Latin American and Latinx Studies
About
Latin American and Latinx studies is a multi-disciplinary program designed to advance students’ understanding of Latin America and people of Latin American heritage. It seeks to provide both broad, general knowledge of the Latin American region as a whole and an in-depth knowledge of specific countries, regions, cultures and communities.
Why is Latin American and Latinx Studies in Demand?
The significant rise of Latinx/Hispanic populations in the United States and the increasing cultural, social and economic interconnectedness among the countries and peoples of the Americas will increase the demand for citizens of the world who:
- Are proficient in the Spanish language
- Are prepared to work with U.S. Latinx/Hispanics and the people of Latin America
- Possess an in-depth understanding of Latin American and Latinx culture, history and politics
- Are comfortable among and sensitive to a diversity of cultures and people
Is it for me?
Are you:
- Keen to learn Spanish?
- Fascinated by the opportunity to study, research or work abroad?
- Interested in working with diverse populations?
- Aspiring to a career that involves translating and interpreting?
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Latin American and Latinx Studies
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus
You’ll learn how to:
- Grow in confidence
- Manage your time
- Grow in cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Understand Latin American and Latinx culture, history and politics
- Develop language competency
- Develop effective research and presentation skills
- Develop critical thinking and problem solving
- Work with diverse populations
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
What You'll Learnplus or minus
Curriculum
Coursework in history and political science provides the foundation for understanding the historical, political, cultural and economic development of Latin America. These classes provide an introduction to various cultures and civilizations, as well as familiarity with factors that have shaped the experiences of individuals, groups and countries. Students learn about the social significance of events in the past and the present. These courses enable students to appreciate more fully specific learning objectives in upper-division courses in the same subject area, as well as specialized topics in the support course area.
Students majoring in Latin American and Latinx studies also take courses in philosophy, religion, biology, geography and literature. Proficiency in Spanish facilitates a fuller understanding of the cultures, histories, intellectual traditions and peoples of these countries.
Students may also concentrate in Latin American and Latinx studies by taking 18 credits in history, political science and select supporting courses, and by demonstrating language proficiency.
Click here to see the curriculum.
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus
An important way to enrich your overall college experience and to develop and test your language skills and knowledge of Latin American and Latinx studies is to engage in service. There are numerous opportunities to perform service that require knowledge of Latin American and Latinx culture and peoples in the greater Scranton area. The Center for Service and Social Justice provides many such opportunities.
The University of Scranton’s International Service Program provides faith-based service opportunities abroad, including short-term service trips to several destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Careers
Where Will Latin American and Latinx Studies Take Me?
A major in Latin American and Latinx studies will open doors to a variety of careers, including:
- Foreign correspondent
- International sales/business
- Customs inspector
- Journalist
- Travel agent
- Medical professional
- ESL teacher
- Immigration lawyer
- Embassy personnel
- Market researcher
- Study abroad coordinator
- English teacher abroad
- Government agent
How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge
One of the many things students tell us they love about Scranton is that our faculty members are active in helping them achieve their career goals. As you walk across campus, you’ll often see students chatting with faculty over coffee to bounce ideas.
Whether it’s advising or providing letters of references for a competitive graduate school or that dream job, faculty members make it their priority to get to know each student on an individual level. That deep level of understanding means that our faculty are not only dedicated teachers and strong researchers, but advocates for you professionally.
Take the Next Step
Get the Facts
For More Information
Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu
Aiala Levy, Ph.D.
Program Director, Latin American and Latinx Studies
aiala.levy@scranton.edu