Latin American Studies Major

Overview

Latin American Area Studies provides a concentration in the region's history and culture. The course of study features Latin America's economic, geographic, social and political patterns as well as its problems. With a population nearing half a billion people, Latin America has traditionally been, and is now more than ever, a critical area for the United States. Students will examine the historical ties between the two regions in relation to the commonality of cultures and objectives that are becoming increasingly stronger as interdependence grows.

Students concentrating in Latin American Area Studies will choose their language specialization and begin studying the Spanish and/or Portuguese language as early as their freshman year.

For the most up to date degree sheets, please click here.

General Education requirements: 40 semester hours, distributed in accordance with University requirements.

School of International and Area Studies requirements: Additional requirements set forth by the School of International and Area Studies.

Major requirements: (30 hours, 18 must be upper-division). In addition to the core requirements set forth by the School of International and Area Studies, students pursuing a focus in Latin American Studies will develop a course of study with the IAS Academic Adviser and meets the following requirements:

Foreign Language and Literature (six hours): Two courses at the 3000-level or above beyond the 16-hour requirement, in any of the languages in the area of concentration.

History and Ideas (six hours).
Politics and Society (six hours).
Arts and Culture (six hours).
Geography (three hours).

International Experience: A student is required to spend at least one summer or winter term (preferably one year) in an approved international experience. This may include (but is not limited to) OU Study Abroad, study abroad with another university, an approved foreign work experience, or experience through the US military, or a high school degree or equivalent from another country.

Senior Capstone Course (three hours): IAS 4013, Senior Capstone.

NOTES: Students may take other appropriate courses chosen in consultation with the IAS Academic Adviser. Acceptable substitutions are updated each semester and posted in the Undergraduate Studies section of the SIAS website.

To be eligible for study abroad at OU, students must maintain a minimum combined retention GPA of 2.5.

Major Support Requirements: Sixteen hours of one foreign language relevant to the geographical area of concentration.

Free Electives: Electives to bring total applicable hours to 120 including 48 upper-division hours.

Students must successfully complete at least 15 hours of courses acceptable for major credit in Latin American Studies, including at least 9 hours at the upper-division level. Click here to download the minor check sheet to learn more about the specific requirements.

Amigos de las Americas: This is a non-profit organization that sends youth volunteers to Latin America each summer to participate in full-immersion public health projects. If you have not yet completed your study or work abroad requirement, this could be an opportunity for you to consider (if you are an International Studies or Latin American Studies major).