2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

■ Latin American Studies


Phone: 703-993-1010
Web: las.gmu.edu

Faculty

Berroa (Modern and Classical Languages), Bristol (History and Art History), Burt (Public and International Affairs), Greet  (History and Art History), Karush (History and Art History, director), Leeman (Modern and Classical Languages), Lepore (Dance), Meyer (Economics), Rabin (Modern and Classical  Languages), Ramos-Pellicia (Modern and Classical Languages), Seligmann (Sociology and Anthropology), Shutika (English), Vivancos-Pérez (Modern and Classical Languages), Yocom (English)

Course Work

The Latin American Studies Program offers courses designated LAS in the Courses  chapter of this catalog. As an interdisciplinary program, Latin American Studies offers many other courses across a range of departments that do not bear the LAS code. For the major and minor, students should consult with the director to determine whether a particular course may be used to fulfill a Latin American studies requirement or elective.

Undergraduate Programs

The bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies presents students with the opportunity to study one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating regions. Contemporary Latin America is the product of a long and turbulent history of conquest, resistance, and cultural mixing. The result is a rich and unique amalgam of African, indigenous, and European cultures. Understanding these complex societies has never been more crucial than it is today since people of Latin American descent represent more than 13% of the population of the United States. Knowledge of Latin American history, culture, society, and politics is indispensable for anyone who seeks to understand the contemporary United States and its place in the world.

Majors in Latin American studies develop a broad expertise in the region while pursuing an individualized program of study that suits their own particular interests. Student improve their language skills and take courses in many disciplines including anthropology, dance, economics, folkllore, geography, government, history, and literature. The course work cumulates in a seminar where students develop a research project under the mentorship of a faculty expert.

Honors in the Major

Latin American Studies majors who have completed 75 credits (a minimum of 15 in Latin American Studies, 6 of which must have been taken at Mason) with an overall minimum GPA of 3.50 and a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major may apply to pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. The application consists of a transcript, a recommendation from one member of the LAS faculty, and a brief description of a proposed research project.

Once accepted into the program, students pursuing honors in the major complete a two-course sequence LAS 491 and 499 (an honors section), which must be taken in successive semesters. In this sequence, students complete an advanced research project under the guidance of an faculty member. To graduate with honors in the major, students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the honors courses.

Programs

    Undergraduate DegreeUndergraduate Interdisciplinary Minor