The bachelor's degree in Latin American studies presents students with the opportunity to study one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating regions. Contemporary Latin America is the product of a long and turbulent history of conquest, resistance, and cultural mixing. The result is a rich and unique amalgam of African, indigenous, and European cultures. Understanding these complex societies has never been more crucial than it is today since people of Latin American descent represent more than 13% of the population of the United States. Knowledge of Latin American history, culture, society, and politics is indispensable for anyone who seeks to understand the contemporary United States and its place in the world.
Majors in Latin American studies develop a broad expertise in the region while pursuing an individualized program of study that suits their own particular interests. Students improve their language skills and take courses in many disciplines including anthropology, dance, economics, folkllore, geography, government, history, and literature. The course work cumulates in a seminar where students develop a research project under the mentorship of a faculty expert.
Course Work
The Latin American Studies Program offers courses designated LAS in the Courses chapter of the catalog. As an interdisciplinary program, Latin American Studies offers many other courses across a range of departments that do not bear the LAS code. For the major and minor, students should consult with the director to determine whether a particular course may be used to fulfill a Latin American studies requirement or elective.
Honors in the Major
Latin American Studies majors who have completed 75 credits (a minimum of 15 in Latin American Studies, 6 of which must have been taken at Mason) with an overall minimum GPA of 3.50 and a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major may apply to pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. The application consists of a transcript, a recommendation from one member of the LAS faculty, and a brief description of a proposed research project.
Once accepted into the program, students pursuing honors in the major complete a two-course sequence LAS 491 and 499 (an honors section), which must be taken in successive semesters. In this sequence, students complete an advanced research project under the guidance of an faculty member. To graduate with honors in the major, students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the honors courses.
Degree Requirements (Catalog Year 2012-2013)
In addition to meeting the following requirements for this degree, students must meet the university requirements for all bachelor's degrees. Students pursuing a BA in Latin American studies must complete 31 credits in Latin American studies with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
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One required course (1 credit): LAS 100 (This course is a weekly lecture series in which students are introduced to the faculty and the various disciplines that compose Latin American studies.)
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Two courses (6 credits) in history: HIST 271, 272
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Two social science courses (6 credits) related to Latin America chosen from: ANTH 302, ECON 361, GGS 316; GOVT 331
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One humanities course (3 credits) related to Latin America chosen from: ENGH 315, SPAN 322, SPAN 325
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One seminar course (3 credits): LAS 499
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Four elective courses (12 credits) in Latin American studies.
Students may satisfy the electives requirement with any course that contains a significant emphasis on Latin America or the culture, politics, sociology, or history of Latinos living in the United States. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to use an internship (LAS 490) or a study-abroad program to fulfill some of these credits. The electives must be approved by the director of the program. - Language requirement
All Latin American studies majors must demonstrate reading, speaking, or writing knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese by exam or achieving a minimum grade of 2.00 in a 300-level course in the language selected. Upper-level Latin American literature or culture courses taught in Spanish or Portuguese may be used to satisfy the electives requirement.
Total: 31 Credits
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their major at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in Latin American studies should consult with the director for a course to fulfill this requirement.
Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.