
Latin American, Latinx, & Caribbean Studies
Areas of Study
Offered through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, the Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies program includes courses that will help students to recognize, understand and analyze:
- The diverse peoples, cultures, histories, politics, identities, languages and religions of the region, including the United States.
- How racism, colonialism, imperialism and globalization have shaped the histories, cultures and experiences of Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean peoples, either directly or indirectly.
- The influence of Latin America and the Caribbean on other areas of the world.
- How Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean identities and experiences shape, and are shaped by, contact and migration.
Major Requirements
鈥淕ateway鈥 courses feature a broad focus on Latin America, the Caribbean, and global Latinx communities. Courses are approved by the LALC Director and may include:
- LALC 101 Intro to Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies
- HIST 126 Colonial Latin America
- HIST 127 Modern Latin America
- HIST 128 Latino History
- ANTH 266 Culture & Politics in Latin America
- POLS 251 Latin American Politics
- POLS 200 US and Latin America
- SPAN 304 Aspects of Spanish-American Culture
LALC majors must take at least one course in History. Qualifying courses with a focus on Latin American, Latinx, or Caribbean history are approved by the LALC Director.
Note that the History requirement exists independently of the Gateway course. Students who wish to count a History course as a Gateway must take a second course to satisfy the History requirement.
For the standard track: At least 4 courses from 4 disciplines or programs at the 200 level or above. For interdisciplinary breadth, students should choose courses from at least four different disciplines or programs (including Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies) at the 200 level. One of these courses must be in History and approved for LALC credit.
See current and previous LALC Course Lists for reference.
For the social justice track: At least 4 courses from 4 disciplines or programs at the 200 level or above. At least one course with a social justice focus. A pertinent internship or experiential learning course. A CIS Senior Seminar on Social Justice. This must be taken in the second semester of the student's senior year.
LALC majors must take three advanced LALC-approved courses that focus on academic research and presentation (normally at the 200-level and above). These courses will vary by semester. See the list below for some examples. To confirm whether a course not listed below may meet this requirement, please consult with your professor and the LALC Director.
*Courses listed below that are in bold font with an asterisk will be approved as fulfilling one of the LALC Academic Research and Presentation courses only when students focus course assignments on LALC-related topics. Approval by the Director, who will consult with the instructor, is necessary.
- ANTH 266 Culture and Politics of Latin America
- EDUC 340 Multicultural Education
- ECON 205 Economics of Development*
- ECON 330 International Finance*
- ENGL 367 LatinX Literature
- ENGL 379 Confrontations with Christianity
- POLS 251 Latin American Politics
- POLS 273 Race and Politics in the Americas
- RELS 290 Teologia Andina
- RELS 295 Un tal Jesus
- SPAN 305 Introduction to Textual Analysis
- SPAN 366 Creative Writing in Spanish
- SPAN 407 Topics in Spanish and Spanish American Modern Poetry
- SPAN 409 Topics in Colonial Spanish American Literature
- SPAN 410 Topics: Literature of Exile, Immigration & Ethnicity
- SPAN 420 Latin American Film
- SPAN 450 Latinidades in Literature and Pop Culture
Majors must demonstrate knowledge of a Latin American language other than English at an advanced intermediate level or higher. This requirement can be met by completing SPAN 202, FREN 202 or the equivalent (as demonstrated by a language placement exam, AP scores, or other such recognized measures).
In the case of Latin American languages not taught at the College, such as Portuguese, Haitian Creole or indigenous languages, speakers can have their language level certified by a faculty member or other competent authority in that language.
How language courses count: Courses taken to meet the minimum language requirement (202-level and below) will not be counted toward the major.
More advanced language courses (301-level and above) fulfill the language requirement and may count toward the major provided they have been approved as meeting the learning goals of the LALC program. Examples include:
- Spanish 301, 302, and others in the Spanish Department at the 300-level and above that feature Latin American literature and culture.
- Courses taught in Spanish in other departments such as HIST 278 Raza e Identidad, RELS 290 Teolog铆a Andina, or RELS 295 Un tal Jes煤s.
- Courses taught in Spanish in other departments such as HIST 278 Raza e Identidad, RELS 290 Teolog铆a Andina, or RELS 295 Un tal Jes煤s.
