COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor’s program in Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latino Studies (LACS) at the University at Albany offers an interdisciplinary education focused on the major social, political, cultural, and economic forces shaping the Americas. The program emphasizes how historical and contemporary developments in Latin America and the Caribbean influence the formation of Latino communities in the United States, with particular attention to themes such as transnationalism, migration and immigration policy, social movements, diaspora communities, identity formation, and the relationship between culture, power, and knowledge. Students engage with a wide range of academic disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, geography, regional planning, and women’s studies, allowing them to examine complex issues from multiple perspectives. This interdisciplinary structure helps students build a broad and nuanced understanding of the region and its global connections. The program also emphasizes experiential learning through opportunities for community-based research, internships, and service-learning, as well as study abroad programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, which provide direct cultural and academic engagement. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in the major, with at least 24 credits at the 300 level or above. Required courses include Culture and Power in the Americas, The LACS Experience: Approaches to Interdisciplinary Knowledge, and a seminar in Latin American, Caribbean, or Latina/o Studies. In addition, students select nine elective courses to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. An honors program is available for high-achieving students, offering the opportunity to conduct independent research under faculty supervision. Overall, the program prepares students for careers in public service, education, international affairs, community development, media, and advocacy, while also supporting further academic study.