The Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor at Southern welcomes globally conscious students interested in broadening their cultural, economic, geographical, historical, political, and social understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean. Interdisciplinary and multicultural in nature, the program offers models for the new millennium's movement towards a world community and thus supports majors and careers in such areas as art, geography, human services, history, literature, music, nursing, politics, public health, and social work. This program’s focus opens important career possibilities for students committed to equity and inclusion who are pursuing a variety of degrees and professional pathways.
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 wide variety of courses to create a coherent program that matches their academic interests and professional goals.
Careers
Career Readiness and Cultural Awareness
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor can support students’ academic and professional goals in many fields by developing an important dimension of cultural awareness. A LACS minor contributes uniquely to career readiness.
Skills Employers Seek
Employers are looking for future employees who can demonstrate the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, ensure equity and inclusion, and display professionalism. The Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor can provide students with these highly valued skills needed to engage effectively and equitably with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, the minor allows students to consider ways to identify and address hierarchies of privilege that unfavorably affect members of historically marginalized communities.
Applications in Health, Human Services, and Education
For students interested in a health and human service field or education who are interested in working with ethnically diverse families and communities, the minor can provide them with the cultural, social, historical, and political knowledge needed to better address the needs of future patients, students, and clients.
Pathways to Graduate Study
This interdisciplinary program can lead students to graduate programs in Latin American and Caribbean Studies or to programs in Anthropology, Economics, History, Literature, and Political Science, for students interested in developing a regional expertise through one of these fields.
Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
National employers are seeking students with specific competencies, one of which is the ability to contribute to their business’s commitment to equity and inclusion. A Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor provides students with the skills to support equity and inclusion in their workplace and can help them become a more attractive job candidate. Learn more about these competencies.
Opportunities in Government, NGOs, and Global Business
This minor is also valuable in government, NGOs, and global business settings that engage with Latin American and Caribbean communities. It can lead to graduate study in international affairs, law, or regional studies focused on Latin America and the Caribbean.
Typical Job Titles
- Program Coordinators
- Cultural Liaisons
- International Aid Workers
- Translators
- Educators
- Immigration Advocates
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
Campus Events and Cultural Experiences
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, and the broader New Haven community.
The LACS program has played a leading role in bringing notable speakers to campus to inspire thoughtful conversations on immigration, human rights, and U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. Past guests have included Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sonia Nazario, author Juan González, and novelist Jenny Torres Sanchez.
LACS has also sponsored cultural events that highlight the beauty, depth, and complexity of Latin American and Caribbean culture. Past programming has featured the Connecticut-based musical group Surcarí, whose performances explore the region’s diverse musical traditions.
