Latin American Studies Program

Introduction
Degree Description

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Programs and Courses Offered

Program Coordinator

Juan R. Ishikawa

Program Office/Website

Humanities 420A
657-278-3161
hss.fullerton.edu/latinamerican

Participating Faculty

Gabriela Best (Economics), Brenda Bowser (Anthropology), Robey Callahan (Anthropology), Eric Carbajal (Modern Languages), Ana Garza (Education), Erualdo González (Chicana/o Studies), Alejandro Gradilla (Chicana/o Studies), Monica Hanna (Chicana/o Studies), James Hussar (Modern Languages and Literatures), Juan Ishikawa (Modern Languages and Literatures), David Kelman (English), John Koegel (Music), Enric Mallorquí-Ruscalleda (Modern Languages and Literatures), Elisa C. Mandell (Art), Stephen Neufeld (History), Gabriela Núñez (Chicana/o Studies), Valerie R. O’Regan (Political Science), John Patton (Anthropology), Patricia Perez (Chicana/o Studies), Sandra Pérez (Modern Languages and Literatures), Denise Stanley (Economics), Karen Stocker (Antrhopology), Robert Voeks (Geography), Carl Wendt (Anthropology), Phillipe Zacair (History), André Zampaulo (Modern Languages and Literatures)

Introduction

Latin America is our closest neighbor and a developing region with vast potential. Countries range in size from the Dominican Republic to resource-rich Brazil, which is larger than the continental United States.

By pursuing a broad, yet in-depth course of study, Latin American Studies students are well equipped to enter many fields and occupations as teachers in the United States or Latin America, as business people sensitive to Latin American history and culture, or as journalists, lawyers and doctors where contact with Latin America or Latin Americans in the United States is important.

The Latin American Studies major is designed to provide an in-depth, interdisciplinary understanding of Latin America. Majors develop language proficiency in Spanish and Portuguese, and have a broad range of courses from which to choose in anthropology, art, Chicana/o studies, economics, history, geography, political science, and modern languages and literatures. The major is well-suited for: (1) students who wish to pursue careers that require residence in or knowledge of Latin America (e.g., business, journalism, government); (2) those who plan to teach Spanish and/or social sciences in the secondary schools; and (3) students who wish to pursue graduate work in Latin American studies or other disciplines where a Latin American specialization would be helpful (e.g., political science, economics, history).

Degree Description

Students in the Latin American Studies program come from diverse backgrounds. Many already have cultural ties to a country in Latin America and are fluent in either Spanish or Portuguese. Others are drawn to the breadth of interdisciplinary topics covered within the program. Above all, the program’s students share a profound interest in studying the lands and cultures of Latin America. Upon completion of the degree, students in the Latin American Studies program are capable of solving problems from different disciplinary perspectives and have a critical mind, and produce creative solutions in response to issues related to Latin America and its relation to the U.S. and the world. Students in the program have a strong academic foundation, are able to engage in intellectual conversation, understand the importance of diversity and have a global outlook. Alumni have pursued careers in government, journalism, international law, museums and cultural institutions, K-12 education, higher education, tourism, social work and graduate work related to the field.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Bachelor of Arts in Latin Amerian Studies

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Latin American Studies, B.A.

Non-Degree

Latin American Studies Minor

Courses

Latin American Studies

Courses are designated as LTAM in the class schedule.