Latin American and Latinx Studies course catalog

2024-25 catalog

Coordinator

CHRISTOPHER R. STRUNK, Associate Professor (Geography)
B.A., Wesleyan University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Advising Faculty

MARIANO MAGALHÃES, Professor (Political Science)
B.A., The University of Iowa; Ph.D. The University of Iowa

Program Overview

Augustana's Latin American and Latinx studies program allows students to expand their awareness and understanding of Latin America, the Caribbean and Latinx communities in the United States through a transdisciplinary curriculum made up of a combination of in-class and experiential requirements. 

The program offers a minor in Latin American and Latinx Studies, requiring 16 credits, an experiential component, and a capstone essay. Coursework in several disciplines, augmented by experiential learning opportunities, encourages analysis of how historical experiences, cultural expression, geopolitical processes, and the physical environment interact to influence the ways in which the region and Latin American and Latinx societies at large respond to local, regional, national, and transnational dynamics.

Requirements

(1) LANGUAGE

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language by completing one of the following:
• pass a language proficiency exam at the second-year level
• successfully complete two years of course work in Spanish (through SPAN-202)
Note: In appropriate circumstances, an alternate language (e.g., Portuguese, Quechua, French, etc.) may be substituted with the approval of program coordinators.

(2) COURSE WORK - 16 credits (4 classes)

Students must complete 16 credits of course work

Note: The following course list is not exhaustive and changes may occur without notice. Please direct questions to the Latin American and Latinx Studies coordinators.

Latin American & Latinx Studies courses
LTAM 100 (G) – Introduction to Latin American & Latinx Studies
ECON-406 (PH,G) - Development Economics GEOG-331 (G) - Geography of Latin America
HIST-120 (PP,G) - Social History of the " New" World, 1492- 1820
HIST-121 (PP,G) - Post Colonial Problems and Conditions in Latin America 1820-Present)
POLS-346 (PS,G) - Politics in Latin America
POLS-348 (PS,G) - Politics in Brazil
PSYC- 405: Risk & Resilience (2 credits; fall semester)
PSYC- 406: Childhood in Guatemala (2 credits; J-term, taught in Guatemala)
SPAN-202 (Intermediate Spanish II)
SPAN-343 (PP, G) - Latin/o Contemporary Culture I SPAN-344 (PP,G) - Latin/o Contemporary Culture II
SPAN-353 (PL,G) - Latin/o-American Literature I
SPAN-354 (PL) - Latin/o American Literature II
SPAN-457 – Literature and Culture of the Andes (taught in Ecuador)
SPAN-458 – Contemporary Latin American Society (taught in Ecuador)
SPAN-480 – Topics in Spanish Literature (when literature selected is Latin American)
SPST-251 – Latino/a Culture in the US
WLIT-219 (PL) - Hispanic Literature in Translation
WLIT-317 (PL) - Topics in French Literature (when literature selected is Caribbean)
WLIT-380 - Topics in World Literature (when literature selected is Latin American)

Please note that:
• at least 8 credits (2 classes) at the 300-level or above
• no more than 8 credits (2 classes) in one department will count toward LTAM minor
• courses (level 250 and higher) from Augustana's summer language program in Ecuador may be applied toward the LTAM minor

(3) EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COMPONENT / FIELD EXPERIENCE

Students must complete an experiential learning component for the Latin American and Latinx Studies minor. These include, but are not limited to the successful completion of at least one of the following:

• A study abroad program in a Latin American or Caribbean context, and with a minimum extension of three weeks (in Augustana, this would include Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Brazil, in addition to programs approved by Augustana through other institutions following approval from the LTAM program coordinators).

• An experiential learning experience offered through Augustana College including, but not limited to independent field research, and internships in Latin America or in a U.S. Latinx context.

Arrange for completion of this requirement via enrollment in LTAM FLDXP, a zero-credit course. (See advisor; advisor permission required)

(4) CAPSTONE PROJECT

After completing the above requirements and prior to graduation, students should work with their advisor to complete a Latin American and Latinx Studies Capstone.

Grade Point Average Notation: All courses listed in the catalog as required courses for any major and/or minor, including those courses outside of the department or with a different subject coding, are considered part of the major and will count in the grade point average. Some departments may have additional grade requirements for the courses offered within their department. Recommended supporting courses that are optional and not required may also count in the major depending on the program. For more information see your department chair or the degree requirements for Bachelor of Arts and information on Majors/Minors.

Courses (LTAM)