College: Arts and Sciences
Department: Interdisciplinary Studies
Contact: Dr. Steven Byrd sbyrd@une.edu
The objective of the 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. Students are challenged by the study of a major developing region to raise essential questions about human rights, responsibilities, values, and quality of life. Through the LAS minor, students will develop broader perspectives on their own culture as well as those of Latin America. These perspectives, combined with an expanded international worldview, increased sensitivity to inter-American relations, and the study of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, 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.
The Minor in Latin American Studies at the University of New England consists of 18 credits (6 three-credit courses) and an experience in Latin America. Study will be in disciplines such as: history, sociology, language, literature, film studies, and political science. Three courses are required from three different disciplines. Students will choose three additional courses from the list of electives below. There is also a Latin American Experience requirement that is detailed below.*
Languages of Latin America (3 credits):
It is expected that students will complete at least a second level or semester of a language to receive credit for the minor. The first level may come from a year of high school language study, a semester of college study, or from native proficiency. Students are expected to attain this level of proficiency in either Spanish or Portuguese.
SPA 211: Intermediate Spanish or
POR 211 Intermediate Portuguese (course to be developed in 2008)
History of Latin America (3 credits):
At present students may select from one of two courses to satisfy this minor requirement. Other courses may be added later. A student may petition for another course or for transferred credits to count for this requirement.
HIS 240: Latin American History I: Colonial Latin America OR
HIS 241: Latin American History II: Modern Latin America
Society in Latin America (3 credits):
At present this is the only course that satisfies this requirement. A student may petition for another course or for transferred credits to count for this requirement.
SOC 230: Society in Latin America
Electives (9 Credits):
For the remaining three courses, or nine credits, students may select from the following:
Languages of Latin America:
SPA 101: Basic Spanish
SPA 211: Intermediate Spanish
SPA 301: Advanced Spanish
SPA xxx: Medical Spanish (to be developed in 2008)
POR 101: Basic Portuguese (to be developed in 2008)
History of Latin America:
HIS 240: Colonial Latin America
HIS 241: Modern Latin America
HIS 331: Revolution and Social Protest in Mexico
HIS 332: Cuba: History, Society and Culture
HIS 333: Argentina: History, Society and Culture
Society in Latin America:
HIS 210: Race and Ethnicity in Latin America
SOC 310: Population, Society and Culture
SOC 417: Society in Brazil
Politics and Economics in Latin America:
HIS 212: Cultures of Imperialism: Latin America and the US.
PSC 320: Global Systems: Origins, Politics & Culture
HIS 330: Politics and Change in Modern Latin America
PSC 405: Latin American Politics
PSC 406: State & Society Relations in Third World Countries
Literature and Culture of Latin America:
LIL 200: Afro-Hispanic History and Culture
HIS 339: Latin American History through Film
Courses in Latin American Studies can also be taken through the Greater Portland Alliance. In addition, courses from UNE study abroad programs in Latin America can be substituted on an individual basis for courses in the core and electives of the minor. These courses will be approved on an individual basis by the Latin American Studies Coordinating Committee.
Latin American Experiences
*In addition to completing the 18 credits in the Latin American Studies Minor, a student must also have spent a minimal amount of time in another country in Latin America or the Caribbean. This can consist of living in a country in Latin America, studying in a country in Latin America, or a personal visit. The minimum is a two week stay in which there is an effort to learn language, culture, and history. Each Minor will apply to the Latin American Studies Coordinating Committee for approval of their experience.
If a student has not been able to complete a Latin American Experience, then they can still complete a minor by either taking an additional course approved by the Latin American Studies Coordinating Committee or by completing an independent study with a faculty affiliated with the program for a total of 21 credits.
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2008-2009 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2008.
The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.