Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science - Latin American Studies Concentration

The degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science is conferred on all students who complete this program. Students whose major concentration is applied mathematics, applied physics, astrophysics, biochemistry, biology, biopsychology, chemical physics, chemistry, cognitive and brain Sciences, computer science, engineering psychology, environmental studies (as second major only), geological sciences, geology, mathematics, and physics are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. Those majoring in psychology, psychology/clinical and quantitative economics may choose to receive the degree of Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts at the time they complete their degree sheet. Students in all other majors will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students whose multiple majors make them eligible for either a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree may choose between the two when completing their degree sheet. The new major in Latin American Studies offers students the opportunity to combine the approaches of several academic disciplines in a focused study of the region. In recent decades, Latin America has become a field of rapid development in the arts, humanities and social sciences. The major's interdisciplinary approach integrates historical, social, political, economic and cultural perspectives at both national and regional levels. Learning Objectives Latin American Studies Learning Objectives: The main objectives of the LAS program are to provide students with a broad interdisciplinary understanding of the political, economic, historic and cultural developments of Latin America in an integrated manner. Specifically students should acquire the following skills: An in-depth multidisciplinary knowledge of the major developments of the primary regions of Latin America (Mexico, the Caribbean/Central America, the Andean region, Brazil, and the Southern cone) Written and oral proficiency in Spanish. In addition, elective credit may be earned through the acquisition of a basic knowledge of Portuguese or an indigenous language such as Quechua. Acquire familiarity with the ways in which different indigenous and diasporic cultures have contributed to the development of Latin America. The development of critical analytical skills to understand and evaluate the complexity and diversity of Latin America, both past and present. The ability to initiate, develop, and carry out independent research writing.