
The Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program is one of the major US centers for research about Latin America. This program is for those who seek a multidisciplinary education on Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal. It offers a wide range of courses in fields such as anthropology, business, economics, geography, history, journalism, music, political science, sociology, Spanish and Portuguese, and indigenous languages such as Yucatec Maya or Quechua.
The aims of the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian studies major are to provide:
- a broad exposure to Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian studies by requiring students to take area and language content courses;
- basic working knowledge in Spanish and/or Portuguese;
- flexibility which allows students to take courses of interest, study abroad, and develop innovative academic projects; and
- career-related advice and opportunities including volunteer work and internships with international organizations.
Students should contact the undergraduate advisor to determine which courses may satisfy major requirements. A minimum of 40 credits is required for the LACIS major. Upon declaration of the LACIS major, an assessment file is opened for each student which will include:
- the development and submission of an "area of concentration,"
- writing samples,
- results of a language proficiency exam, and
- an exit survey.
Students should contact the LACIS undergraduate advisor to declare the major.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Breadth and Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science curriculum. View a comparison of the degree requirements here.
Bachelor of Arts degree requirements
Mathematics | Fulfilled with completion of University General Education requirements Quantitative Reasoning a (QR A) and Quantitative Reasoning b (QR B) coursework. Please note that some majors may require students to complete additional math coursework beyond the B.A. mathematics requirement. |
Foreign Language |
Note: A unit is one year of high school work or one semester/term of college work. |
L&S Breadth |
|
Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | 108 credits |
Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | 60 intermediate or advanced credits |
Major | Declare and complete at least one (1) major |
Total Credits | 120 credits |
UW-Madison Experience | 30 credits in residence, overall 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit |
Minimum GPAs | 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison 2.000 in intermediate/advanced coursework at UW–Madison |
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements and do not need to complete the L&S breadth and degree requirements above. Please note that the following special degree programs are not considered majors so are not available to non–L&S degree-seeking candidates:
- Applied Mathematics, Engineering and Physics (Bachelor of Science–Applied Mathematics, Engineering and Physics)
- Journalism (Bachelor of Arts–Journalism; Bachelor of Science–Journalism)
- Music (Bachelor of Music)
- Social Work (Bachelor of Social Work)
Requirements for the Major
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Latin America (complete one): | 3-4 | |
Latin America: An Introduction | ||
Latin America from 1780 to 1940 | ||
Modern Latin America | ||
Language Requirement | 12-16 | |
Students must either complete or test out of the fourth semester of Spanish or Portuguese. | ||
Students must also take an additional four courses in Spanish and/or Portuguese language, literature, and civilization above the 220 level. 2 | ||
Topics in Ethnology (Section 004) | ||
Elementary Quechua | ||
Elementary Quechua | ||
Intermediate Quechua | ||
Advanced Quechua | ||
First Semester Yucatec Maya | ||
Second Semester Yucatec Maya | ||
Portuguese for Business | ||
Introduction to Luso-Brazilian Literatures | ||
Third Year Conversation and Composition | ||
Third Year Conversation and Composition | ||
Directed Study | ||
Intensive Portuguese | ||
Intensive Portuguese | ||
Fourth Year Composition and Conversation | ||
Fourth Year Composition and Conversation | ||
History of the Portuguese Language | ||
Portuguese Civilization | ||
Brazilian Civilization | ||
Historical and Cultural Traditions of Brazil | ||
