Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS)

The Program in Latin American and Caribbean Studies is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore the concepts of civilization, culture, and society as applied to the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. The program’s curriculum draws from a variety of disciplines—including art history, literature, economics, politics, and sociology—in an effort to explore the ways the region has been shaped by the meeting of Amerindian, African, and European peoples. The program aims to teach students about the commonalities and diversity within the region. Students will consider how these factors complement or differ from North American society.

Students who complete the minor can gain the background necessary for careers in teaching, bilingual education, social work, government or international organizations, business, journalism, and specialized nonprofit organizations, and/or for graduate work in Latin American Studies and related disciplines.

Program Head: Jeffrey C. Barnett

Core Faculty

First date is the year in which the faculty member began service as regular faculty at the University. Second date is the year of appointment to the present rank.

Jeffrey C. Barnett, Ph.D.—(1989)-2007
Professor of Romance Languages
Ph.D., University of Kentucky

Mónica Botta, Ph.D.—(2006)-2012
Associate Professor of Romance Languages
Ph.D., University of Connecticut

J. Tyler Dickovick, Ph.D.—(2004)-2010
Associate Professor of Politics
Ph.D., Princeton University

Jonathan Eastwood, Ph.D.—(2006)-2010
Associate Professor of Sociology
Ph.D., Boston University

Robert Matthew Gildner, Ph.D.—(2012)-2012
Assistant Professor of History
Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin

Andrea Lepage, Ph.D.—(2008)-2008
Assistant Professor of Art History
Ph.D., Brown University

Ellen C. Mayock, Ph.D.—(1997)-2008
Ernest Williams II Professor of Romance Languages
Ph.D., University of Texas

Courses relevant to the Program in Latin American and Caribbean Studies are as follows:

The following courses may also meet program requirements, when the topic is appropriate:

Degrees/Majors/Minors

Interdisciplinary Minor

• Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor