University of New England

Latin American Studies Minor

The objective of the Latin American Studies (LAS) minor is to provide a framework, through interdisciplinary study in the humanities and social sciences, for systematic understanding of the Latin American social, cultural, and historical experience and of the important role of Latin America in the world.

Looking at the demographics of the United States in general, and New England in particular, the two largest growing minorities are Spanish and Portuguese speaking populations. In fact, within 25 years approximately one-fourth of our population will have had its origins in one of the many nations south of our borders.

Through the Latin American Studies minor, students will develop broader perspectives of Latin America as well as their own culture. These perspectives, combined with an expanded international worldview, increased sensitivity to inter-American relations, and the study of the Spanish, bring depth and sophistication to the minor.

Students will leave this minor with the skills and experience to pursue a career or graduate studies in this field. 

Faculty
Faculty in the Latin American Studies Program - from the departments of history, sociology and foreign languages - speak Portuguese and/or Spanish and have in-depth experience teaching and conducting research in a variety of Latin American countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador.

In addition, there are various other UNE faculty who have professional connections with Latin America including work in Belize, Mexico, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago. More ...