Latin American and Latino Studies Courses and Requirements

Latin American and Latino Studies Major Requirements

The Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) major consists of 36 hours of coursework, as follows:

Required Courses (16 Credit Hours)

• LALS 301– Introduction to Latin American and Latino Studies
  • OR SPAN 357 – Latino Communities in the United States
• SPAN 331 – Spanish Conversation
• SPAN 332 – Grammar and Composition
• LALS 494 – Senior Seminar 

Note: Students with native fluency in Spanish beyond the SPAN 331/332 level will be exempt from this requirement in consultation with LALS/SPN faculty. A formal recommendation is required. Students in this category will take eight additional hours from courses in LALS electives. All students must take a minimum of 12 hours of coursework in Spanish beyond SPAN 201

AND Study Abroad in Latin America

Options include HNGR, Wheaton in México, or an approved semester academic term abroad. Participation in non-Wheaton programs and other exemptions must be approved by LALS faculty.

• HNGR 484 – Global Christian Perspectives
• HNGR 496 – Internship in Development
• SPAN 337 – Spanish American Literature (4)
• SPAN 338 – Intensive Advanced Spanish (4)
• SPAN 389 – US/Mexican Relations (2)
• GPS 231 – Orientation to Study Abroad (SPAN) (1-2)
• GPS 301 – Exploring Mexican Art (2)
• GPS 302 –  Exploring Mexican History (4)
• GPS 321 – Engaging in Mexican Cultures

Elective Courses may be used to reach the minimum 36 Hours

See the Wheaton College Course Catalog for a full description of these courses

• ANTH/HNGR 432 – Violence and Peace in Latin America (4)
• BITH 353 – Reading the New Testament of Latinamente (4)
• MUTC 104 – Introduction to Music of Latin America (2)
• *MUSC 264 – World Music (2)
• PHIL 105 – Race and Justice (4)
• PHIL 253 – Global Justice (4)
• SOC 385 – Social Change in Latin America (4)
• SPAN 335 – Latin American Cultures and Civilizations (4)
• SPAN 343 – Latin American Colonial Literature (4) 
• SPAN 344 – Modern Latin American Literature (4)
• SPAN 352/353/439 – Topics in Language, Literature and Culture (2/4)
• SPAN 357 – Latino Communities in the United States (4)
• SPAN 389 – Latin American Society and Culture (4)
• *SPAN 495 – Independent Study (2/4)
• *SPAN 496 – Internship (2/4)

*Courses must focus on topics related to Latin America or Latino/as in the United States

LALS Minor

Students take 20 hours of approved coursework, including LALS 301 or SPAN 357; SPAN 331; SPAN 332; and 8 hours of elective courses as described above/in the catalog. Minors must complete a minimum of 8 hours of coursework in Spanish beyond the 201 level. Consult with a LALS/ SPAN faculty member regarding course selection. Participation in an approved study abroad program in Latin America is strongly encouraged.