- Comparable courses approved by the LALC Director, including courses at other institutions and abroad.
Please note: Courses such as French 301, whose content does not meet the learning goals of the LALC program, fulfill the language requirement but will not be counted toward the major.
In your planning, please remember the rules regarding the number of courses that you can count for more than one program:
- A LALC major may overlap a maximum of two (2) courses from another plan of study (e.g., your other major) or three (3) courses from two other plans of study (e.g., your other major and a second minor).
- No single course may count for three plans of study (e.g., two majors and a concentration).
- A single course may meet more than one of the requirements for the LALC major. For instance, ANTH 266 Culture and Politics in Latin America, POLS 251 Latin American Politics, and CISS 200 US and Latin America can be used to meet the Gateway requirement, count as one of the four courses from four different departments at a 200 level, and satisfy the research and writing requirement. Remember, though, that the total number of courses required is at least ten. Feel free to consult with the LALC Director with questions.
- Normally, no more than two courses from any one discipline or program may count towards the major. However, a third course from the Spanish department may be accepted if, and only if, one of the three deals with art content, such as SPAN 312 Filmmaking in Spanish, SPAN 420 Latin American Film and SPAN 366 Creative Writing in Spanish.
- Up to three courses in Study Abroad programs in Latin America can be approved for Major credit upon review and approval of the LALC Director. Only two courses with Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies topics can be applied to the Major for students studying abroad in Spain upon review and approval of the LALC Director.
Concentration Requirements
鈥淕ateway鈥 courses feature a broad focus on Latin America, the Caribbean, and global Latinx communities. Courses are approved by the LALC Director and may include:
- LALC 101 Intro to Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies
- HIST 126 Colonial Latin America
- HIST 127 Modern Latin America
- HIST 128 Latino History
- ANTH 266 Culture & Politics in Latin America
- POLS 251 Latin American Politics
- POLS 200 US and Latin America
- SPAN 304 Aspects of Spanish-American Culture
LALC majors must take at least one course in History. Qualifying courses with a focus on Latin American, Latinx, or Caribbean history are approved by the LALC Director.
Note that the History requirement exists independently of the Gateway course. Students who wish to count a History course as a Gateway must take a second course to satisfy the History requirement.
Concentrators must demonstrate knowledge of a Latin American language other than English at an advanced intermediate level or higher. This requirement can be met by completing SPAN 202, FREN 202, or the equivalent (as demonstrated by a language placement exam, AP scores, or other such recognized measures).
In the case of Latin American languages not taught at the College, such as Portuguese, Haitian Creole, or indigenous languages, speakers can have their language level certified by a faculty member or other competent authority in that language.
How language courses count: Courses taken to meet the minimum language requirement (202-level and below) will not be counted toward the major.
More advanced language courses (301-level and above) fulfill the language requirement and may count toward the major provided they have been approved as meeting the learning goals of the LALC program. Examples include:
- Spanish 301, 302, and others in the Spanish Department at the 300-level and above that feature Latin American literature and culture.
- Courses taught in Spanish in other departments such as HIST 278 Raza e Identidad, RELS 290 Teolog铆a Andina, or RELS 295 Un tal Jes煤s.
- Comparable courses approved by the LALC Director, including courses at other institutions and abroad.
Please note: Courses such as French 301, whose content does not meet the learning goals of the LALC program, fulfill the language requirement but will not be counted toward the major.
For standard track: Three additional Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies.
Note: Students upon completing SPAN 202, who choose not to continue language study, must instead take four additional LALC courses to complete the concentration.
For social justice track: Three additional Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies. At least one course with a social justice focus. A pertinent internship or experiential learning course. A CIS Senior Seminar on Social Justice. This must be taken in the second semester of the student's senior year.
Students upon completing SPAN 202, who choose not to continue language study, must instead take four additional LALC courses to complete the concentration.
In your planning, please remember the rules regarding the number of courses that you can count for more than one program:
- A LALC concentration may overlap a maximum of two (2) courses from all other plan(s) of study (e.g., your major).
- No single course may count for three plans of study (e.g., two majors and a concentration).
- Remember, though, that the total number of courses required is six. Please consult the LALC Director with any questions.
