Academics

Latin American Studies at Boston University

The Latin American Studies (LAS) programs at Boston University provide students with a versatile and powerful vehicle to develop an in-depth and interdisciplinary understanding of the Latin American region. Boston University offers an undergraduate major and minor, as well as a Master of Arts (LAS MA) and a Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies.

The BA and minor in Latin American Studies offer a regionally focused, in-depth study of the history, politics, art, and economy of Latin America – the region defined geographically by the twenty independent countries in the western hemisphere south of the United States with Spanish, French, or Portuguese as the official language. Courses fall under three topical groups: Historical Context; Literary, Artistic & Cultural Context; and Contemporary Context. The major consists of ten courses, two each from the topic groups listed, three electives, and an integrating capstone course. The minor consists of six courses drawn from the three context groups listed above. Majors and minors are encouraged to participate in Boston University Study Abroad programs in Latin America.

The Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (LAS MA) is a versatile and rigorous one-year program that provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the regional context, languages, dynamics, and issues in Latin America today. It prepares students for work in the private sector, government, policy and research think tanks, non-governmental organizations, international institutions, and education.

The Latin American Studies programs are administered by the Pardee School of Global Studies. However, faculty and coursework are spread across a range of disciplines.