Latin American Studies, Minor

The minor in Latin American Studies offers a cross-disciplinary concentration on an important region of the world for students preparing for careers and/or graduate school located in, or focusing on Latin America. Through a combination of courses in different disciplines, it provides a general background in Latin American culture, history, politics, economics, literature, social structures, and foreign relations. Spanish 101, 201, French 101, (or any other course in Spanish or French) or a language test in Spanish, Portuguese, French, or an indigenous language of Latin America is required. The minor consists of 20 semester units, which include courses:

In at least two different disciplines;
At least one from the Regional courses; and
No more than 12 units from any one discipline.

Students interested in the minor can contact: James Mestaz, Department of History at mestazj@sonoma.edu

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will gain the skills necessary to become productive, informed, successful, and compassionate individuals in a globalized world.

Students will learn the historical and contemporary importance of Latin America and its growing influence today and in the future.

Students will understand the complex relationship between Latin America and the world, focusing in particular on the relationship with the United States.

Students will acquire research, writing, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Students will learn how to reflect on their own relationship to Latin America and how it will endeavor personal growth, and how this relationship will lead to others understanding this region better.

Students will be able to explain how class, gender, ethnicity, and race have, and continue to affect inequities in Latin America and how social justice endeavors have questioned these hierarchies.

Regional Courses

Select at least one course from the list below. (No more than 12 units from one discipline.)

HIST 242 - History of the Americas Since Independence Unit(s): 3
HIST 339 - Ancient and Colonial Latin America Unit(s): 4
HIST 342 - Modern Latin America Unit(s): 4
FR 314 - French Literature in English Translation Unit(s): 4 (Taught in English)
SPAN 307 - Cultures of Latin America Unit(s): 4 (Taught in Spanish)
CALS 480 - Latin American Migration to the United States Unit(s): 4
POLS 453 - Politics of Latin America Unit(s): 4
HIST 372 - Special Topics and Themes in Latin American History Unit(s): 4

Specialized Courses

Select additional courses from below or from the Regional Course List or Supporting Electives list to reach a total of 20 units. (No more than 12 units from one discipline.)

CALS 314 - Literature in Translation Unit(s): 4
HIST 433 - History of Mexico Unit(s): 4
HIST 449 - Gender and Sexuality in Latin America Unit(s): 4
SPAN 402 - Latin American Literature Unit(s): 4 (Taught in Spanish)
ECON 403A - Seminar in International Economic Development Unit(s): 4
BUS 396W - The Global Wine Industry Unit(s): 3-4
CALS 332 - Latinas/os and Globalization Unit(s): 3

Supporting Electives

Any course focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean and chosen in consultation with and approved by an advisor for the minor in Latin American Studies.

Units

Total units for minor: 20