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Morris Campus

Latin American Area Studies Minor

M Acad Dean's Admin
Academic Affairs
  • Program Type: Undergraduate minor related to major
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2016
  • Required credits in this minor: 23 to 26
The objectives of an LAAS minor will be to expose more students to important historical and current concerns regarding Latin America. They will meet the same student learning objectives as majors: to acquire 1) A basic introduction to Latin American cultures and societies; 2) the means essential to gain an understanding of Latin America and its diverse peoples; and 3) an understanding of Latin America in a comparative perspective.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Minor Requirements
Students are required to complete 4 semester(s) of Spanish. with a grade of C-, or better, or S, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department or college.
Students must enroll through the LAAS coordinator. Students are required to complete Span 1001, 1002, 2001, and 2002 prior to or during enrollment in the minor (the requirement may be waived by testing out of Span 2002). Students are encouraged to use elective credits to acquaint themselves with as many academic fields of Latin American studies as possible. Students may have up to a two-course overlap with any other minor. Additional overlap must be approved by the LAAS coordinator. No grades below C- are allowed. Courses may not be taken S-N, unless offered S-N only. A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required in the minor to graduate. The GPA includes all, and only, University of Minnesota coursework. Grades of "F" are included in GPA calculation until they are replaced.
Required Courses
After enrolling in the minor and when in residence, 1 credit per semester in LAAS 3100; up to 4 credits can be applied to the 16-credit elective requirement for the minor.
HIST 1601 - Latin American History: A Basic Introduction [IP] (4.0 cr)
LAAS 3100 - Contemporary Latin America (1.0 cr)
LAAS 3201 - Bibliographical Tools and Journals in Latin American Area Studies (2.0 cr)
Elective Courses
These courses must come from at least three different academic disciplines, not including LAAS. At least 4 credits of electives must be 3xxx or 4xxx level courses. Courses and directed studies not listed below may be approved by the LAAS coordinator, provided the subject matter is appropriate for the minor.
Take 16 or more credit(s) from the following:
1xxx and 2xxx level electives
Take at most 12 credit(s) from the following:
· HIST 1818 {Inactive} [IC] (2.0 cr)
· HIST 2608 - History of Cuba: From Colony to Revolutionary State [HIST] (4.0 cr)
· HIST 2609 - History of Brazil: From Sugar to Sugar Cars [HIST] (4.0 cr)
· IS 2201 {Inactive} [HDIV] (4.0 cr)
· LAAS 1993 - Directed Study (1.0-5.0 cr)
· LAAS 2993 - Directed Study (1.0-5.0 cr)
· SPAN 2121 - Associated Languages: Intensive Portuguese [IP] (4.0 cr)
· 3xxx and 4xxx level electives
Take 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
· ANTH 3502 - Latinos in the Midwest [SS] (4.0 cr)
· ANTH 3601 {Inactive} [IP] (4.0 cr)
· ANTH 3602 {Inactive} [IP] (4.0 cr)
· ANTH 3603 {Inactive} [SS] (4.0 cr)
· ANTH 3604 - Gender and Sexuality in Latin America [IP] (4.0 cr)
· HIST 3612 - Social Revolution in 20th-Century Latin America [HIST] (4.0 cr)
· HIST 3613 - U.S.-Latin American Relations in Historical Perspective [IP] (4.0 cr)
· HIST 3614 - Race and Ethnicity in Latin America [HDIV] (4.0 cr)
· LAAS 3993 - Directed Study (1.0-5.0 cr)
· LAAS 4993 - Directed Study (1.0-5.0 cr)
· POL 3475 - International Human Rights (4.0 cr)
· POL 3504 - Latin American Politics (4.0 cr)
· PSY 3404 {Inactive} [HDIV] (4.0 cr)
· SOC 3601 {Inactive} [IP] (4.0 cr)
· SOC 3602 {Inactive} [IP] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3011 - Conversation, Composition, and Culture [IP] (2.0 cr)
· SPAN 3012 - Spanish Grammar in Practice [IP] (2.0 cr)
· SPAN 3111 - Readings in Spanish I [HUM] (2.0 cr)
· SPAN 3112 - Readings in Spanish II [HUM] (2.0 cr)
· SPAN 3211 - Literature and Culture of Latin America [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3212 - Literature and Culture of Spain [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3651 - Seminar: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's "El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha" [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3654 - Seminar: Sex, Love, and Marriage in Golden Age Spanish Literature [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3681 - Seminar: Romanticism and Revolution in 19th-Century Spain [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3682 - Seminar: Realism and Reform in 19th-Century Spain [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3683 - Seminar: Modernity and Identity in Spain, 1900-1930 [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3684 - Seminar: Hispanic Film [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3685 - Seminar: Slavery and Abolition in Cuban Literature and Culture [IP] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3686 - Seminar: Writing History in Spanish American Literature [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 3687 - Seminar: Afro-Hispanic Literature and Culture [HDIV] (4.0 cr)
· SPAN 4001 - Research Symposium [HUM] (4.0 cr)
 
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· Fall 2019
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· Latin American Area Studies Minor
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HIST 1601 - Latin American History: A Basic Introduction (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Methods, themes, and problems in the study of Latin American history.
