Schools, Departments & Programs

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Introduction

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program (LTAM) is an interdepartmental program offering integrated study opportunities to students planning careers in teaching, research, journalism, government, and business. Recognizing the varied objectives of students, the Latin American and Caribbean studies faculty has attempted to provide diverse formats and levels of study in the program.

Although the program offers no undergraduate major, students may choose Latin American and Caribbean studies as a minor or obtain a certificate along with the bachelor's degree in an academic discipline. In either case, the program provides the student with a basic knowledge of the anthropology, art, economics, folklore, geography, history, languages, literatures, music, and politics of Latin America. These credentials are especially useful to students who contemplate advanced study in the area or who plan to work or live in Latin America. Students may elect to complete the minor or the certificate but not both.

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program is affiliated with the new School of Global and International Studies (SGIS), which prepares students for opportunities in any international field they choose, whether they plan to work in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. The School has a dual focus that sets it apart. On the one hand, it teaches the languages and histories of strategically important regions of the world. IU has long been a leading university for studying the cultures of communities around the world, and SGIS seeks to maintain and build upon this proud tradition. At the same time, SGIS also examines crucial contemporary issues that transcend borders. Areas of focus include security, trade and development, global governance, and human rights. SGIS prioritizes a pragmatic, nonpartisan understanding of some of the most challenging issues of our times. Perhaps no one exemplifies the approach and impact that SGIS hopes that its alumni will have better than two of its distinguished faculty members, former Representative Lee Hamilton and former Senator Richard Lugar.

SGIS provides its students with unmatched opportunities. Students have the opportunity to study in a state-of-the-art building at the center of campus. The ratio of faculty to undergraduate majors is seven-to-one, and virtually all SGIS faculty teach undergraduates. Over 60 percent of SGIS students study abroad, for which SGIS offers a wide range of scholarships. Finally, SGIS has top-notch academic and career advisors who develop close relationships with the students.

Majors, Minors, and Programs
Contact Information

Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Indiana University
The Global and International Studies Building
355 North Jordan Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-1105

(812) 855-9097
clacs [at] indiana [dot] edu

www.indiana.edu/~clacs/