Latin American and Latinx Studies - Language Emphasis
Take your Spanish language and cultural proficiency to the next level with UW-Eau Claire's Latin American and Latinx studies - language bachelor's degree.
Explore a Rich, Historic Language
One of only a few programs like it in the region, our exceptional program will help you to become fluent in Spanish while expanding your knowledge of Latin American and Latinx/Hispanic history, culture and current events. Taught by passionate, supportive faculty, you'll dive into engaging coursework, sharpening your communication skills along the way. The small class sizes of language classes allow for group discussions, interesting projects and opportunities to gain cultural competence.
An exciting and key component of this program is that all Latin American and Latinx studies - language emphasis majors are required to participate in a cultural immersion experience, such as study abroad, an international internship, and/or a faculty-led international immersion experience. Over the course of six or more weeks, you'll take what you've learned and put it into practice, all while immersing yourself in the culture. Possible destinations include Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Guatemala.
In a global market increasingly reliant on cultural and linguistic competencies, a degree in Latin American and Latinx studies will put you in high demand. For those who are less interested in the language and more interested in the culture and society of Latin American and Latinx/Hispanic peoples, see our Latin American and Latinx studies - culture and society emphasis major.
Program Details
Each year, the Latin American and Latinx studies program hosts Latin American and Latinx Studies (LAS) Week, which includes a number of events related to Latin American and Latinx topics. This is an exciting way to learn even more about Latin American and Latinx people as the week often includes opportunities to hear from renowned speakers, experts, artists, educators and students.
As a Latin American and Latinx studies major, you'll have a variety of research opportunities available to you, from exploring Latin American and Latinx culture to studying interdisciplinary topics related to Latin America and its people. Our collaborative faculty will do all they can to ensure you get the most out of your UWEC education.
Covering almost 13% of the Earth's land surface area, there is a lot of ground to cover in Latin America. And we encourage you to explore it. Recent immersion experiences have taken students to Guatemala, where they learned about the efforts of a local coffee co-operative to create a model of coffee production that would provide greater earnings and a more sustainable livelihood for local coffee farmers. Students also traveled to Argentina where they examined human rights through the lenses of history, economics and social justice efforts.
A large number of electives allow you to personalize your education and study topics that interest you. Focus on the Spanish language with classes like The Craft of Translation and Advanced Conversation or explore environmental health with classes like Water Problems, Water Solutions, and Sustainability Basics and Beyond.
Blugold Stories
I’m interested in so many different subjects, so choosing one major felt like a letdown. With Latin American studies, I was able to take courses in everything from sociology, geography, history and political science to even biology — all with a focus on Latin America.
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Where can the Latin American and Latinx studies - language program lead me after graduation?
Holding a degree in Latin American and Latinx studies — especially one with extensive language proficiency requirements like our language emphasis major at UW-Eau Claire — will prepare you for graduate school or a successful career in almost any field.
Our grads go on to work in healthcare, economic/international development, environmental organizations, immigration services, nonprofits, and a variety of other fields and industries. Many Blugolds have also received Fulbright awards and fellowships, making it possible for them to teach or conduct research abroad.
The Latin American and Latinx studies - language emphasis major will allow you to master the Spanish language while providing you with a broad base of cultural and historical knowledge. The major is sometimes paired with other majors, including geography, social work, history, chemistry, English, business or Spanish, providing students with even more career opportunities. A Peace Corps Certificate is also available.
Here are a few courses in Latin American and Latinx Studies - Language Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.
LAS 222
Introduction to U.S. Latino History and Culture
An interdisciplinary introduction to the history and culture of Latinos in the United States with lectures and course materials in English.
LAS 352
Latin American Civilization
Introduction to the historical background necessary for comprehending contemporary Latin America. Analysis of current social, political, and economic issues, with consideration of influential personalities in present-day Latin American society.
LAS 172
Latin American History: Colonial to the Present
Survey covering the major political, social, and economic developments and issues in Latin America’s historical formation, from the colonial era to the present.
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