Survey of Portuguese Literature before 1825 | ||
Survey of Brazilian Literature before 1890 | ||
Introduction to the Romance Languages | ||
Brazillian Women Writers | ||
Lusophone African Literature | ||
Carmen Miranda | ||
Survey of Portuguese Literature since 1825 | ||
Survey of Brazilian Literature since 1890 | ||
Topics in Portuguese: Study Abroad | ||
Topics in Luso-Brazilian Literature | ||
Topics in Luso-Brazilian Culture | ||
Senior Honors Thesis | ||
Senior Honors Thesis | ||
Directed Study | ||
Introduction to Hispanic Cultures | ||
Introduction to Hispanic Literatures | ||
Intermediate Language Practice with Emphasis on Writing and Grammar | ||
Latin America: An Introduction | ||
Directed Study | ||
Advanced Language Practice | ||
Topics in Spanish Language Practice | ||
Spanish Phonetics | ||
The Structure of Modern Spanish | ||
Survey of Early Hispanic Literature | ||
Advanced Language Practice with Emphasis on Expository Writing | ||
Survey of Modern Spanish Literature | ||
Advanced Conversation | ||
Survey of Spanish American Literature | ||
Introduction to Spanish Linguistics | ||
Spanish for Business | ||
Spanish Applied Linguistics | ||
Spanish Business Area Studies | ||
Spanish Civilization | ||
Spanish American Civilization | ||
Literatura de la Edad Media Castellana (ss. XII-XV) | ||
Literatura del Siglo de Oro | ||
Introduction to the Romance Languages | ||
Cervantes | ||
Topics in Spanish Linguistics | ||
Literature of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries | ||
Literature of the Twentieth Century | ||
Literatura Hispanoamericana | ||
The Spanish American Short Story | ||
Spanish American Theater and Drama | ||
Spanish American Poetry and Essay | ||
Topics in Spanish American Literature | ||
Topics in Hispanic Culture (The Beautiful Game, Human Rights: Argentina/Chile) | ||
Topics in Hispanic Cultures in the U.S. | ||
Undergraduate Seminars in Hispanic Literature/Culture/Linguistics | ||
Hispanic Screen Studies | ||
Study Abroad in Spanish Language Practice | ||
Study Abroad in Spanish Linguistics | ||
Study Abroad in Hispanic Literatures | ||
Study Abroad in Hispanic Cultures | ||
Survey of Spanish American Literature from the Discovery to Modernismo | ||
Survey of Spanish American Literature from Modernismo to the Present | ||
Survey of Medieval Literature | ||
Survey of Medieval Literature | ||
Advanced Survey of Spanish Literature | ||
Advanced Survey of Spanish Literature | ||
Old Spanish | ||
Spanish Phonology | ||
Contemporary Issues in Applied Spanish Linguistics | ||
College Teaching of Spanish | ||
Structure of the Spanish Language: Morphology and Syntax | ||
Theory and Practice of Hispanic Theatre | ||
Historia de Teoria Literaria: de Platon Al Siglo XVIII | ||
Historia de Teoria Literaria: Siglos XIX-XX | ||
Topics in Hispanic Linguistics | ||
Senior Honors Thesis | ||
Senior Honors Thesis | ||
First Semester Senior Thesis | ||
Second Semester Senior Thesis | ||
Directed Study | ||
Area of Concentration | 15-20 | |
Students must take at least five courses in an area of concentration that the student self-selects. | ||
The concentration may be disciplinary (history, anthropology etc.) or topical (poverty, gender, social justice etc). The courses in the area of concentration CAN NOT be Spanish or Portuguese language or literature courses. | ||
The Environment and the Global Economy | ||
World Hunger and Malnutrition | ||
Globalization, Poverty and Development | ||
The Growth and Development of Nations in the Global Economy | ||
Special Topics (LACIS-related topic only) | ||
Latin American Economic Development | ||
Lusophone African Literature | ||
Latin America: An Introduction | ||
The Caribbean and its Diasporas | ||
Contemporary African and Caribbean Drama | ||
Selected Topics in African Diaspora Art History (LACIS related topic) | ||
Cropping Systems of the Tropics | ||
Livestock Production and Health in Agricultural Development | ||
Archaeology and the Prehistoric World | ||
Cultural Anthropology and Human Diversity | ||
Principles of Archaeology | ||
Cut 'n' Mix: Music, Race, and Culture in the Caribbean | ||
Latin America: An Introduction | ||
Topics in Archaeology (LACIS related content) | ||
The Origins of Civilization | ||
Peoples of the Andes Today | ||
Elementary Quechua | ||
Elementary Quechua | ||
Intermediate Quechua | ||
Advanced Quechua | ||
