The Latin American studies minor is an excellent option for those 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 America’s issues, languages, and cultures, as well as Latino/as in the United States.

About this Minor

Required Courses

15 credits with Latin American content (completed with a minimum grade of C), distributed as follows:

  • Three credits of LAS 4935, the undergraduate seminar in Latin American studies. Students may repeat LAS 4935 for an additional six credits if the topics vary.
  • Nine more credits of courses with 100% Latin American content (designated by a C in the LAS course guide).
  • Three additional credits with at least 25% Latin American or Caribbean content (designated by an E in the LAS course guide).
  • 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 advisor 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.

Foreign Language Requirements

Students must demonstrate high-intermediate proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole. The language requirement may be met in one of three ways:

  • Coursework: Successful completion of SPN 2240, POR 3242 or 3243, or HAI 2201.
  • Examination: An Advanced Placement score of 4–5, with approval, or a SAT II score of 700. (For Spanish only.)
  • Individual oral examination to be conducted by language faculty

Language courses at the 3000 level or taken on study abroad programs in Latin America/Caribbean may count as core courses with approval from the Undergraduate Advisor at the Center for Latin American Studies.

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 several countries. For more information, contact Study Abroad Services in the UF International Center or visit here for a list of programs offered by the Center.