The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program at Southern Connecticut State University welcomes globally conscious students interested in broadening their cultural, economic, geographical, historical, political, and social understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The minor consists of 18 credits in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Each student must take LAC 100—Introduction to Latin American and Caribbean Studies—and then, with advisement from the program’s faculty, develop an individual plan of study from a broad variety of courses to create a coherent program that matches their academic interests and professional goals.
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program is committed to expanding the intellectual and cultural presence of Latin America and the Caribbean at Southern by organizing campus events that bring together faculty, students, administrative staff, and the broader New Haven community.
Questions about the minor should be addressed to Dr. Carmen Coury, Director of LACS.
"As a current Senior, I believe the LACS program has provided me with the opportunity to understand my heritage and the beauty of resistance. I decided to minor in LACS because I wanted to understand Mexican liberation movements through the lens of those oppressed and those leading such movements. Oftentimes, hegemonic powers demonize liberation movements because those movements seek to dismantle settler colonialism and capitalism. The LACS minor provided me with the truth, liberation movements are often complicated but at their core, they are powered by love and solidarity which is what imperial powers cannot take away from the beautiful people of Latin America. The LACS minor has made me grow my appreciation and love for my Mexican heritage and it has made me grown my appreciation and love for Latin America as a whole. I deeply encourage students to discover Latin America's struggle for liberation from colonization to present because it will move you."
-Andreina Barajas Novoa, LACS Minor
"As a history major, I chose to take on a Latin America and Caribbean studies minor because I have been deeply interested in the history of the region. LAC has helped me expand my knowledge of Latin America. Also, it has allowed me to branch out into other academic disciplines other than history.
This has made me more a well-rounded person both academically and personally. I was able to further develop better writing and analytical skills while taking the courses required for the LAC minor. I am deeply grateful for the skills and knowledge LAC has given me. I highly encourage others to do the same, as it can help supplement a variety of different majors, like STEM, Economics, Nursing, etc. and not just history. Through the minor you can learn culture, history, politics, and the arts. A person can improve their writing and critical thinking skills. So far it has been an enlightening and enjoyable journey as I am learning more about Latin America. As for the reader of this reflection, this can be a similar outcome to you."
-Alex Dedam, LAC Minor