Undergraduate

The goals of the Minor in Latin American and Latino/a Studies are:

To provide students with key concepts, information, and a foundation of knowledge rooted in several academic disciplines
To examine the social, political, and cultural challenges of Latin America, the Caribbean, and U.S. Latino/a populations
To foster a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment by focusing on the interrelations between the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and its descendant populations

This program is flexible. Students are expected to complete course work in a variety of disciplines and departments.

All individual programs of study must be planned in consultation with the Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino/a Studies advisor.

Requirements

Twenty-four (24) hours of coursework are required. Specific requirements include:

Language Requirement

Students must complete six (6) semesters of high school or second semester college (112) coursework in either Spanish or Portuguese. Note: Portuguese is not offered at Illinois State, but transfer credit will be accepted. Also, foreign language credit below the third semester level (115) does not count toward the minor requirement of 24 hours.

Course Requirements

Students must have a plan of study approved by the advisor including courses from at least three of the following groups.

Group A — Department of Curriculum and Instruction (Bilingual Education): C&I 319, 320, 321, 322.
Group B — Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (formerly Foreign Languages): SPA 115.15, 116.15, 233.15, 240.15, 244.15, 300.15, 325.15, 336.15. Students are also strongly encouraged to study abroad in the Foreign Language Department’s summer program in Taxco, Mexico.
Group C — Department of Geography and Geology: GEO 235.02.
Group D — Department of History: HIS 104.03, 263, 282, 283.
Group E — Department of Politics and Government: POL 240, 336, 340.
Group F — Department of Sociology and Anthropology: SOC 109.

Note: Other courses with appropriate content may be approved by the advisor, particularly for SPA 305.15, 360.15; HIS 306; and IDS 203.15, when the topic is Latin America.

How to Apply

Students must be in good academic standing with at least a 2.00 GPA to apply to the major.

Students may apply via My Illinois State, under the "Apply to Your Program" link.

For more information or to discuss a proposed plan of study for the minor, please contact Janet Claus at jlclaus@ilstu.edu

To schedule an appointment by phone call 438-7604 and indicate your interest in the Latin American and Latino/a Studies minor. You may also make an appointment at the front desk in Fell Hall 340.

Apply Online

Apply online to Illinois State University

Minor in Latin American & Latino/a Studies

Director: Dr. Maura Toro-Morn

Department of Sociology and Anthropology
332 Schroeder Hall
Campus Box 4660
(309) 438-8290