LAAS 3100 - Contemporary Latin America
Credits: 1.0 [max 8.0]
Prerequisites: LAAS major
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Opportunity for LAAS majors to read about and discuss in historical and cultural contexts the more important contemporary developments in Latin America. [Note: to be repeated each sem a student is in residence; only 4 cr may apply to LAAS major] prereq: LAAS major
LAAS 3201 - Bibliographical Tools and Journals in Latin American Area Studies
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Prerequisites: LAAS major
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
For the student new to the major. Introduction to the standard bibliographical tools and journals in Latin American area studies. prereq: LAAS major
HIST 2608 - History of Cuba: From Colony to Revolutionary State (HIST)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
A survey of the history of Cuba from Spanish colonization to the present, with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Topics include colonization, slavery, imperialism, nationalism, and the Cuban Revolution.
HIST 2609 - History of Brazil: From Sugar to Sugar Cars (HIST)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Examination of Brazilian history from Portuguese colonization in the early 1500s to its current status as a growing world economic power. Topics include Portuguese colonial rule, independence and the creation of the Brazilian Empire in the nineteenth century, the end of the Brazilian monarchy and the emergence of the oligarchic republic, the rise of the populist state in the mid-twentieth century, military dictatorship during the Cold War, and the return to democracy and Brazil's rise to world-power status. Additional topics include the Amazon and environmental history, indigenous history, Afro-Brazilian history, the U.S.-Brazilian relationship from a historical perspective, Brazilian economic development, how Brazilians are coping with the socioeconomic changes in their society, and how they perceive their role in the world.
LAAS 1993 - Directed Study
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 10.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
An on- or off-campus learning experience individually arranged between a student and a faculty member for academic credit in areas not covered in the regular curriculum.
LAAS 2993 - Directed Study
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 10.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
An on- or off-campus learning experience individually arranged between a student and a faculty member for academic credit in areas not covered in the regular curriculum.
SPAN 2121 - Associated Languages: Intensive Portuguese (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Intensive, accelerated study of the basic skills of Brazilian Portuguese (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) with emphasis on oral competency. prereq: 2002 or Fren 2002 or instr consent
ANTH 3502 - Latinos in the Midwest (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Explore the history and experiences of Latinos in the Midwest United States. Starting from a historical perspective, the course examines issues including (im)migration, undocumented status, language, religion, race/ethnicity, media, and economy. A comparative framework emphasizes the unique context of migration into (rather than out of) rural communities as well as those far from a national border. Given the context of the local Morris community, the focus is particularly on rural Latino experiences.
ANTH 3604 - Gender and Sexuality in Latin America (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
A survey of gender and sexuality in contemporary Latin America. Course readings attend to the ways gender and sexuality intersect with factors such as race, ethnicity, social class, and religion. Topics include women's activism, public health, LGBTQ activism, tourism, and globalized labor.
HIST 3612 - Social Revolution in 20th-Century Latin America (HIST)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Examination of social revolution in 20th-century Latin America. Particular attention paid to social revolution in Mexico, Bolivia, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Populism, democratic attempts at social revolution, and counterrevolution in other parts of Latin America also considered. Key issues include imperialism, capitalism, communism, nationalism, and the Cold War.
HIST 3613 - U.S.-Latin American Relations in Historical Perspective (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Examination of the history of U.S.-Latin American relations from U.S independence to the present. Focuses on the political, economic, social, and cultural relationships between the two.
HIST 3614 - Race and Ethnicity in Latin America (HDIV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Explore issues of race and ethnicity in Latin America from a historical perspective. Covering the colonial and national periods, examine how ideas of race and ethnicity have intersected with political, economic, and socio-cultural developments in the region. Consider the ways in which race, class, and gender have intersected in Latin America.
LAAS 3993 - Directed Study
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 10.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
An on- or off-campus learning experience individually arranged between a student and a faculty member for academic credit in areas not covered in the regular curriculum.
LAAS 4993 - Directed Study
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 10.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
An on- or off-campus learning experience individually arranged between a student and a faculty member for academic credit in areas not covered in the regular curriculum.
