Latin American & Caribbean Studies

Year 1: Understanding

Understand the basics of Latin American and Caribbean culture, from its history to contemporary politics. Start from the very beginning if Spanish is new to you or if you’ve studied Spanish before. We’ll ensure you start in a suitable class to make the most of what you already know while building a solid foundation for the coming years.

Featured Courses:

• HIST 116 – Colonial Latin America
• HIST 365 – Conquest! Latin America 1492-1600
• HIST 366 – Dictators and Development in Latin America

Year 2: New Approaches

Your second year is a great time to reach out to the Spanish-speaking community on campus. If you haven’t already, try having lunch at a Spanish table once a week or apply to live in the Spanish house in the Max Kade Wing, where you’ll speak Spanish all the time and have a native speaker for a roommate. Don’t forget to declare your Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor before the end of the year!

Featured courses:

• POLSC 242 – Immigration and Citizenship
• SPAN 110 – Beginning Spanish I
• SPAN 130 – Accelerated Beginning Spanish

Year 3: Delving Deeper

By now, you’ll be advancing your language skills and gaining rich knowledge of its culture. Nothing helps you do that more than studying in a Spanish-speaking country. Most Latin American and Caribbean Studies minors go abroad in their third year. Visit the International Education Office about your options and talk with your advisor to ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime immersion opportunity!

Featured Courses

• SPAN 215 – Intermediate Spanish
• SPAN 220 – Issues in Contemporary Spanish and Spanish American Culture
• SPAN 245 – Spanish for Heritage Speakers

Year 4: The Comp

By now, you’ve had an unforgettable time abroad and you might even have a bit of reverse culture shock when you return home to Allegheny! For most students, the Senior Comp is the defining feature of their major in the fourth year. You’ll start by choosing a topic related to Latin America or the Carribean. Then, a professor will work with you to refine, research, and develop it.

Featured Courses

• SPAN 330 – Topics in Hispanic Popular Culture
• SPAN 430 – Race, Gender and Power
• SPAN 485 – Hispanic Film, From Text to Screen