Take a dynamic approach to learning Spanish and experiencing the culture of Latin America with the Undergraduate Certificate in Latin American Studies in Temple University's College of Liberal Arts. Since 1973, the 17-credit, interdisciplinary Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) certificate program provides a unique and enriching experience each spring semester for students interested in Latin American culture, economy, language, politics and society. This program is housed in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese.
You'll develop a deep understanding of Latin America and build language proficiency through an intentional array of interdisciplinary courses that meet five days a week and are conducted entirely in Spanish. Build a strong sense of community with classmates and instructors as you prepare for the semester's culminating event–a 21-day trip to Quito, Ecuador in February and March.
While abroad, students attend classes at the Andean Center for Latin American Studies, explore the country and live with a local family. The LASS program emphasizes language fluency in and out of the classroom, and it helps students form cultural empathy from a global perspective. Before and after their time abroad, students engage in community service opportunities in Philadelphia, allowing them to further explore the language and culture.
Upon completion of the program, students receive a certificate and a waiver for the General Education World Society requirement.
