Bachelor of Arts - Modern Languages and Literatures - Latin American and Latino/Latina Studies

Program Description The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers a full range of courses for students interested in language, culture, and literature. The study of foreign cultures, languages, and literatures is an integral part of a basic education and an essential component of one's university training. It provides students with the knowledge to better understand their own language and culture and to function intelligently as members of a multicultural society. The major in Modern Language & Literatures offers options in French, German, Spanish, Asian Studies, and Latin American & Latino Studies. In our language programs, lower division courses are designed to help students acquire a strong Intermediate level of proficiency. Upper-division courses strengthen Intermediate level skills and develop Advanced level functions through the study of culture (literature, history, art, etc.). For students interested in teaching, K-12 teaching options are offered in French, German, and Spanish. Students without prior language study who are interested in the literature and culture of Chinese, French-, German-, Japanese-, and Spanish-speaking peoples may choose elective credits from a variety of courses taught in English. Latin American & Latino Studies Option The Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) major provides students interested in Latin American and Latino history, culture, and language with valuable interdisciplinary skills. Because this is an interdisciplinary program, students will enroll in courses in Modern Languages & Literatures and History & Philosophy. Students may also take courses with relevant content from other departments such as Sociology & Anthropology, Political Science, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The LALS major complements other fields of study: health care, government, agriculture, engineering, history, literature, political science, sociology, international business, and more. The major strengthens the skill-sets of students who wish to become more competitive in the Spanish-speaking job market, both in Latin America and in the United States. A major in LALS will prepare students for the close relationship developing between Latin American and the United States in trade agreements, the growing number of immigrant laborers, and the expansion of Latino communities in the United States with significant political and economic power. The equivalent of four semesters of Spanish language is required. Students with prior experience in Spanish language or heritage speakers may have some requirements waived. Students interested in the LALS major should consult with LALS faculty in the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures immediately upon their decision to fulfill the major so that they can ascertain the language requirements that are appropriate for them.