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Requirements
Latin American & Caribbean Studies
Latin America and the Caribbean represent an intertwining of Indigenous, African, Asian, and European cultures with a variety of languages such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, English, Maya, Quechua, Aymara, creole/kreyòl, and other indigenous tongues. This rich cultural heritage has contributed substantially to the complexity of the region. Whether in the form of new models of economic development, varying forms of government, or innovative social ideas, certain common developmental patterns have come to represent the trademark of the region’s history, people, and institutions.
Given the complexity of such a diverse and pivotal region, the Latin American and Caribbean studies minor promotes coursework in anthropology, biology, economics, health and society, mathematics, political science, international relations, history, and Brazilian, French, and Spanish-American culture and civilization to provide students with a broad, liberal background with which to appreciate the intrinsic nature of Latin America and the Caribbean and to understand the role of the United States in the social, economic, and political development of our hemispheric neighbors.
Minors
- One unit from History 150 (Slavery and Abolition), Political Science 272, or Spanish 230 or 285.
- One unit from French 210, 215; Spanish 210, 215 or above; OR another language when appropriate, upon approval of the advisor and minor chair.
- Four units chosen in consultation with the minor advisor and taken from Economics 204*, 209*, 235*; French 280 and other French courses when topics apply to Latin America and/or the Caribbean; History 150*, 210*, 310*, 385*; Mathematics 103* (also listed as Interdisciplinary Studies 103*); Political Science 230* (also listed as Health and Society 230*), 246*, 255*, 272, 273; and other Spanish courses when topics apply to Latin America and/or the Caribbean; summer block courses with a focus on Latin America and/or the Caribbean.
- Courses marked with an asterisk only count toward the minor when the content of the courses or the individual assignments (e.g., papers, presentations) focus on a Latin American and/or Caribbean topic. Consult with both the course instructor and the minor advisor about such work before enrolling. Students wishing to count these courses toward the minor will be asked to turn in to the minor advisor a portfolio of the work done at the completion of the course.
- A two-page paper in which students offer a rationale for and synthesis of their chosen course of study.
- No more than 3 courses taken in the same program or department may count towards the minor.
Additional Information
- Normally, courses taken to satisfy the major requirements may not count toward the Latin American and Caribbean studies minor. Exceptions must be arranged with the program advisor.
- Study abroad plays a critical role in learning about Latin America and the Caribbean. Minors with a Spanish American focus are encouraged to complete at least one semester of study abroad through ISEP programs or another program approved by Beloit College. Likewise, students of French are encouraged to complete at least one semester of study abroad through ISEP programs in Guadeloupe or Martinique or another program approved by Beloit College. Upon consultation with the minor advisor, 2 units taken abroad may substitute for the required and elective courses.
- Students should begin the study of Spanish and/or French as early as possible to qualify for study abroad programs.
- The study of Portuguese is strongly recommended for those wishing to focus on Brazil.
- Minors are encouraged to spend at least one semester living in the Spanish or French House.