Latin American Studies

The Latin American Studies Minor at the University of New England consists of 18 credits (6 three-credit courses) and a recommended experience in Latin America. Study will be in disciplines such as foreign language, sociology, history, and political science. Two courses are required from two different disciplines. Students will choose four additional courses from the list of electives below.

Latin American Experience

All students are expected to engage in at least a short-term intensive (Global Citizenship) or study abroad experience in Latin America. These are approved, as are substitutions, by the LAS Program Coordinator.

Electives

For the remaining four courses (12 credits), students may select from the following

Courses in Latin American Studies can also be taken through the Greater Portland Alliance. Additionally, some courses from UNE study abroad programs in Latin America and Spain can be substituted for the minor. Discussions about course substitutions should be initiated by the Director of Latin American Studies Minor.

1. Develop conversational, grammatical, reading and writing proficiency in Spanish.
   • At the end of the program students will be able to:
     • engage in conversation, provide and obtain information, express feelings, and exchange opinions;
     • comprehend and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics;
     • present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners on a variety of topics.
2. Expand historical and cultural awareness of Latin America and apply it to the study of the region.
   • At the end of the program students will have:
     • learned about the basic historical and cultural origins of Latin America, including pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Latin America;
     • gained a perspective on regional cultures, religions, languages, and the arts in Latin America;
     • experienced current popular cultures in Latin America in a variety of ways.
3. Develop a basic knowledge about society in Latin America to include the roles of: geography, demographics, politics, culture, and media.
   • At the end of the program students will have:
     • learned about the social origins of Latin America, including social structures, political and economic developments, and demographics;
     • examined the connections between culture and the various dimensions of society.
4. Enhance the ability to think critically about culture, social relations, history, politics and language in Latin America.
   • At the end of this program students will have
     • applied their knowledge base to analyze social problems in Latin America such as poverty and income inequality, environmental degradation, and development;
     • increased their ability to integrate disciplines and perspectives using a variety of mediums, methods, and modes of expression.

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives. All courses completed must be no older than five years. Other restrictions apply. See Undergraduate Admissions also.

See Undergraduate Admissions.

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.