Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACA) is an interdisciplinary concentration drawing on courses across the humanities and social sciences. Whether your interests lie in history, literature, politics, culture, the arts, environmental studies, or social movements, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Latine diaspora offer rich and varied perspectives for exploring the diversity, resilience, and complexity of the human experience.

The concentration in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACA) offers students a strong interdisciplinary foundation for understanding the histories, cultures, languages, and contemporary issues of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Latine diaspora. Through coursework, language study, community engagement, and a capstone project, students develop a nuanced understanding of the region's diverse realities and global connections. The concentration draws on courses across departments and emphasizes critical thinking, regional knowledge, and practical experience.

Concentrators in LACA will:

• Develop proficiency in a Latin American or Caribbean language (such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, Haitian Kreyol, Kaqchikel Maya, and or other languages) and understand the role of language in shaping cultural identity and political life.
• Build broad knowledge of Latin America and the Caribbean, including the region's historical foundations, colonial legacies, cultural and artistic production, political movements, and environmental challenges.
• Engage with diverse disciplinary methods from the humanities and social sciences to analyze regional and diasporic dynamics.
• Apply academic learning to real-world contexts through internship, volunteer work, or public service, connecting theory with practice.
• Complete a capstone project or honors thesis that demonstrates original research or creative work informed by their academic experience in the concentration.