The Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies offers students an interdisciplinary perspective on the vibrant and diverse countries and cultures of Latin America. Students gain an understanding of the various cultural practices and worldviews of the broad region and critically analyze complex issues by applying different theoretical frameworks in the humanities and social sciences. Students develop the language skills and cultural understanding needed to engage in and negotiate contemporary societies of Latin America.
This low-unit major is valuable for students pursuing careers in Spanish, agriculture, anthropology, business, geography, history, international relations, and political science. The major prepares students for careers in business, education, journalism, sustainable development, recreation, and travel, as well as job opportunities in government and non-governmental agencies.
Students are encouraged to study abroad in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, and Uruguay.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
Course Requirements for the Major: 31-43 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
A minimum fourth-semester competency in Spanish is required for Latin American Studies majors. Students interested in Portuguese can fulfill this language requirement by taking the equivalent of four semesters of Portuguese from an accredited program either in the United States or through study abroad. Students who have met the language competency prior to enrollment should see the major advisor regarding completion of requirements.
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 48 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.
The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (EO 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.