Undergraduate Seminar (LACIS related topic) | ||
Proseminar: Special Topics in Art History (LACIS related content) | ||
Plant Systematics | ||
Ethnobotany | ||
Politics in Multi-Cultural Societies | ||
Chicana/o and Latina/o History | ||
Advanced Topics in Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies | ||
Introduction to Community and Environmental Sociology | ||
Environment, Natural Resources, and Society | ||
People, Wildlife and Landscapes | ||
Sociology of Developing Societies/Third World | ||
Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Literature | ||
Intro to Comparative Study of Race & Ethnicity, In & Beyond the U.S. | ||
Special Topics in Counseling and Guidance (LACIS related content) | ||
Practicum in World Languages (K-12) | ||
Proseminar (Internationalizing Education) | ||
Survey of International Economics | ||
Human Resources and Economic Growth | ||
Latin American Economic Development | ||
International Trade | ||
International Industrial Organizations | ||
Economic Problems of Developing Areas | ||
Economics of Growth | ||
Public Finance in Less Developed Countries | ||
People, Wildlife and Landscapes | ||
World Forest History | ||
Past Climates and Climatic Change | ||
Forests of the World | ||
Special Topics (LACIS related content) | ||
Principles of Wildlife Management | ||
Conservation Biology | ||
Gender, Women, and Society in Global Perspective | ||
Women's International Human Rights | ||
Brazillian Women Writers | ||
Carmen Miranda | ||
Introduction to Human Geography | ||
Introduction to Human Geography | ||
Latin America: An Introduction | ||
Environmental Conservation | ||
World Regions in Global Context | ||
Latin America | ||
The Humid Tropics: Ecology, Subsistence, and Development | ||
The North American West to 1850 | ||
Africans in the Americas, 1492-1808 | ||
Afro-Atlantic History, 1808-Present | ||
History of American Capitalism | ||
Labor in the Americas: US & Mexico in Comparative & Historical Perspective | ||
Immigration and Assimilation in American History | ||
American Foreign Relations, 1901 to the Present | ||
Colony, Nation, and Minority: The Puerto Ricans' World | ||
Revolution and Conflict in Modern Latin America | ||
The World and the West from 1492 | ||
Multi-Racial Societies in Latin America | ||
Disease, Medicine and Public Health in the History of Latin America and the Caribbean | ||
Disease, Medicine and Public Health in the History of Latin America and the Caribbean | ||
World Vegetable Crops | ||
Colloquium in Organic Agriculture | ||
Intercultural Communication in Business | ||
Spanish for Business | ||
Global Issues in Management | ||
Global Marketing Strategy | ||
Introduction to International Studies | ||
Globalization, Poverty and Development | ||
Topics in Politics and Policy in the Global Economy (LACIS related topic) | ||
Topics in Culture in the Age of Globalization (LACIS related content) | ||
Mass Communication in Developing Nations | ||
Latin America: An Introduction | ||
Topics in Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies | ||
Senior Honors Thesis | ||
Senior Honors Thesis | ||
Directed Study | ||
Directed Study | ||
Introduction to Luso-Afro-Brazilian Literature | ||
Spanish Literary Masterpieces in Translation | ||
Literatura de la Edad Media Castellana (ss. XII-XV) | ||
Survey of Medieval Literature | ||
Survey of Medieval Literature | ||
Old Spanish | ||
Topics in Ethics and History of Medicine | ||
Disease, Medicine and Public Health in the History of Latin America and the Caribbean | ||
Ensemble-Guitar | ||
Pedagogy | ||
Music Cultures of the World: Africa, Europe, the Americas | ||
Advanced Ensemble-Classical Guitar | ||
Politics in Multi-Cultural Societies | ||
Latin-American Politics | ||
Analysis of International Relations | ||
International Political Economy | ||
Labor in the Americas: US & Mexico in Comparative & Historical Perspective | ||
American Foreign Policy | ||
Nuclear Weapons and World Politics | ||
Topics in Political Science | ||
Selected Topics in Political Science | ||
The Challenge of Democratization | ||
Latino History and Politics | ||
Social Mobilization in Latin America | ||
Gender and Politics in Comparative Perspective | ||
Contentious Politics | ||
The Politics of Development | ||
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Global Health and Disease | ||
Portuguese Civilization | ||
