Latin American and Iberian Studies

The Council on Latin American and Iberian Studies

Latin American Studies Major

The major in Latin American Studies is designed to further understanding of the societies and cultures of Latin America as viewed from regional and global perspectives. The Latin American Studies Major builds on a foundation of language and literature, history, history of art, humanities and professional schools of the University.

The major. The major in Latin American Studies is interdisciplinary. With two goals in mind--intellectual coherence and individual growth--the student proposes a course of study that must satisfy the requirements listed below. The proposed course of study must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies. Though all students choose courses in both the humanities and the social sciences, they are expected to concentrate on one or the other.

Prerequisite to the major is knowledge of the two dominant languages of the region, Spanish and Portuguese. Depending on their interests, students select one language for two years of instruction and the other for one. Other languages necessary for research may in appropriate circumstances be substituted for the second language with the consent of the director of undergraduate studies (DUS). Students are encouraged to meet the language requirements as early as possible. Courses used to satisfy the language prerequisite may not be counted toward the major.

The major itself requires twelve term courses: one introductory required course (ANTH 207a), eight courses related to Latin America from departmental offerings, two electives, and the senior essay (LAST 491a or b). In addition to ANTH 207a, students are required to take eight Latin American content courses as follows: two courses from the social sciences (anthropology, economics, political science or sociology), two courses in history, two courses in Spanish American or Brazilian literatures beyond the language requirement, one course in history of art and an approved seminar. Recommended courses are HIST355a, HIST356b, SPAN266n and 267b. Students are also required to complete two elective courses, preferably seminars and the senior essay.

Students must enroll in three seminars or upper-level courses during their junior and senior years. For a list of approved seminars, students should consult the DUS. Elective seminars must be approved by the DUS.

The senior essay is a research paper written usually in one term (LAST 491a or b). Students choose their own topics, which may derive from research done in an earlier course. The essay is planned in advanced in consultation with a qualified adviser and a second reader. In preparing the senior essay, students may undertake field research in Latin America. Support for research is available through the Albert Bildner Travel Prize, Latin American and Iberian Studies Travel Grants, and various other grants, for which students should apply in the spring of the junior year.

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities during summers or through the Junior Year or Term Abroad program.

Requirements of the Major

Languages: Two years of one language (Spanish or Portuguese); one year of the other language.

Number of courses: Twelve term courses beyond the prerequisite language courses (including the senior essay)

Distribution of courses: Eight courses related to Latin America, of which one is a seminar from approved list, taken in junior or senior year; two electives

Specific course required: ANTH207a

Senior requirement: Senior essay (LAST491a or b)

Official Yale College program and course information is found in Yale College Programs of Study, available on line at www.yale.edu/yalecollege/publications/ycps/.