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Academic Program

ILS is a premier teaching and curricular institute at Notre Dame and serves as a model and leader among institutes of its kind across the nation. ILS offers a supplementary major or minor in Latino Studies as part of its educational mission. The requirements of both programs are outlined below. 

Ils Academic Photo

The Supplementary Major

The supplementary major in Latino Studies consists of a minimum of 24 credits. 

The Gateway Course (3 credits), the Capstone/Practicum Course (3 credits), and the elective courses (18 credits) are the three required portions of the major. In addition, students may elect to pursue the Senior Thesis and the Directed Reading Course.

Requirements:

  • Gateway Course (3 credits)

ILS 20701, Introduction to Latinos in American Society. This course examines the Latino experience in the United States, including the historical, cultural, social, economic, political, and religious foundations of the diverse U.S. Latino population.

  • Capstone/Practicum Course (3 credits)

In this 40000-level course, students meet in a seminar-style class and complete a substantial research project (approximately 15-20 pages) based on bibliographic and/or experiential research in Latino Studies.

  • Elective Courses (18 credits)

Students take six more Latino Studies courses as electives chosen in consultation with the ILS Director of Undergraduate Studies.

  • Senior Thesis Option (3 credits)

A senior thesis in Latino Studies is encouraged, but not required, for students enrolled in the supplementary major. In addition, Glynn Honors Program students enrolled in the Latino Studies program as minors or supplemental majors may also write a senior thesis in Latino Studies. Thesis students take the thesis-writing course in Latino Studies (ILS 48900) under the direction of their thesis faculty supervisor. A minimum grade point average and faculty recommendation are required for acceptance. Students interested in writing a senior thesis should apply to the ILS Director of Undergraduate Studies by the spring of their junior year.

  • Directed Reading Course Option (1-3 credits)

A directed readings course (ILS 46711) allows a student to explore in depth a theme or subject in Latino Studies under the guidance of a faculty member. Directed readings cover material that is not offered as a regular classroom course. Enrollment requires the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. 

 

Endowed Professor Luis Fraga

The Minor

The minor in Latino Studies consists of 15 credit hours: a Gateway Course (3 credits), a Capstone/Practicum Course (3 credits), and 9 credit hours of elective course work. In addition, students may elect to pursue the Senior Thesis and Directed Reading options.

Requirements:

  • Gateway Course (3 credits)

ILS 20701, Introduction to Latinos in American Society. This course examines the Latino experience in the United States, including the historical, cultural, social, economic, political, and religious foundations of the diverse U.S. Latino population.

  • Capstone/Practicum Course (3 credits)

In this 40000-level course, students meet in a seminar-style class and complete a substantial research project (approximately 15-20 pages) based on bibliographic and/or experiential research in Latino Studies.

  • Elective Courses: (9 credits)

Students take three additional Latino Studies courses as electives chosen in consultation with the ILS Director of Undergraduate Studies.

  • Senior Thesis Option (3 credits)

A senior thesis in Latino Studies is encouraged, but not required, for students enrolled in the minor. In addition, Glynn Honors Program students enrolled in the Latino Studies program as minors or supplemental majors may also write a senior thesis in Latino Studies. Thesis students take the thesis-writing course in Latino Studies (ILS 48900) under the direction of their thesis faculty supervisor. A minimum grade point average and faculty recommendation are required for acceptance. Students interested in writing a senior thesis should apply to the ILS Director of Undergraduate Studies by the spring of their junior year.

  • Directed Reading Course Option (1-3 credits)

A directed readings course (ILS 46711) allows a student to explore in depth a theme or subject in Latino Studies under the guidance of a faculty member. Directed readings cover material that is not offered as a regular classroom course. Enrollment requires the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. 

For questions contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Karen Richman.