Minor in Latino Studies

The minor in Latino studies consists of fifteen (15) credit hours, gateway course (3 credits), practicum course (3 credits), and nine (9) credit hours of elective course work.

Although there is no Spanish language requirement, all Latino studies minors or majors will be strongly encouraged to learn to speak, read, and write Spanish or strengthen their Spanish language skills as well as to participate in study abroad programs in Spanish-speaking countries.

Required courses: (6 credits)

• Introductory “gateway” course (3 credits) at the 200 or 300 level, required for Latino studies minor, fall offering only; open to all Notre Dame students.
• ILS 20701 Introduction to Latinos in American Society (3 credits). This course will examine the sociology of the Latino experience in the United States, including the historical, cultural, and political foundations of Latino life. We will approach these comparatively; thus, attention will be given to the various experiences of a multiplicity of Latino groups in the United States.
• Practicum Course (3 credits)
• In this course, usually taken during their senior year, students will complete a practicum that will include directed research/reading on an Institute project, class discussion, and experiential work in the Latino community.

Elective courses: (9 credits)

• Students must take two out of three courses at the 300–400 level unless they receive special permission from their faculty advisor. In addition, students must choose their electives from within at least two major subjects in Latino studies, e.g., health, business, social science, theology, literature, and visual arts, except for the following two cases: Students who are pursuing Spanish language proficiency (not minor or major) may replace one elective (3 credit hours) with a 200-level Spanish course. Students may also replace one elective (3 credit hours) from a field comparable to Latino studies (e.g., gender studies, Latin American studies, or African American studies), as long as at least forty percent of the course content includes Latino studies.

For more information, please contact:
Karen Richman
Director of Academic Affairs
250 McKenna Hall
krichman@nd.edu
574-631-8146