Latin American Area Studies B.A.

Latin American Area Studies (LAAS) is an interdisciplinary program at Morris. Latin American countries have been our allies, our enemies, our trading partners, and our friends. Our history is entangled with the history of the region south of the US border. We influence their culture, and they influence ours. In LAAS, we study Latin American history and culture using a wide variety of perspectives and methods. When you study in the LAAS discipline you will acquire a basic introduction to Latin American cultures and societies; the means essential to gain an understanding of Latin America and its diverse peoples; and an understanding of Latin America in a comparative perspective.

Objectives:
To provide a basic introduction to the cultures and societies of Latin America, to provide the means essential to gain an understanding of Latin America and its diverse peoples, and to place Latin America in a comparative perspective.

To meet these objectives, three of our core courses engage students in learning about the histories, contemporary events, and research resources on Latin America. In addition, all of our electives courses introduce students to a diversity of significant topics on Latin America, ranging from language proficiency, literature courses on Latin American cultures, issues of social justice, race, gender, migration, development, politics, economics, revolutions, and more. Our Senior Capstone course immerses students in gaining a deeper understanding of selected topics on Latin America. Together, our courses engender greater comprehension of Latin America, language comprehension and communication skills, important analytical skills, greater inter-cultural sensitivity and empathy, and ability to conduct research and compose well-written research papers.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Students will be able to think critically and communicate effectively, through informed understandings of Latin America, on issues of historical, social, economic, and political processes affecting the region.

2. Students will be able to locate relevant research resources and apply them in conducting research on Latin America.

3. Students will be able to competently compare and contrast the different countries and regions of Latin America from the perspective of its diverse human populations and societies.

4. Students will be able to apply an interdisciplinary perspective to gain a deeper understanding of Latin America.