Latin American Studies

The minor in Latin American Studies is designed for students who wish to develop an understanding of a neighboring region that is of vital importance to the United States. Courses in archeology, foreign policy, history, language and literature, and politics, along with independent studies in the visual arts and museum studies, allow students to explore various aspects of Latin American cultures and societies from different disciplinary perspectives.  The minor contributes to a liberal arts education by offering students an international vantage point from which they can examine their own society and preparing them to meet the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world.  Additionally, the unprecedented movement of peoples and ideas between the American continents in recent decades makes the study of this region of the world an essential component for understanding the history and culture of the expanding U.S. Latino population.  The minor in Latin American Studies complements, therefore, major concentrations in disciplines that have either an international or a domestic focus, and it enhances the relevance of a Lehigh education by preparing students to be citizens of a culturally diversity society and, more generally, of the Americas.

The minor program requires 15 to 16 credit hours of coursework.  In addition to regular Lehigh offerings, students may receive minor credit for appropriate courses at other LVAIC institutions, study abroad programs in Latin America, and various Lehigh-faculty-led programs, such as “Lehigh in Martinique,” “Lehigh in Costa Rica” (both offered during the winter term), and “Lehigh in Honduras” (summer).  Students are encouraged to take advantage of extracurricular activities sponsored by the Latin American Studies Program, which include guest speakers and exhibits.

For further information or to coordinate their minor program, students should contact Professor Antonio Prieto, Director, Latin American Studies Program, 529 Maginnes Hall. For minor declaration forms, please go to the Modern Languages and Literature office, 516 Maginnes Hall.