The Latin American Studies program provides you with an interdisciplinary framework for studying the societies of a culturally rich and diverse region shaped by the meeting of Amerindian, African, and European peoples. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the region known as Latin America (Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean). Using the perspectives and methodologies of multiple academic fields, you will develop a more profound political, social, historical, economic, and cultural knowledge of Latin America than you could realized in any single discipline.
A major in Latin American Studies provides students with the solid liberal arts skills useful in most professions, as well as specialized language and knowledge desirable for a career related to the region of Latin America. In addition, majors are well suited to pursue graduate education in the social sciences, humanities, law, and business.
GEOG 250.1, PG 348; two (2) of the following history courses (HIST 115, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335a, 335b, or 335c); and two (2) Spanish courses beyond the level of SPAN 111.
Minors are encouraged but not required to study abroad.
Professor Colvin's courses explore, among other things, the use of the child's perspective in Latin American literature and film as well as the search for a sense of (national) identity that characterizes much of Latin America's cultural production since achieving independence, taking into account questions related to race, gender, ethnic variations and cultural imperialism.
Professor Baskes says, "Teaching the history of Latin America is rewarding because students are awakened to its fascinating past, which is essential for those hoping to understand the region in modern times."
Professor Rowley is a broadly-trained physical geographer with research fields that include climatology, remote sensing, human-environmental interactions, and glaciology.
Professor Franklin's interest in developing countries was enhanced by service trips to Mexico to work with local community members to build houses.
Professor Gitter's research of late has focused on Mexican migration. He recently published an article on the impact of working in the United States on Mexican migrants who return to their homeland.
Professor Cuebas' courses, publications, and research focus on studying Early Modern Spanish Literature, especially 17th century theatre and its contemporary productions.
Students can apply to live in the House of Linguistic Diversity (HOLD), a Small Living Unit on campus. HOLD is a community of students dedicated to improving multicultural awareness and understanding through language, encouraging language learning among the Ohio Wesleyan and Delaware communities, and providing a safe space for multicultural people to share their experiences.
VIVA is the Latin American culture group on campus. Their mission is to foster understanding of Latin American cultures and issues on the OWU campus, as well as to provide programs and venues through which the campus can get involved. All students with interest and willingness to participate are welcome and encouraged to join, regardless of ethnic backgrounds or experiences.
The Citizens of the World (COW) House is a Small Living Unit on campus that provides international, social, and cultural events and discussions from members who are from both near and abroad. The house promotes acceptance and embraces cultural diversity.
Enjoy performances and sample foods representing different parts of the world at Ohio Wesleyan's annual Culture Fest, hosted by Horizons International with support from the Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs.
Travel to Chiapas, Mexico, with a special topics course on "Modernity and Colonialism."