Minor in Latino and Latin American Studies
Minor requirements
Required semester hours: 18 sh beyond SPAN 1020
Course requirements
Prerequisites and supporting courses
SPAN 1020 or equivalent
Required core courses
At least one course selected from LAS and at least one course selected from three of the four remaining areas comprising this minor, (BTS, COMM, SOC, SPAN). Options: BTS 3910; COMM 2750; LAS 3910, 4910; SOC 2090, 2130; SPAN 2130, SPAN 3170, SPAN 3300, SPAN 3400, SPAN 3910, SPAN 4010.
Notes and restrictions
For Spanish majors, no more than two literature courses may apply to this minor. Some course work for the Latin American minor may be done through North Park’s program in Morelia, Mexico, and the Coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities’ program in San Jose, Costa Rica.
- Students must complete a form listing the courses they have taken to complete the minor, to be obtained from the department and on the department website.
- Students must turn in a simple portfolio to the chair of the department containing the following:
- A statement of their specific goals upon entering the program
- A self-assessment of the achievement of those goals- including what educational experiences most enhanced their learning, curricular and extracurricular.
- Two samples of student work from each course: completed: projects, essays or exams.
LAS 2730 Speaking Truth to Power: The Politics of Mexicans in America (4 sh)
Surveys Mexican history from Pre-Columbian Period to the present and emphasizes Mexican American politics. Employs Marxian and Gramscian theory in examining the political influence of such organizations as the League of United Latin American Citizens and the protest rhetoric of Chicano leaders like Cesar Chavez. Examines selected points of common political interests shared by Mexicans and African Americans. Cross-listed with AS 2730.
LAS 2950 Rap Music in Urban America: An Introduction to the Politics of Black and Latino Culture (4 sh)
The class employs Marxism and Gramscian theory in interpreting rap music specifically and hip hop culture generally as forms of resistance to the oppressive ideas and discriminatory policies of U.S. society. It offers a critical examination of Latino and Black political rappers viewing them as socially conscious activists committed to the uplift of their respective communities. Cross-listed with AS 2950
LAS 3910 Topics in Latin American Studies (4 sh)
Selected topics in areas of Latin American themes, including but not limited to Latin American History, Latin American Economics, Latin American Politics, Latin American Culture, Latin American Music, etc. Course is repeatable.
LAS 4910 Independent Study in Latin American Studies (1-4 sh)
Student must have consent of the instructor and chairperson of the division to register for this course.