What is Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean studies?
The Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean studies minor allows you to gain communication skills in Spanish while also developing a deeper understanding of the region and its cultures, including geography, history, linguistics, literature and politics. Students from a wide variety of majors in social sciences, humanities, fine arts, business, health and human services, and life sciences find knowledge of Latin America, U.S. Latinx, and Caribbean cultures and communities enriches their major fields of study and adds opportunities for their future careers, graduate study.
Why study Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean studies at UNH?
Studying Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies at UNH includes not only the opportunity to combine coursework in three distinct disciplines (such as history, literature/culture studies and anthropology) but also the opportunity to study abroad in countries such as Belize, Costa Rica and Cuba. Study abroad is encouraged but not required. You will be invited to participate in extracurricular activities that complement your studies, encouraged to seek out community engagement opportunities (volunteering, internships), and you will be guided by faculty advisors throughout your experience.
Potential career areas
- Business
- Communications/public relations
- Community organizing/advocacy
- Diplomacy
- Education
- Foreign service/government/non-governmental organizations
- Healthcare/public health
- International law
- Journalism/writing
- Social services
- Sustainability/conservation
- Tourism
Curriculum & Requirements
Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean studies is an interdisciplinary minor encompassing anthropology, communications, economics, geography, history, linguistics, political science and Spanish. Knowledge of Latin America is especially valuable for students who plan to work in education, international organizations, government, social services, and business or for graduate studies related to Latin America.
For more information on the Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean studies minor (LALACS) contact Lori Hopkins.
Students can complete the minor by selecting any five courses (20 credits) representing at least three disciplines.
Enrollment in these five courses must follow the guidelines below to count for the minor:
- At least three courses must be taken in residence.
- All coursework required for the minor must be completed with a grade of C or better.
- Courses for the minor may not be taken pass/fail.
Academic study in Latin America is strongly recommended: Speak with faculty to help you find the study abroad program that best fits your interests. UNH and its affiliates offer several short- and long-term programs throughout Latin America.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HIST 532 | Modern Latin America 1 | 4 |
| SPAN 504 | Intermediate Spanish II 2 | 4 |
| Elective courses (see list below) | 12-16 | |
- 1
An equivalent course as approved by a LALACS advisor can replace HIST 532 Modern Latin America.
- 2
Minimum of high-intermediate level proficiency in Spanish. Equivalent courses or equivalent testing may be counted here.
Elective Course List
Students should consult with an advisor or the course instructor to ensure that the majority of this coursework concentrates on Latin America.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 500 | Peoples and Cultures of the World (Topic: Latin America) | 4 |
| ANTH 501 | World Archaeological Cultures (Topic: Mesoamerica) | 4 |
| ANTH #674 | Archaeological Survey and Mapping in Belize | 4 |
| CMN #515 | Analysis of News | 4 |
| ECON #668 | Economic Development | 4 |
| ENGL 560 | Introduction to Latinx Literature and Culture | 4 |
| ENGL 650 | I Hear America Singing: Studying American Literature and Culture (Topic: Latina/o Literature) | 4 |
| HIST 425 | Foreign Cultures (Topic: Women in Latin America) | 4 |
| HIST 532 | Modern Latin America | 4 |
| HIST 632 | Latin American History: Topics | 4 |
| LING 790 | Special Topics in Linguistics Theory (Topic: Sustainable Languages) | 4 |
| POLT 403 | United States in World Affairs | 4 |
| POLT 548 | Drug Wars | 4 |
| POLT 565 | United States Policy in Latin America | 4 |
| POLT 795 | Advanced Study (Topic: The Politics of Poverty) | 1-4 |
| SPAN 526 | Introduction to Latin American Cultures | 4 |
| SPAN 631 | Advanced Conversation and Composition I | 4 |
| SPAN 632 | Advanced Conversation and Composition II | 4 |
| SPAN 641 | Spanish Language Variation & Change | 4 |
| SPAN 647 | Topics in Hispanic Cultural Studies | 4 |
| SPAN 648 | The Hispanic World Today | 4 |
| SPAN 650 | Hispanic Literature and Popular Culture | 4 |
| SPAN #653 | Introduction to Latin American Literature and Thought | 4 |
| SPAN 654 | Introduction to Latin American Literature and Thought | 4 |
| SPAN 797 | Topics in Hispanic Literary and Cultural Studies | 4 |
| SPAN 798 | Topics in Hispanic Linguistics and Cultural Studies | 4 |
| SW 697 | Special Topics in Social Welfare (Topic: Social Action in the Dominican Republic) | 4 |
| SW 797 | Special Topics in Social Welfare (Topic: Social Action in the Dominican Republic) | 4 |
