Latin American Studies Minor

Credits: 15, completed with minimum grades of C and no S-U

A minor in Latin American studies is an excellent option for students who wish to concentrate their work in a specific discipline yet maintain a Latin American focus in their coursework. Students can take courses with Latin American content in the fields of anthropology, economics, politics, geography, history, mass communication, music, women’s studies and more. Students who pursue the minor will enhance their career prospects through their knowledge of Latin American languages and cultures.

Required Courses

• One of the center's Latin American studies interdisciplinary seminars (LAS 4935, 3 credits) is required. A student may take LAS 4935 up to three times if the subject matter varies. LAS 6938 may be substituted with the approvals of the instructor and undergraduate coordinator.
• At least nine credits with 100% Latin American or Caribbean content (designated by a C in the LAS course guide) must be completed with minimum grades of C.
• Three additional credits with at least 25% Latin American or Caribbean content (designated by an E in the LAS course guide).

The list of core and elective courses for the minor is available from the Center for Latin American Studies in 319 Grinter Hall.

Only courses at the 2000 level or above will count toward the minor. In addition, students must earn nine credits at the 3000 level or above. Advanced Placement credits do not count. Overseas study credits can count as core or elective courses if approved by the undergraduate adviser in the Center for Latin American Studies.

Of the total credits, no more than three may be individual work. Students must complete a minimum of six credits of coursework exclusive to the minor that cannot count toward the major(s) or other minors.

A student must demonstrate high-intermediate proficiency in a Latin American language through coursework (Spanish SPN 2240; Portuguese POR 3242; Haitian Creole HAI 2200) or examination (AP scores of 4-5 plus approval or SAT II score of 700). Language courses above the 3000 level can count toward the minor if they are not used to meet the language requirement.

Students with prior knowledge of a Latin American or Caribbean language must demonstrate proficiency through a written placement test (SAT II for Spanish) or oral examination for speakers of Portuguese or Haitian Créole.

Candidates for the minor are encouraged to spend a summer, a semester or an academic year studying in a Latin American country. UF sponsors study abroad programs in Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Peru. For more information, contact Study Abroad Services in the UF International Center.

For more information about the minor, contact Nathalia Ochoa at nochoa@latam.ufl.edu, undergraduate coordinator, in 318 Grinter Hall, 352.273.4715.