Program Overview

Undergraduate Certificate in Latin American and Latinx Studies

The Undergraduate Certificate in Latin American and Latinx Studies combines the study of Latinx communities in the United States with analysis of the history, politics, culture, art, and societies of Latin America and the Caribbean. This certificate trains future professionals to better serve the growing Latinx population of the country and the state.

Certificate Description

• Examine historical, economic, and political relationships between Latin America and the United States.
• Develop familiarity with social, cultural, political, and economic developments in their historical context.
• Learn about the commonalities and differences inside Latin America and between Latin American and Latinx cultures.
• Understand changing and contested identity constructions among diverse peoples of the region.
• Learn about Latinx history and culture.
• Analyze migration within countries in the Americas and other parts of the world.

Certificate Requirements

The certificate requires students to take a core course, LAMS 1000, which serves as the foundation for the program. Additional course electives are available to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Latin American and Latinx studies.

Core Course

• LAMS 1000: This core course in Latin American Studies provides an introduction to the field and serves as a prerequisite for other courses in the certificate program.

Course Electives

A variety of course electives are available to students pursuing the certificate. These courses cover topics such as Latin American history, culture, politics, and society, as well as Latinx studies in the United States.

Student Testimonials

Students who have completed the certificate program have reported gaining a deeper understanding of Latin American and Latinx cultures, as well as developing valuable skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking.

Program Details

The term Latinx is used to connote a commitment to be inclusive of gender non-conforming identities, to challenge the gender binaries inherent in the Spanish language, and to reflect the cutting edge of the fields traditionally called Chicano Studies and US Latino studies. The certificate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Latin American and Latinx studies, preparing them for careers in a variety of fields, including education, government, non-profit work, and private industry.