Sponsoring a wide variety of activities, bringing scholars of Latin America to campus, and fostering institutional linkages

The Latin American Studies Program (LASP) is an interdisciplinary curriculum that introduces students to the cultures, arts, languages, histories, and social practices from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, and provides students with frameworks for making sense of the social, political, and economic challenges faced in those regions. Faculty members from across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences participate in the Latin American Studies Program as affiliated faculty members. Other University of Iowa faculty members occasionally offer courses and participate in the program's research, study, and interdisciplinary activities.

In addition to its instructional activity, LASP organizes a range of public programming activities each semester, including film series, photography and art exhibits, conferences, roundtable discussions, and lectures. Recent events include public lectures on community media and violence in Mexico and Colombia and on the cultural legacies of the 1960s in Latin America, and the annual Charles A. Hale Lecture in Latin American Studies.

Minor in Latin American Studies

The Latin American Studies minor offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum that introduces students to the cultures, arts, languages, histories, and social practices from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. 

Learning Outcomes

  • develop an understanding of the diversity of the Latin American historical experience;
  • expand knowledge of the mutual importance and impact between Latin America and the United States;
  • enhance recognition of contributions Latin America has made to world culture; and
  • distinguish between different disciplinary approaches to studying the region of Latin America.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Certificate in Latin American Studies

The Certificate in Latin American Studies prepares students for a range of careers and graduate programs related to Latin America, including bilingual/bicultural education, business, government, and international work.

Learning Outcomes

  • develop an understanding of the diversity of the Latin American historical experience;
  • expand knowledge of the mutual importance and impact between Latin America and the United States;
  • enhance recognition of contributions Latin America has made to world culture; and
  • distinguish between different disciplinary approaches to studying the region of Latin America.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.