Coordinator: Dr. Gina Ponce de Leon

The Latin American Studies minor allows students to explore the language, culture, history, and literary and artistic contributions of the many countries and peoples that make up the diverse region we call Latin America. This is an interdisciplinary program, requiring the successful completion of six courses. Students are strongly encouraged to spend a semester or a summer abroad at one of Niagara University's affiliate campuses in Chile or Mexico.

Bienvenidos is a social group run by students with an interest in Hispanic culture, who wish to advance cultural diversity on our campus through a range of different activities, like movies, lectures, and social events. Please contact Dr. Gina Ponce de Leon for more information.

required courses:  LAS 200 (course description below); SPA 103-104 or SPA 205-206

elective courses (choose three):

SPA 307 or 308   Civilization of Latin America    (taught in Spanish)

SPA 425    Chicano Literature    (taught in Spanish)

SPA 110    Spanish for Business    (taught in Spanish)

LAS 201    Latin American Art of the Twentieth Century    (taught in English)  (course description below)

HIS 379    Modern Latin America    (taught in English)

POL 378    Politics and Society of Latin America    (taught in English)

LAS 426    Teaching Assistantship (course description below)

COURSE LISTING

LAS 200    Latin America from Latin America--A Survey (H/CD) An introduction to Latin American history, geography, economy, and culture from Pre-Columbian times to the 1800's. With an interdisciplinary approach, through videoconference and web technologies, specialized scholars from universities abroad present topics designed to portray Latin America from a Latin American point of view. This course is taught in English.

LAS 201    Latin American Art of the Twentieth Century (H/CD) Students will be given the unique experience of creating an exhibition of works by Latin American artists in the Castellani's collection from the initial selection process through the various components of publicizing the show, thus introducing the full "behind the scenes" activities of museum work. The rich stylistic history of the 20th century Latin American art will be introduced week by week as students delve deeper into researching the artwork and museum procedures to display and explain it. This course is taught in English.

LAS 426    Teaching Assistantship   The student will supervise the weekly meetings of LAS 200. Using videoconferencing and web-based activities, the student will organize cultural modules and serve as the primary contact for the Latin American faculty. Concurrently, the student will examine cultural acquisition strategies while preparing a cumulative teaching portfolio with a pedagogical supervisor.