Latino and Latina Studies focuses on cultural production and political and socioeconomic experiences of people inculcated with the US experience, self-identifying as Latinx and communicating primarily in English and sometimes in Spanish. The LATS major and minor will examine this enduring and dynamic population that crosses and re-crosses borders constructed by geography, linguistics, class, race, and gender. This program of study is designed to accommodate a range of voices and multiple manifestations of Latinx identity and cultural expression in historical and contemporary contexts to fill in this vital but often overlooked component of our national identity and discourse.
Students pursuing a LATS major or minor are expected to obtain language competence in Spanish before completing the program, though they do not need to meet this requirement when declaring the major or minor. Students may satisfy this requirement by completing SPAN 3303, or any other course with a higher number taught in Spanish.