The Latina/o Studies concentration allows students to choose from an array of intellectually challenging, multidisciplinary courses that introduce cutting-edge scholarship on the Latina/o populations of the United States. Our courses familiarize students with the nation's fast-growing, diverse, transnational Latina/o populations, including their histories, ongoing connections to Latin America, cultures, and social conditions. Courses offer students the opportunity to focus on individual Latina/o communities in the country and to engage in comparative analysis of the various Latina/o communities. Students can select courses that concentrate on current socioeconomic and political issues facing Latinos in the U.S., as well as others that capture Latina/o expression in literature, music, and the arts. Some courses in this concentration involve students in collaborative projects with Chicago based Latina/o community organizations, civic programs, and other service learning opportunities.
Course Requirements
- Choose six courses from the following list*:
* Courses from other departments may count towards this concentration; consult your LALSP advisor for more information.
Open Electives
Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours.
LST 200
FOUNDING MYTHS AND CULTURAL CONQUEST IN LATIN AMERICA
This course challenges students to connect the cataclysmic formation of the Latin Americas from the cultures of Europe, Africa, and the Native (indigenous) peoples with the processes that inform our modern world. Colonialism, social stratification and forms of conflict and rebellion all played pivotal roles in the formation of Latin America from origins to the 18th century. The history and culture of the region is presented from many perspectives and across many disciplines.
LST 290
LATINO RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE UNITED STATES (CROSS-LISTED AS REL 113)
An examination of the diverse nature of Latino religion, from its indigenous roots to its institutional forms, within the social and political context of American culture. Cross-listed with REL 113.
LST 300
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES
LST 309
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND LATINO FAMILIES
Social Engagement And Latino Families
LST 306
LATINO COMMUNITIES IN CHICAGO
This course studies Latino Communities, focusing on their cultural and historical constructions from a community based learning experience.
LST 307
GROWING UP LATINO/LATINA IN THE U.S.
A critical as well as a community based examination of the experiences of growing up as a Latino/Latina person in the United States.
LST 308
MOTHERHOOD IN LATINO COMMUNITIES
This is an intellectual, as well as a community based exploration of motherhood in Latino communities and the theories of motherhood in feminist criticism throughout Latin America. Other topics: fatherhood, the extended family and the community as family.
LST 310
SPECIAL TOPICS: LATINOS IN THE U.S.
SPECIAL TOPICS: LATINOS IN THE U.S.