POL 3475 - International Human Rights
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Explores the historical and philosophical development of concepts of human rights and the contemporary international political and legal frameworks to address rights. Analyzes contemporary concerns about political, economic, and social rights, as well as specific human rights topics like human trafficking and war crimes. Compares American, European, Asian, and Developing World conceptions and critiques of human rights. prereq: 1401 or instr consent
POL 3504 - Latin American Politics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 1401 or #
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
A comparative examination of central issues in and components of Latin American political life, with a particular focus on economic development, political development of democratic regimes, political violence and human rights, and the region's role in the world. Countries analyzed may include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, and Cuba. prereq: 1401 or instr consent
SPAN 3011 - Conversation, Composition, and Culture (IP)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Practice in effective oral and written communication in Spanish for advanced students, with an emphasis on the diversity of contemporary Hispanic cultures and a review of basic grammatical concepts. prereq: 2002, concurrent enrollment in 3111 or instr consent
SPAN 3012 - Spanish Grammar in Practice (IP)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
A review of advanced Spanish grammar, with emphasis on areas of concern and challenge for the non-native speaker, and on strengthening academic writing skills in Spanish. prereq: 3011, concurrent enrollment in 3112 or instr consent
SPAN 3111 - Readings in Spanish I (HUM)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to representative works of contemporary Hispanic literature from diverse genres and cultural contexts, with emphasis on strategies for comprehension and interpretation. prereq: concurrent enrollment in 3011 or instr consent
SPAN 3112 - Readings in Spanish II (HUM)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Further examination of representative works of Hispanic literature from diverse genres, time periods, and cultural contexts, with emphasis on literary concepts and terminology, analysis, research and writing practices, and interpretation. prereq: 3111, concurrent enrollment in 3012 or instr consent
SPAN 3211 - Literature and Culture of Latin America (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 3012, 3112, or #
Typically offered: Every Fall
Study of important exemplary works of Latin American literary and cultural production through major historical periods. Texts are examined in light of multiple contexts, such as artistic, political, historical, and philosophical. prereq: 3012, 3112, or instr consent
SPAN 3212 - Literature and Culture of Spain (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 3012, 3112, or #
Typically offered: Every Spring
Study of important exemplary works of Spanish (peninsular) literary and cultural production through major historical periods. Texts are examined in light of multiple contexts, such as artistic, political, historical, and philosophical. prereq: 3012, 3112, or instr consent
SPAN 3651 - Seminar: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's "El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha" (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Study of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's novel "El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha" in light of its socio-historical context. prereq: 3012, 3112 or instr consent
SPAN 3654 - Seminar: Sex, Love, and Marriage in Golden Age Spanish Literature (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
The theme of sex, love, and marriage in Golden Age Spanish Literature through prose, poetry, and theatre of the Golden Age (XVI-XVII centuries) Spain. Consideration of the gender relations and gender politics reflected in the works and the socio-historical context in which these works were produced. prereq: 3012, 3112 or instr consent
SPAN 3681 - Seminar: Romanticism and Revolution in 19th-Century Spain (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Study of representative texts (prose and poetry) from the first half of the 19th century in Spain, with emphasis on the expression of the Romantic vision within the particular political context of the period, marked by tensions between liberal reform and traditional conservatism. prereq: 3012, 3112 or instr consent
SPAN 3682 - Seminar: Realism and Reform in 19th-Century Spain (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Study of representative texts (novels, stories, and essays) from the second half of the 19th century in Spain, with emphasis on the rise of realism as an exploration of the socio-political reality of the era and the need for reform. The focus is on general trends in Western cultures (e.g., industrialization, positivism, secularization). prereq: 3012, 3112 or instr consent
SPAN 3683 - Seminar: Modernity and Identity in Spain, 1900-1930 (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Study of representative texts (prose and poetry) from the early decades of the 20th century in Spain with particular emphasis on their responses to changes brought by modernity: advancing technology, modern psychology, political experimentation, spiritual exploration, and artistic innovation. prereq: 3012, 3112, or instr consent
SPAN 3684 - Seminar: Hispanic Film (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 3012, 3112 or #
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
View, study, and discuss relevant Hispanic films from Spain, Latin America, and the U.S.A. Consider films' cinematic techniques and their specific socio-cultural and socio-political contexts. prereq: 3012, 3112 or instr consent
SPAN 3685 - Seminar: Slavery and Abolition in Cuban Literature and Culture (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
A study of the major texts surrounding Cuban slavery from the 1812 Aponte slave rebellion to independence from Spain in 1898. How did 19th-century writers depict Cuban slave society? What was the relationship between literature, abolition, and independence? prereq: 3012, 3112, or instr consent
SPAN 3686 - Seminar: Writing History in Spanish American Literature (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
A study of 20th- and 21st-century Latin American historical novels and the colonial and 19th-century texts on which they are based. How and why is the past mobilized to meet the needs of the present? How do historical events continue to haunt the present day? prereq: 3011, 3012, or instr consent
SPAN 3687 - Seminar: Afro-Hispanic Literature and Culture (HDIV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
An overview of the literature and culture of peoples of African descent in Spanish America from the colonial period to present day. How have Afro-Hispanics been marginalized from national projects in Spanish America? To what extent and under what circumstances has the group been included? How have Afro-Hispanic writers responded to larger culture? prereq: 3011, 3012, or instr consent
SPAN 4001 - Research Symposium (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
A capstone experience for majors, consisting of an introduction to research methods and critical approaches to literature, as well as development of an independent research project and presentation. Spanish majors are required to complete a minimum of 16 of the 20 required credits at the 32xx and 36xx levels prior to registering for Span 4001. It is recommended to have all 20 of these credits completed prior to taking Span 4001. prereq: instr consent