Program Overview

Introduction to Latin-American and Latino Studies

The Latin American and Latino Studies Program was established to encourage the study of Latin American and Latino history, culture, geography, economics, and politics. Working with students and a distinguished interdisciplinary faculty, the Program is committed to enhancing and advancing the understanding of and appreciation for Latin America and its people.

Five-Year BA/MA Degree Program Option

Students who choose to minor in Latin-American and Latino Studies have the opportunity to pursue a joint BA/MA program in conjunction with the Center for Latin-American Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. This program allows outstanding students interested in Latin America to begin work toward an interdisciplinary master's degree in Latin-American studies while still undergraduates at Wake Forest, and to complete both degrees within a five-year period. The Bachelor of Arts degree is awarded by Wake Forest, while the master's degree is awarded by Georgetown.

Semester in Argentina/Chile

The Latin-American and Latino Studies minor offers a spring semester program based in Santiago, Chile with a three-week study component in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Students go as a group, accompanied by a professor from the College. No particular major or minor is required for eligibility.

Latina/o Mentoring Initiative

WFU's Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS), in partnership with El Buen Pastor Latino Community Services (EBPLCS), offers a mentoring program for Latino middle school and high school youth of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The program consists of pairing WFU students with Latino students affiliated with EBPLCS for a mentoring relationship that lasts at least two years. WFU mentors who are LALS minors have the opportunity to earn three LALS credit hours for partaking in an independent study course. This course entails working on a research project assessing the mentoring program under the guidance of an LALS faculty member. Some of the benefits for LALS minors partaking in this initiative include:

• Developing a more comprehensive understanding of the strength and struggles of Latino students in the U.S.
• Developing critical thinking, analytical, quantitative literacy, and writing skills
• Developing strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills
• Receiving LALS course credit for partaking in an independent study
• Developing a rewarding relationship with a local Latino student that can last a lifetime

Minor in Latin-American and Latino Studies

The minor in Latin-American and Latino Studies is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Latin America and its people.

Courses

The following courses are offered as part of the Latin-American and Latino Studies program:

• LAS 210: Introduction to Latin-American and Latino Studies (3 h) Introduces the historical, economic, cultural, and social issues which shape Latin America.
• LAS 220C: Afro-Cuban Cultural Expression (3 h) A comprehensive study of Cuban culture with a concentration on the artistic manifestations of Afro-Cuban religions.
• LAS 281: Contemporary Chile in Latin American Perspective (3 h) Introduces the nature and content of contemporary Chilean politics by placing them in a wider analysis of Latin American politics, history, and society, and international relations.
• LAS 310: Special Topics in Latin American and Latino Studies (3 h) Selected topics in Latin American and Latino studies; topics vary from year to year.
• LAS 380: Latin American and Latino Studies Honors Colloquium (4 h) Honors capstone colloquium consisting of varied readings and an individual research project.
• LAS 388: Internship in Latin American and Latino Studies (1-3 h) Internship course designed to meet the needs and interests of selected students, to be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member in the Latin American and Latino Studies minor.
• LAS 398: Individual Study (1-3 h) A reading or research course designed to meet the needs and interests of selected students, to be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member in the Latin American Studies minor.

Faculty

The Latin American and Latino Studies program is directed by Associate Professor of Spanish and Italian Kathryn Mayers and Reynolds Professor Luis Roniger.