The Latin American and U.S. Latino Studies (LALS) Minor is an interdisciplinary course of study, offering students the intellectual base for understanding the dynamic historical and contemporary developments of Hispanic peoples and cultures in the Americas. In joining Latin America and Latinos in the U.S. in one course of study, LALS advances the internationalist mission of the University by studying Latino worlds in the larger universe of the Western Hemisphere.

The Minor provides knowledge and analytic skills vital to professions and careers in the 21st century global economies and societies that link North, Central, and South America in ever changing hemispheric and global relations. LALS prepares students to understand the diverse intersecting histories, cultures, and societies of North America, including Mexico, as well Latinos in the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, South America and Brazil. Latino groups in the U.S. include historical populations - Chicanos/Mexican Americans, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans as well as more contemporary, late 20th century populations of Latino decent, including, but not limited to, Brazilians, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Haitians, Hondurans, Nicaraguans, and Salvadorians.

The LALS minor is comprised of 18 semester hours. Beyond the 9 credits required of all LALS minors, students may concentrate 9 credits of course work on Latin America or U.S. Latinos. The U.S. Latino concentration requires an internship (3 of the 18 credit hours). Study abroad in a Spanish or Portuguese speaking country may take the place of the internship.

Contact Us

Sonia Garcia
(210) 431-2014
sgarcia@stmarytx.edu
St. Louis Hall 320

Faculty