UMass Boston

Latin American Studies Minor

Explore the Dynamic History & Cultures of Latin America.

The Latin American Studies Minor examines the historical, political, social, and cultural events that have shaped Latin American countries. Through this program, you’ll hone your proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish or Portuguese and learn professional translation skills. 

The curriculum explores the development of Latin American societies through centuries of internal struggle and contested exchanges with Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia. 

After finishing the program, you can apply the skills you learn to a number of different careers, including educator, liaison, travel agent, tour guide, international relations specialist, and cultural researcher.

Expand Your Studies

How to Apply/Declare

Current Undergraduate Students: Declare or change your minor by completing an Undergraduate Program Add/Change form.

Prospective Undergraduate Students: Apply for admission to UMass Boston by completing an application. Start by reviewing the first-year and transfer application pages for important information about requirements, deadlines, and application status checks. Use the links below to apply: 

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Curriculum

Foundational Course (3 Credits)

  • LATAM 101 - Latin America: Contemporary Society and Culture 3 Credit(s)

Intermediate Courses (6 Credits)

Take two courses from the list below.

  • LATAM 205L - Latin American Film 3 Credit(s)
  • LATAM 210G - Food, Culture, and Society in Latin America 3 Credit(s)
  • LATAM 270 - Human Rights in Latin America 3 Credit(s)

Advanced Courses (9 Credits)

Take three courses from the list below.

  • LATAM 303 - Reform and Revolution in Latin America 3 Credit(s)
  • LATAM 360 - Language and Power in the Americas 3 Credit(s)
  • LATAM 375L - Afro-Luso-Brazilian Cultures 3 Credit(s)
  • POLSCI 371 - Latin American Poltc 3 Credit(s)
  • POLSCI 372 - Central American Politics (C) 3 Credit(s)
  • SPAN 320 - Varieties of Spanish in the Americas 3 Credit(s)

Students are encouraged to take a 400-level course as part of this requirement.

  • LATAM 454L - Argentina 3 Credit(s)

Completion Requirements

Complete 18 credits from six courses, including one foundational course, two intermediate courses, and three advanced courses.

Language proficiency: Students in the minor must demonstrate intermediate proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese.
Pass/fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied toward the minor.
Residency: At least three courses used for the minor must be completed at UMass Boston. No more than one course taken outside of the Latin American and Iberian Studies Department may be applied toward the minor.

Contact

Latin American and Iberian Studies Department
McCormack Hall, 4th Floor, Room 618
617.287.7550

Ceramic tiles on wall Latin style

Latin American & Iberian Studies

Learn more about UMass Boston's Latin American & Iberian Studies department, our research, and our faculty.

Explore the Department of Latin American & Iberian Studies
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College of Liberal Arts

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Next Steps

Declare or Change Your Minor Request Info About UMass Boston Undergraduate Admissions