders who have a comprehensive understanding of Latin America and its relationship with the United States.  Designed to complement a major field of study, the minor in Latin American Studies helps to prepare students for employment in a variety of professional and non-profit fields and for graduate studies in a number of disciplines.