Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies
This program is offered by College of Arts & Sciences/
International Languages and Cultures Department
For information on general requirements for the certificate, see
Certificate Program Policies and Procedures
.
The certificate in Latin American studies introduces students
to a better understanding and awareness of the cultures and
civilizations of Latin America. The certificate curriculum offers
students the opportunity to acquire specialized knowledge of
the region and its languages, to be informed and sensitive to its
many resources and needs, and to understand how this region
is both affecting other parts of the world and being affected by
them. As a stand-alone certificate, it is also appropriate for those
students with a strong interest in Latin America and who have
completed a BA or BS at another institution but who are not
currently considering graduate or professional school.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate program, students will be able
to:
• Articulate a Latin American perspective on some significant
international issues, seen in the context of the history,
politics, economy and culture of the region.
• Articulate their appreciation of the degree of homogeneity
that defines Latin America as a region, and at the same time
some of the key sources of diversity and complexity in the
region.
• Develop enough facility in a language relevant in the region
to be able to engage in simple conversations, to read a
newspaper, and to acquire, should they choose, proficiency
at a higher level.
Special Requirements
Transfer credits do not apply to the certificate. Language
recognition credit hours can count toward the certificate.
Course Requirements
The certificate in Latin American studies requires 18 credit hours,
of which 3 credit hours must be at or above the 3000 level. These
credit hours must include:
Core Courses (6 hours)
• ISTL 1100 Introduction to Latin American Studies,
or ILC 2150 Topics in Culture (with appropriate subtitle),
or SPAN 3150 Culture & Civilization of the Spanish Speaking
World: Latin America (3 hours)
• ISTL 2450 Twentieth-Century Latin America,
or POLT 2550 Politics of Development (with appropriate
subtitle),
or HIST 2070 Topics in Non-Western History (with
appropriate subtitle) (3 hours)
Note: Courses with appropriate content but not listed above
may be counted towards this certificate with permission of the
advisor. Reading courses with appropriate content, approved in
advance, may also count towards this certificate.
Language Competence
Language competence, preferably in Spanish is required though
other pertinent languages may be considered. Language
competence is four semesters of university language study with a
minimum of 12 credit hours, or equivalent to a high-intermediate
level according to established Webster foreign language level
standards.
Independent Library Research Project
Approved courses with substantial Latin American
content (12 hours)
Completion of an independent library research project in the
field of Latin American Studies. This requirement can be fulfilled
through a research class where the instructor agrees to work with
the student in a project approved by the Latin American Studies
Committee. This project will be presented and discussed with the
Latin American Studies Committee members.
Courses may be drawn from core courses listed above or from the
following list (updated on a semester basis):
Latin American Studies Committee
• ENGL 4030 Literature of Latin America (3 hours)
• FILM 3160 Topics in Film Studies (with appropriate subtitle)
(3 hours)
Webster University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Studies Catalog DRAFT
• Graciela Corvalán, Department of International Languages
and Cultures
• Daniel Hellinger, Department of History, Politics, and
International Relations
1
Certificates
• HIST 2040 Topics in Latin American History (3 hours)
• HIST 2070 Topics in Non-Western History (with appropriate
subtitle) (3 hours)
• HRTS 3200 Human Rights Area Studies (with appropriate
subtitle) (3 hours)
• ILC 2000 Study Abroad: Intermediate (in appropriate country
and appropriate content courses) (1-8 hours)
• ILC 2150 Topics in Culture (with appropriate subtitle) (3
hours)
• ILC 3000 Study Abroad: Advanced Level I (1-8 hours)
• ILC 4000 Study Abroad: Advanced Level II (in appropriate
country and appropriate content courses) (1-8 hours)
• ILC 4050 Translation (with appropriate subtitle) (3 hours)
• ILC 4150 Contemporary Issues (with appropriate subtitle)
(1-3 hours)
• ISTL 1492 Topics in Latin American Studies (3 hours)
• ISTL 2500 International Field Experience in International
Studies (with appropriate subtitle) (1-6 hours)
• ISTL 2550 Topics in International Studies (with appropriate
subtitle) (3 hours)
• ISTL 2600 Natural Systems and Sustainable Ecologies (3
hours)
• ISTL 3500 Advanced Topics in International Studies (with
appropriate subtitle) (3 hours)
• POLT 2550 The Politics of the Developing World (with
appropriate subtitle) (3 hours)
• POLT 3400 Comparative Politics (with appropriate subtitle) (3
hours)
• POLT 4400 Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics: Latin
America (or appropriate subtitle) (2-4 hours)
• SPAN 3150 Culture & Civilization of the Spanish Speaking
World: Latin American (3 hours)
• SPAN 3250 Introduction to Literature (3 hours)
• SPAN 4170 Conversation & Culture: Intensive Spanish
Language Weekend (with appropriate subtitle) (1 hour)
• SPAN 4250 Topics in Literature (with appropriate subtitle) (3
hours)
• SPAN 4650 Advanced Topics (with appropriate subtitle) (3
hours)
• WGST 2000 Topics in Women's Studies (with appropriate
subtitle) (3 hours)
Certificate
18 hours
Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies
• Silvia Navia, Department of International Languages and
Cultures
2
Webster University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Studies Catalog DRAFT