General Information for A.B. in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Kathleen Schmaltz
Student Advisor
schmaltz@uga.edu
(706) 583-0388

Department
Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute (LACSI)
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
http://www.lacsi.uga.edu

Description of the Program
The major in Latin American and Caribbean Studies promotes scholarly scientific and humanistic inquiry on Latin America and the Caribbean in the broadest possible way aimed at fostering an in-depth understanding of the region and its peoples. There are three main objectives:

1. To develop proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French and meet minimum
   competency in a second regional language.
2. To develop a sound understanding of the societies, cultures, politics, and economies of
   the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean.
3. To develop abilities to think critically about Latin American and Caribbean issues, past
   and present, and draw conclusions about their impact on the global community.

Career Opportunities
By promoting scholarly scientific and humanistic inquiry on the region, the major provides sound training for students who intend to pursue graduate studies or for students who are interested in careers in global industry and commerce, multi national nongovernmental organizations, state and federal government service, health, non-profits, and K-12 education.

Double Majors
Many Latin American and Caribbean Studies majors also double major or minor in another field. Double majors and minors gain expertise to complement or extend their learning in a chosen field of study. Some students double major in closely related fields such as Spanish, Portuguese, Romance Languages, Anthropology, or International Studies. A few LACS majors choose to double major in unrelated fields in an effort to pursue their interests in two separate fields.

Entrance Requirements
Entry to the major requires completion of the UGA Core Curriculum.

Expectations of Transfer Students
Students seeking credit for courses taken at other colleges and universities must provide a syllabus for the course they wish to use and submit a petition form obtainable from the program advisor.

Special Requirements
Students must achieve a grade of C or better on all courses taken for the major and for the certificate.

Study Abroad
While study abroad experience is not a requirement of the major, living and studying in Latin America or the Caribbean is highly recommended. The University of Georgia’s Office of International Education offers a host of opportunities for majors who desire to participate in a study abroad experience. LACSI faculty and staff will work closely with students seeking financial aid that will allow them to enroll in study abroad programs.

The Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
See Undergraduate Certificate Programs. Students in any school or college may sign up for the certificate with the Latin American and Caribbean Studies advisor. It will be awarded upon completion of 15 semester hours of approved course work. All candidates must include one language class at the 3000+ level in Spanish, Portuguese, or French in their programs of study. The 12 remaining hours will be drawn from an approved list of LACS and other departmental courses. Depending upon students' degree programs, courses chosen for the Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies may also count toward general studies, their majors, or their elective offerings. Certain restrictions apply: (1) Certificate students must participate in LACSI programs and events at least twice each semester. (2) An exit paper or final monograph (equivalent of a Research 4950 term paper) is also required.