Overview and Learning Goals

Overview

The Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies (LACLaS) Program explores the history, aesthetic production, and contemporary relationships of the diverse cultural groups of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Latinx population in the United States. Its multidisciplinary approach is designed to integrate the scholarly methods and perspectives of several disciplines in order to foster increased understanding of Latin America’s social differences and economic realities, cultural diversity, transnational connections, historical trajectories, and range of popular culture and artistic and literary expression. Competence in a language spoken in the region other than English (such as Spanish, French, or Portuguese) is required, and it is strongly recommended that students participate in an off-campus study program in Latin America.

Learning Goals

Both majors and non-majors will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the histories, cultures, societies, and intellectual traditions of Latin America, the Caribbean, and U.S. Latinx communities, recognizing both their interconnectedness and regional specificities.

• Identify and critically engage with major themes, debates, and theories relevant to Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx studies, drawing from multidisciplinary perspectives.

• Students will apply, compare, and critically assess diverse methodologies and disciplinary frameworks in the study of these regions, demonstrating the ability to conduct independent and multilingual research.

• Students will develop strong written, oral, and listening skills; participate in community-based and experiential learning; and prepare for advanced study or careers connected to Latin America, the Caribbean, and/or Latinx communities in the U.S.

• Undertake independent research, particularly on the topics pertinent to their academic and personal interests, and demonstrate capacity to formulate interpretations based on their research.
• Pursue community engagement and service opportunities that foster their own knowledge—and that of Bowdoin's larger community—of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Latinx communities in the United States (i.e., talks, symposiums, Alternative Spring Break trips, Latin American Student Organization activities).
• Pursue either graduate study in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx studies or in one of the disciplines represented in the program.
• Pursue professional training in fields in which knowledge of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Latinx communities in the United States is relevant.

Options for Majoring or Minoring in the Program

Students may elect to major in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies or to coordinate a major in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies with digital and computational studies, education, or environmental studies. Students pursuing a coordinate major may not normally elect a second major. Non-majors may elect to minor in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies.

Program Website