ID
Sonia Sotamayor banner

Latin American and Latinx Studies - Culture and Society Emphasis

Explore Latin American history, culture, and society.

Available as
Major
Description

Open Up a World of Possibilities

One of only a few programs like it in the region, our unique major is designed for those who are less interested in developing Spanish language skills and more interested in learning about Latin America and Latinx people, including those in the U.S. For those who are interested in developing their Spanish language skills, see our Latin American and Latinx studies - language emphasis major.

Through engaging coursework, taught by supportive faculty experts, you'll be immersed in all things Latin American. A large number of electives allow you to personalize your education and study topics that interest you. Explore classes in art history, public health, sustainability, geography, and more. This flexibility opens doors to new job possibilities and helps you to find your niche.

An exciting and key component of this program is that all Latin American and Latinx studies - culture and society emphasis majors are required to participate in a cultural immersion experience, such as study abroad, an international internship, a faculty-led international immersion experience, or a domestic immersion experience focused on Latinx/Hispanic communities in the U.S. Over the course of three or more weeks, you'll gain a deeper cultural awareness and a better understanding of Latin America and its people — both in the U.S. and abroad. Possible destinations include both Spanish- and English-speaking countries of the Americas, such as Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala, Belize, and Jamaica.

Because of the broad, interdisciplinary nature of the major, students are introduced to an array of subjects and career paths. Prepare for a career in the nonprofit sector, education, healthcare, law, journalism, international business or any other field in which knowledge of Latin America and its people abroad or in the U.S. can be an asset. With a Latin American and Latinx studies - culture and society emphasis degree, you'll find a world of opportunity available to you. 

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor Yes
Authored on
Hallmarks
Welcome to LAS history class screen shot
Course Variety

A large number of electives allow you to personalize your education and study topics that interest you. Focus on Latin American and U.S. Latino music and dance and their influence in the United States, the socioeconomic realities of women in Latin America, or the challenges of water use and management in the U.S. and worldwide.

group shot of coffee plantation Guatemala
Cultural Immersion Experiences

Covering almost 13% of the Earth's land surface area, there is a lot of ground to cover in Latin America. And we encourage you to explore it. Recent immersion experiences have taken students to Guatemala, where they learned about the efforts of a local coffee co-operative to create a model of coffee production that would provide greater earnings and a more sustainable livelihood for local coffee farmers. Students also traveled to Argentina where they examined human rights through the lenses of history, economics and social justice efforts.

Rosa Gomez research poster NCUR
Research Opportunities

As a Latin American and Latinx studies major, you'll have a variety of research opportunities available to you, from exploring Latin American and Latinx culture to studying interdisciplinary topics related to Latin America and its people. Our collaborative faculty will do all they can to ensure you get the most out of your UWEC education.

student immersion in Mexico
Outside-the-Classroom Learning

Each year, the Latin American and Latinx studies program hosts Latin American and Latinx Studies (LAS) Week, which includes a number of events related to Latin American and Latinx topics. This is an exciting way to learn even more about Latin American and Latinx people as the week often includes opportunities to hear from renowned speakers, experts, artists, educators, and students.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
UWEC is a National Leader in Study Abroad Opportunities
Here you can take your studies across the globe!
2023 Open Doors Report of the Institute of International Education
Explore A New Campus
Participate in the National Student Exchange Program and choose from 180 schools, including universities in Canada, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Outcomes Image
LatinX graduate outside Schofield with family
What can I do

Where can the Latin American and Latinx studies - culture and society program lead me after graduation?

Latin American and Latinx studies graduates are prepared well for graduate school and a variety of jobs. Given the increasing interdependence of nations and economies, as well as the growth of the Latinx/Hispanic population in the United States, a degree in Latin American and Latinx studies can open doors to nearly any career path.

Our grads go on to work in healthcare, economic/international development, environmental organizations, immigration services, nonprofits, and a variety of other fields and industries. Many Blugolds have also received Fulbright awards and fellowships, making it possible for them to teach or conduct research abroad. 

Courses information
SampleCourses

The Latin American and Latinx studies - culture and society emphasis major will provide you with a broad, solid grounding in the culture, politics, economics and social life of Latin America and Latinx populations in the U.S. today and in the past. Students gain an understanding of the region and its people, develop skills in critical thinking, and discuss and evaluate broad issues from interdisciplinary perspectives. 

The major is sometimes paired with other majors, including geography, social work, history, chemistry, English, business, or Spanish, providing students with even more career opportunities. A Peace Corps Certificate is also available.

Here are a few courses in Latin American and Latinx Studies - Culture and Society Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.

LAS 222

Introduction to U.S. Latino History and Culture

An interdisciplinary introduction to the history and culture of Latinos in the United States with lectures and course materials in English.

LAS 324

Latinx Health and Migration to the U.S.

Students will learn about the environmental, economic, political, social, and cultural factors that influence Latin American health and migration to the U.S., health during migration and upon arrival, and multi-generational wellbeing in Hispanic communities in the U.S.

LAS 350

Latin American Literature in Translation

This course introduces students to Latin American authors and their writings in a historical and social context.

Get More Info

Get More Info

Sign up to receive additional information about our campus.

Loading...

Meet the Faculty

Professor Fernández looking at camera
Languages Department
Latin American and Latinx Studies Program
Professor - Spanish
Program Director - Latin American and Latinx Studies
What's Next

What's Next?

student walking with athletics flag at a track meet
Request More Information
Learn more about UW-Eau Claire. Connect with admissions and get additional information about our programs and Blugold life sent to you.
Wide angle drone view of all campus and neighborhood
Schedule a Visit
See the most beautiful campus in Wisconsin for yourself. Get a campus tour, learn about our programs, and meet the friendly people of UWEC.
Blu the mascot high-fives a member of Blugold Marching Band
Start Your Application
Learn the steps to apply and check out admission requirements.