Latin American Studies Minor Cal State Monterey Bay

The interdisciplinary Latin American Studies Minor is designed for students who wish to augment their major with knowledge of the history, cultures, politics, economics, societies and ecology of the Latin American region - comprised of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish speaking and French speaking Caribbean. This minor requires proficiency in either Spanish or Portuguese and at least 16 semester units or the equivalent in interdisciplinary learning experiences approved by one of the faculty advisors.

The minor in Latin American Studies will complement most of the major programs at CSUMB. A minor in Latin American Studies can also help prepare you for the teaching profession, whether in Spanish, history, or social studies. It is recommended for you if you plan to travel, work or study anywhere in the Latin American region. Students who pursue this minor are encouraged to study and/or travel in Latin America before they graduate.

Required Courses

Complete ONE of the following courses with a grade of "C" or higher:

  • SPAN 306: Cultur/Civ Span Ltn Amer (4 units)
  • SPAN 309: Hist & Polit Of Latn Amer (4 units)

You must demonstrate that you have Intermediate-High language proficiency in either Spanish or Portuguese by:

  • Completing an upper-division Spanish language course at CSUMB
  • Spanish or Portuguese language study in an overseas program
  • Transferring equivalent course credits
  • Take an approved assessment at the Intermediate-High level

Complete TWO of the following Humanities courses:

  • SPAN 262: Latin Amer Lit in Translation (4 units)
  • SPAN 302: History of the Spanish Language (4 units)
  • SPAN 304: Intro To Hispanic Literat (4 units)
  • SPAN 306: Cultur/Civ Span Ltn Amer (4 units)
  • SPAN 425: La Literatura Mexicana (4 units)
  • SPAN 426: Narativa Hispanoamericana (4 units)
  • SPAN 427: Latin Amer Women Writers (4 units)
  • SPAN 428: La Literatura Afrolatina (4 units)
  • HCOM 244: Latino USA: Ident/Experiences (4 units)
  • HCOM 328: Latina Life Stories (4 units)
  • SBS 325: Art of the Aztec Empire (4 units)

Complete TWO of the following Social Science courses:

  • SPAN 307: History&Politics Of Mex (4 units)
  • SPAN 309: Hist & Polit Of Latn Amer (4 units)
  • SPAN 311
  • HCOM 445: Slavery & Race in the Americas (4 units)
  • SBS 244: Latino USA:Ident/Experiences (4 units)
  • SBS 320S
  • SBS 348: Maya Civilization (4 units)
  • SBS 355: Archaeological Theory (2-4 units)
  • SBS 362: Research Methods: Qualitative Emphasis (3 units)
  • SBS 362L: Research Methods: Qualitative Emphasis Lab (1 units)
  • SBS 388: Crisis and Development in Mexican Society (4 units)

Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe and critique the main historical processes, cultural values, social structures that characterize contemporary Latin American societies, including contemporary forms of racial, ethnic, gender, and social inequality.
  2. Read and converse about Latin American affairs with proficiency in Spanish and/or Portugese, and discuss with appreciation Latin American literature.
  3. Describe and critique the complex historical, social, political, and economic conditions that have shaped the contemporary societies of Latin America, and the relationship between these societies and the United States as well as other parts of the world.
  4. Collect, analyze, and evaluate information about Latin America using a variety of information resources and methodologies (e.g., historical, sociological, economic, political, and literary).