Latin American Studies
Blair D. Woodard, Ph.D., director
Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary field that fosters dialogue between the arts, humanities, and social sciences - as well as pre-professional areas of study - with the goal of fostering a greater understanding of issues surrounding Latin America’s historical, linguistic, and socio-cultural contexts. The Latin American studies minor combines courses from history, Spanish, philosophy, environmental studies, economics, business, communications, and study abroad programs in Latin America. These courses will allow students to focus on Latin America, exploring its historical, cultural, political, economic, environmental, and philosophical foundations. This minor will enrich students’ study within their major program by bringing them into contact with perspectives from different disciplines on related issues. Students will be prepared for engagement with diverse communities in whatever career paths they may choose.
Learning Outcomes for Latin American Studies Minors
Latin American studies graduates of the University of Portland will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical roots of the diversity of peoples and cultures that make up Latin America.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural, linguistic, and artistic heritage of Latin America.
- Demonstrate the ability to discuss the context for the current challenges and possible solutions facing Latin America.
The Latin American Studies minor requires 16 credit hours. As a prerequisite for the minor, students must demonstrate language proficiency in Spanish through the intermediate level, by having completed Spanish 202 or its equivalent. The minor utilizes HST 254 or HST 256, currently offered every year, to serve as the required introductory course for the minor. Students must then complete four courses from at least two different disciplines from the electives listed below and demonstrate all the learning outcomes. Finally, the minor requires students to enroll in a one-credit capstone with the director and create a portfolio to be turned into the director during the same semester as their final class for the minor.
Minor Requirements - 16 credit hours
Required Course - 3 credit hours
Select one course from the following:
Electives - 12 credit hours
Select four courses from at least two different disciplines from the following:
| BUS 360 | Cross Cultural Organizational Behavior and Ethics | 3 |
| CST 431 | Intercultural Communication and Identity | 3 |
| ECN 426 | Comparative Economics in a Transforming World Economy | 3 |
| ECN 429 | Development Economics | 3 |
| ENV 314 | Resilience and Policy | 3 |
| ENV 327/ETHS 327 | Global Environmental Justice | 3 |
| ENV 367 | Climate Change Negotiations: The Road to the Conference of the Parties (COP) | 3 |
| ENV 370/ETHS 370 | Do or Do Not: Saving Planet A | 3 |
| HST 354 | History of Modern Cuba | 3 |
| HST 355 | History of Mexico | 3 |
| HST 356 | Latin American History Through Popular Culture | 3 |
| HST 357 | Environmental History of the Americas and the World | 3 |
| PHL 336 | Metaphysics: Native American Philosophy | 3 |
| SPN 301 | Advanced Spanish: Art and Soc in Latin Am and Spain I | 3 |
| SPN 302 | Advanced Spanish: Art and Soc in Latin Am and Spain II | 3 |
| SPN 308 | Advanced Spanish for Heritage Speakers | 3 |
| SPN 350 | Latin American Women's Voices | 3 |
| SPN 360 | Literature and Culture of Contemporary Mexico | 3 |
| SPN 361 | Latin America through its Story Tellers | 3 |
| SPN 367 | Culture of Ecuador | 3 |
| SPN 450 | Special Topics in Latin American Studies | 3 |
| SPN 451 | Latin American Culture through Literature | 3 |
| SPN 469 | Latin American Jewish Literature and Culture | 3 |
One time course offerings (designated 391/491 or 392/492) may fulfill the elective requirement. Please confirm eligible yearly course offerings with the program director.
Capstone - 1 credit hour
Please consult with the program director to select the eligible Capstone course.