Take your Spanish language and cultural proficiency to the next level with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Latin American and Latinx studies - language emphasis bachelor's degree. (For those who are less interested in the language and more interested in the culture and society of Latin American and Latinx/Hispanic peoples, see our Latin American and Latinx studies - culture and society emphasis major.)

One of only a few programs like it in the region, our exceptional program will help you to become fluent in Spanish while expanding your knowledge of Latin American and Latinx/Hispanic history, culture and current events. Taught by passionate, supportive faculty, you'll dive into engaging coursework, sharpening your communication skills along the way. The small class sizes of language classes allow for group discussions, interesting projects and opportunities to gain cultural competence.

An exciting and key component of this program is that all Latin American and Latinx studies - language emphasis majors are required to participate in a cultural immersion experience, such as study abroad, an international internship, and/or a faculty-led international immersion experience. Over the course of six or more weeks, you'll take what you've learned and put it into practice, all while immersing yourself in the culture. Possible destinations include Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, Argentina and Guatemala.

In a global market increasingly reliant on cultural and linguistic competencies, a degree in Latin American and Latinx studies will put you in high demand. 

Holding a degree in Latin American and Latinx studies  — especially one with extensive language proficiency requirements like our language emphasis major at UW-Eau Claire — will prepare you for graduate school or a successful career in almost any field. 

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.

The Latin American and Latinx studies - language emphasis major will allow you to master the Spanish language while providing you with a broad base of cultural and historical knowledge. 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. 

What classes do Latin American and Latinx studies - language emphasis majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• Latin American literature and film 
• Indigenous theory and methodologies 
• Language in culture and society 
• Hispanic linguistics 
• Latin American civilization 
• Phonetics and pronunciation 
• Spanish sociolinguistics in Latin America/USA 

Learn more about the Latin American and Latinx studies - language emphasis major in the UWEC course catalog.

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