The English, modern languages and journalism department has revised the Latin American studies minor. Students will be given the opportunity to expand their Latin American knowledge through this new program in Fall 2018.

“This revised program meets the needs of a variety of students,” said Greg Robinson, associate professor of modern languages. “It is very versatile, and has the potential to help a variety of students.”

Students with backgrounds in political science, history or English will have the opportunity to take classes such as Civilizations of Spanish-speaking Countries, Survey of Latin Literature, and certain history courses regarding the culture, language, and history of Latin America.

The Latin American minor is not the same as a Spanish minor.

“A Spanish major or minor is more focused on the language itself, while the Latin American culture and history is emphasized through a deeper study of Latin America.” said Rhiannon Younger, senior Modern Languages major.

Although the minor has been a part of the language and literature department already, the revisions that were made offer students a more routine and efficient way to achieve the minor.

“We have added more classes to make the minor more appealing to a variety of students.” said Rachel Spaulding, an assistant professor of Spanish and Ethnic Literature.

The new and improved Latin American studies program features a mandatory Introduction to Latin American Studies course, along with a number of other elective courses to help students finish the program in a short amount of time.

“This minor allows students to become more informed on politics and America’s relationship to the Latin American culture itself,” said Spaulding.

Students interested in the revised Latin American studies program can contact their advisors in order to determine whether or not the minor is best for them. The program will be introduced into the system in the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2019.