- Normally, no more than two courses from any one discipline or program may count towards the concentration. However, a third course from the Spanish department may be accepted if, and only if, one of the three deals with art content, such as SPAN 312 Filmmaking in Spanish, SPAN 420 Latin American Film, and SPAN 366 Creative Writing in Spanish.
- Study Abroad Courses: Up to three courses in Study Abroad programs in Latin America can be approved for Concentration credit upon review and approval of the LALC Director. Only two courses with Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies topics can be applied to the Concentration for students studying abroad in Spain upon review and approval of the LALC Director.
Sample Courses
- Intro to Latin America
- Indigenous & Afro-Descendant Narratives & Voices Through Film
- Latinx Migration
- Caf茅 Mocha: Coffee Sugar Cacao
- Latin American Economic History and Development
- Latinx Literature
- Rebels & Radical Thinkers
- U.S. Mexican Border
- Modern Latin America
- Colonial Latin America
- Cultures and Politics of Latin America
- America's Colony: Puerto Rico since 1898
Opportunities
Academic Internships
Academic internships dealing with Latin American issues or serving Latinx populations may be used to fulfill requirements of the Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies concentration.
Bilingual Journal
"f贸sforo" is a bilingual journal of literature, art and ideas, addresses poetry, narrative, drama and essay, as well as photography, painting and visual arts, which reflect an interest in Spanish and the range of Hispanic and Latino cultures. Submissions are accepted in both Spanish and English from all members of the campus community, including students, faculty and staff.
Cocurricular Programming
Students are encouraged to expand their interest in Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies through a regular series of cocurricular programming, including:
Special events, forums and colloquia.
Film series, art exhibits and other special showings.
Community-Based Learning
Students are encouraged to engage in Community-Based Learning opportunities which allows them to connect learning in the classroom with civic engagement.
Community-based learning community partners in Worcester include Latino Education Institute/Club E, programs at Centro and Ascentria's Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program (which works with many unaccompanied youths who have come to the U.S. from Central America).
Student Groups
The Caribbean African Student Assembly (CASA) shares African and Caribbean culture with the 51小黄车 community and, through special events and performances, brings the culture to life.
The Latin American Student Organization (LASO) serves as the support system for those students who consider themselves Latinx and educates the entire 51小黄车 community about the diverse and complex cultures that constitute the Latinx people. LASO hosts an annual National Hispanic Heritage Month festival featuring Latin American cuisine, performances and activities.
Movimiento Estudiantil Progressive Action (MEPA) fosters educational, cultural and social well-being of Mechistas, as well as raising the socio-cultural consciousness of the MEPA community.
Study Abroad
Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies students can enhance their learning experience by spending time abroad. Yearlong and semester plus options are available for sites in Latin America. Study Abroad program opportunities include the Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pachaysana, in Ecuador. Select courses taken in Spain at Universad de Granada, Universidad de Le贸n, Universidade da Coru帽a may count to fulfill Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies requirements.
Research
Students have the opportunity to do independent research and to present their research in the annual Academic Conference. Students in the Latin American, Latinx, and the Caribbean Studies program have received summer research funding to conduct research linked to the Worcester Oral History Project and on immigration enforcement laws in Worcester, as well as Ignite funding for research in Peru about domestic violence.
Washington Semester Program
Students have the opportunity to further their learning by participating in the Washington Semester Program, including programs at:
Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA)
Council on Hemispheric Affairs
State Department - numerous bureaus
International Rescue Committee
Immigration and Refugee Services of America
Department of Commerce 鈥 International Trade Administration
World Bank 鈥 Latin American and the Caribbean Division
Program Outcomes
Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies alumni have found jobs in the following institutions:
- US Department of Justice
- The National Institute of Health
- Teach for America
- Jesuit Volunteer Corps
- General Electric
- Mass Mutual
- Providence Alliance for Catholic Teaching (PACT)
- Building Education Leaders for Life
- City Year
- Justice Resource Institute
- New York County District Attorney鈥檚 Office
- Directional Technologies
- Meditech
- Americorps
- PepsiCo
- MedLife
- Nativity School of Worcester
- US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Visit the Center for Career Development for more information.
are available in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
The Office of Distinguished Fellowships and Graduate Studies assists interested students in applying for these fellowship opportunities.
Graduate programs in the United States:

