The Latin American and Latine Studies program is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and societies of Latin America and its diasporas.

Students in the program will engage in coursework that spans art, literature, history, politics, economics, and cultural studies, while also demonstrating proficiency in one of the languages spoken in Latin America (Spanish, Portuguese, French, or an indigenous language from the region). 

This program fosters an understanding of the racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity that shapes Latin America. Students analyze artistic and cultural productions by Latin American and Latine creators, study historical and contemporary political and economic forces—including the effects of colonization, slavery, neocolonialism, revolutions, globalization, and migration—and develop interdisciplinary research skills.

Graduates of the program are equipped with a deep appreciation of Latin America's complexity and its global connections, preparing them for careers in education, public policy, international relations, community advocacy, and beyond.

³Ô¹ÏÍø the Major

Students completing a major in Latin American and Latine Studies will be able to:

• Demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese or an indigenous language native to Latin America. (Students who speak Portuguese or an indigenous language of Latin America should contact the director of the program.)
• Demonstrate knowledge of the racial, ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic diversity within Latin America and its diaspora.
• Describe and analyze examples of artistic and cultural productions of Latin American/ Latinx artists.
• Discuss the historical and contemporary social and economic forces and political transformations that have impacted the region, including the effects of colonization, slavery, neocolonialism, political revolutions, democracy and dictatorships, globalization, and migration.
• Conduct research on Latin American topics using an interdisciplinary approach.

All Latin American and Latine Studies majors are required to complete an OWU Connection Experience. This could be a semester abroad in a Latin American country; a Travel-Learning course or grant-funded project involving travel to Latin America or a region with a significant Latin American population in the U.S.; or an internship or creative project that involves engagement with Latin American or Latine communities in the United States.

Related Minors

• Latin American and Latine Studies