Latin American and Latina/o Studies FAQs

Why should I get a minor in LALS?​
A minor in LALS complements a variety of majors — business, education, anthropology, foreign language, global studies, history, political science, secondary education, sociology, and others. Since Latin America and the Caribbean continue to grow economically and extend culturally within and beyond the Western hemisphere, this minor prepares students for an increasingly globalized world. This complex and sophisticated region is generating increased interest for economic, cultural, political, and social reasons. The completion of a LALS minor will provide students with a rich understanding of the nations of these region, and a deeper appreciation for what is unique and compelling about their dynamic realities.

Who will I work with while getting a minor in LALS? ​
Students work with, and benefit from, one-on-one support from a variety of faculty members. These teacher-scholars, including the director of the minor, will assist students in following the LALS guidelines and advise them in selecting courses.

Which majors should consider getting a minor in LALS?​
A minor in LALS is highly beneficial for students whose majors are preparing them for careers in international business, foreign service, government, the military and other governmental agencies, education and other societal institutions, and in non-governmental organizations with an international or cross-cultural orientation. The minor will expand students’ understanding of the growing political, economic, demographic, and cultural clout of Latin America (and the Caribbean) — offering a comparative perspective and preparing them for future relationships with its peoples, internationally and domestically.

What if I have never been to Latin America?​
All the more reason to consider getting a minor in LALS. The nations of this region hold a dynamic and influential place in the global community — overseas and in the United States — as a result of the increasing migration of goods, services, cultures, and people from this region. The projected Hispanic/Latino(a) population in the U.S. in 2050 will surpass 102.6 million. Moreover, in 2013, 50% of all Catholics under the age of 25 in the U.S. are Hispanic/Latino(a). In other words, the people (and cultures) of Latin America and the Caribbean are increasingly coming to the United States. As such, LALS will help students see how they are already exposed to the region in many ways through ongoing cultural and economic exchange and emigrational and linguistic interactions. Thus, students will then become more informed about issues and debates about immigration, the so-called Latino Vote, bilingual education, wage theft by employers, and many more issues.

How will a minor in LALS help me after graduating?​
A minor in Latin American and Latina/o Studies will provide you with a good understanding of the region — its peoples and cultures. In addition, this minor will provide you with thoughtful responses to old stereotypes and worn-out clichés — those that all-too-often accompany conversations about the increased immigration of people from the region into the U.S. A minor also will facilitate greater regional, hemispheric, and global awareness by providing you with a more contemporary and cosmopolitan view of the dynamics between nations, societies, cultures, and peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Equipped with this kind of knowledge, your life’s journey after graduation will be greatly enhanced.