Mission Statement
The Viterbo University Latin American studies minor will serve students in the general education and professional programs through an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes historical, political, and cultural sensitivity toward the peoples of Latin America. Experiential learning will be an important methodology for the program. Students will be placed in situated learning contexts through course activities, community partnerships in the tri-state area, and study abroad and exchange programs in Latin American countries. The Latin American studies minor promotes two main outcomes: 1) to raise awareness of social justice issues related to Latin American populations, including those living in the United States, and 2) to encourage engagement and advocacy within the university and the surrounding community.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Latin American Studies minor will be able to:
describe the main ancient civilizations and leaders of Central and South American and evaluate the effect of their legacies on today’s cultures
summarize the main events in the conquest, colonization, and path to independence of Latin American countries, and analyze subsequent challenges the new republics endured
identify the different Latin American countries and use their geographies, topographies, and natural resources to predict their impact in the politics, economy, environment, and socio-cultural differences and challenges of the country
describe the ethnic composition of the Latin American peoples and compare socio-cultural similarities and differences in religion, nutrition, literature, the arts, and social and medical services
analyze the consequences of the United States involvement in the past and present affairs of Latin American countries
- identify and debate current issues of Latin American countries and predict outlook for the future
Course Requirements for the Latin American Studies Minor
HIST 153, LASP 100; six credits of a SPAN language course; nine credits chosen from ECON 350, ENGL 360, HIST 349, LASP 287, 336, 487, 488, PHIL 365, POSC 382, SOWK 328, SPAN 310, 312, 316, 318, 336, 410, 456. For course rotation see left column on the webpage.
