Latin American Studies

Explore the rich tapestry of the Latin American and the Caribbean region through a minor in Latin American studies, offered by the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS).

If you’re interested in the region, the Latin American studies minor is an excellent way to enhance your undergraduate degree at Georgetown. The minor provides an interdisciplinary look into Latin American politics, economics and culture, with the freedom to focus on an area of interest.

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Learning goals

Gain familiarity with social, cultural, political and economic developments in a historical context
Understand changing and contested constructions of identities and belief systems among the diverse peoples of the region
Reflect on relations between political and governmental structures and changing social and cultural formations
Demonstrate oral proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese with a basis of grammar, vocabulary, accent, fluency, together with knowledge of literary and cultural productions
Develop skills of analytical and integrative thinking to communicate effectively for different audiences and purposes by writing and speaking within the context of the senior thesis
Illustrate basic and advanced qualitative and/or quantitative research skills (depending on the theme of your senior thesis), including fluency with relevant print and virtual bibliographic and research guides

Curricular requirements

To earn the minor in Latin American studies, you must meet the following criteria:

Minor in Latin American studies criteria

Language proficiency

You must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese in one of the following ways:

Completing the language coursework through advanced II
Successful completion of one 3000- or 4000-level course taught in either Spanish or Portuguese
Completing Georgetown’s language proficiency exam (administered by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese)

Coursework

As a student in the minor, you must receive a B+ average or better in four core courses, one chosen from each of four categories:

Government – LASP 3502 or GOVT 4456: Latin American Government and Politics. Offered once each year, with preference given to sophomores and juniors pursuing the minor.
History – HIST 1501, 1503 or HIST 1504: Latin American Civilization I or II or The Americas I or II (fall, spring).
Economics – LASP 3501: Economic Development of Latin America. Offered once each year, with preference given to sophomores and juniors pursuing the minor.
Literature, culture, and language studies – PORT 3261, SPAN 3261, SPAN 3262, SPAN 3267, SPAN 3268, or a 4000-level survey course in Latin American literature, culture or language.

Elective course

For the minor, you are required to take an additional elective course. This course must focus on Latin America and the Caribbean and can be selected from offerings in culture and politics, economics, government, history, international affairs, Latin American studies, sociology, Spanish, Portuguese or theology.

Thesis

Your thesis will consist of two courses where you will research, write, and present a substantial project. With guidance from the CLAS Director of Academic Affairs, you will decide on your thesis topic and adviser during your first semester of senior year. The bulk of your thesis writing will take place during the second semester of your senior year.

Mandatory thesis courses

LASP 4501-01 in the fall (1 credit)
LASP 4502-01 in the spring (3 credits)

Thesis minimum grade and language

To earn the minor, you must achieve a B+ in the thesis seminar. Failing to meet these requirements and deadlines may result in dismissal from the minor pursuit. English is the lingua franca for the minor in Latin American studies, so you will need to write your thesis in English.

Waiving the thesis requirement

In rare instances, if you are writing a thesis focused on Latin America or the Caribbean for your major, another minor, or a certificate, you may petition CLAS to waive the thesis requirement for the Latin American studies minor.

Your petition will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A waiver will be granted only if your thesis has a substantial focus on Latin America or the Caribbean.

If your thesis requirement for the Latin American studies minor is waived, you will need to take an additional elective course to fulfill the minor requirements.

Declaring the minor

If you are interested in exploring the diverse narratives of this dynamic region, consider pursuing a minor in Latin American studies. Here is a step-by-step guide for declaring your minor.

Instructions to declare the minor

Timeline

The minor declaration period kicks off at the conclusion of add-drop in September and extends until the Friday before spring break in your sophomore year.

It’s crucial to initiate the process during this window to ensure a seamless experience.

Steps to declare

Fill out the minor declaration form
Write a minor declaration statement (optional): This brief essay allows you to articulate your motivations, goals and aspirations related to the minor. Ensure you attach it to the declaration form.
Schedule an advising appointment: To finalize your declaration, sign up for a minor declaration appointment with Julie McMurtry, our dedicated advisor.

Latin American studies minor declaration form

Contact

Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us at clas@georgetown.edu. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Rules and regulations

Courses outside of Georgetown University

You can take no more than one of the six required minor courses at universities other than Georgetown. This rule also applies to any coursework completed through a Georgetown study abroad program. If you want to take non-GU courses, you’ll need to get approval on a case-by-case basis from the CLAS director of academic affairs.

Advising requirement

You should meet with the CLAS associate director during your sophomore year to:

Indicate an interest in pursuing the minor
Take inventory of the classes taken toward the minor
Make sure that all paperwork is in order

Course substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for any requirement, be sure to get pre-approval from the CLAS director of academic affairs. You’re more likely to have minor substitutions approved for elective courses than for core courses. It’s your responsibility to ensure that any written approval for substitutions is included in your file at CLAS.

Double-counting courses

If you are pursuing the minor, keep in mind that you cannot double-count courses for your major with the minor. It’s your responsibility, along with your undergraduate advisor, to ensure that the courses are counted correctly.