Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor

A minor in Latin American and Caribbean studies may complement either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, and requires completion of at least 21 credits of LACS and related courses. In meeting the requirements of this interdisciplinary minor, a student must use at least nine credits that are not also used to meet the requirements of any other major or minor.

1. Introduction: LACS 101
2. Distribution: 9 credits selected from the following, with at least one course from two of the three areas. Additional courses may be used when the topic is relevant and the program head approves in advance.
   1. Literature: LACS 256 (LIT 256), LIT 259; SPAN 240, 398 and all SPAN numbered between 340 and 359; and, when appropriate, ENGL 262, 350, 351; FREN 344; and LIT 180, 295; PORT 403 
   2. Art and Humanities: ARTH 170, 271, 273, 274, 375, 376; HIST 130, 131, 233, 336, 337, 366; SPAN 212; and, when appropriate, FREN 280, HIST 269, 395
   3. Social Sciences: POL 247; SOC 234; and, when appropriate, ANTH 224, 290; ECON 255, 280, 356; POL 215, 381; SOC 272, 290 
3. Related: 6 credits from the following or from any course not used above in 2. Distribution: BIOL 216; BUS 337; ECON 259; LACS 195, 257, 421, 422, 423; POL 279; SPAN 192, 201, 270, 290, 292, 392; and  when appropriate, BUS 305, 335, 390; DANC 215; ECON 288; INTR 296; SPAN 295 
4. Capstone experience (typically after completion of other program courses): LACS 396

Students must complete the Foundation and Distribution (FL) language requirement in Spanish, French or Portuguese and  students are also strongly encouraged to pursue advanced coursework in one or more of the appropriate languages. Students should also take advantage of opportunities that will offer firsthand knowledge of the target culture(s) through formal study abroad, internships, or individual research. Various departments, for example, periodically offer study abroad programs in Latin America, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador and Brazil. In addition to W&L and independent study abroad opportunities, the program also facilitates internship placement information.