The Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Department integrates the study of Chicanx and Latinx communities in the United States with analysis of the histories, politics, cultures, and societies of Latin America and the Caribbean.

LALS courses address changing political, social, economic, and cultural realities, including migration and transnational communities; gender, racial, sexual, and ethnic relations and identities; social movements; diverse forms of cultural expression; political and economic restructuring in Latin America; and the challenges of political and economic inequities and empowerment for Latinx communities in the United States.

Students in LALS learn to develop thoughtful analysis and clear arguments on complex topics. Through internship and field study experiences, students can acquire useful, pre-professional skills in any of the following key areas: community development/advocacy, public policy, education, journalism, media, performance, and research/writing, among others.

The minor in Latin American and Latino studies requires seven LALS courses: two lower-division courses and five upper-division courses. Students are eligible to declare the minor as soon as they've completed any one course in LALS.

Learning Experience

✔ A variety of field study, research, and internship opportunities may be arranged through LALS courses and campus affiliates (such as global learning, affiliated faculty, and the Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas). The LALS Department enjoys a close relationship with the Huerta Center, located at Casa Latina at Merrill College. Many of our students also build connections at El Centro, the Chicanx Latinx Resource Center, and other community resource centers on campus.

✔ LALS accepts two electives from outside our program to enhance students' interdisciplinary experience. Students choose from a list of approved electives or petition faculty to consider a new course.

✔ LALS students may benefit from visiting our Scholarships and Awards page early in their careers to learn more about funding for undergraduate research.