Brazilian Civilization | ||
Historical and Cultural Traditions of Brazil | ||
Food, Culture, and Society | ||
Latin America: An Introduction | ||
Sociodemographic Analysis of Mexican Migration | ||
Social Movements | ||
Sociology of Developing Societies/Third World | ||
Introduction to Hispanic Cultures | ||
Spanish Civilization | ||
Spanish American Civilization | ||
Topics in Hispanic Culture (The Beautiful Game, Human Rights: Argentina/Chile) | ||
Topics in Hispanic Cultures in the U.S. | ||
College Teaching of Spanish | ||
International Development and Gender | ||
Green Politics: Global Experience, American Prospects | ||
Breadth Requirement | 9-12 | |
Select three courses outside the area of concentration from the following: | ||
Additional courses in Spanish and Portuguese language, literature and civilization over the 220 level (see courses listed under the language requirement above) | ||
Courses in Quechua or Yucatec Maya (see courses listed under the language requirement above) | ||
Additional LACIS courses outside the area of concentration (see courses listed above) | ||
Total Credits | 39-52 |
1 | POLI SCI/AFROAMER/ANTHRO/C&E SOC/GEOG/HISTORY/LACIS/SOC/SPANISH 260 is generally available only in the Spring semester. Students are encouraged to take this course as early as possible in their undergraduate careers. A student may also take HISTORY 241 or HISTORY/INTL ST/LACIS 242 to satisfy this requirement. Occasionally, specially assigned courses will fulfill this requirement. |
2 | With approval of the undergraduate advisor, courses in Yucatec Maya or Quechua may apply. |
Area of Concentration
Students must take at least five courses with a minimum of 25 percent Latin American, Caribbean, and/or Iberian content in an area of concentration that the student self-selects. The concentration may be disciplinary (history, anthropology, etc.) or topical (poverty, gender, social justice, etc.). The courses in the area of concentration cannot be Spanish or Portuguese language or literature courses. Study abroad courses often satisfy major requirements, but students should consult with the advisor before and during the study abroad program to ensure that the credits transfer. Courses for the concentration can be chosen from the LACIS Master Course List, or the LACIS-Approved Course List published each semester—both lists are available on the LACIS website. Note: These lists may not reflect all current offerings.
Notes
Students are encouraged to register in this major by the beginning of the junior year. Those considering a major in Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian studies should consult the undergraduate advisor as early as possible in their academic career since a number of L&S requirements in humanities and social sciences may be met by courses in Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian studies. Students who enter the university without previous training in Spanish or Portuguese are urged to begin language study in the freshman year.
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
The following list illustrates examples of "area of concentration" programs selected by Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian studies majors:
- History and Culture Emphasis
- Environment and Development Emphasis
- Media and Politics Emphasis
- Gender Studies and Human Rights Emphasis
Residence and quality of work
- 2.000 GPA in all LACIS and all major courses
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence1
- 15 credits in LACIS, taken on the UW–Madison campus
1 | Courses in SPANISH and PORTUG and major courses in ANTHRO numbered 300 and higher are considered upper level in this major. |
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the Major in consultation with the LACIS undergraduate advisor.
Honors in the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.400 GPA for all major courses
- Complete 18 credits, taken for Honors, with individual grades of B or better, to include:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
One of the following LACIS Introductory Courses, taken for Honors: | 3-4 | |
Latin America: An Introduction | ||
Latin America from 1780 to 1940 | ||
Modern Latin America | ||
Senior Capstone Seminar, taken for Honors: | 1-4 | |
Topics in Culture in the Age of Globalization | ||
A two-semester Senior Honors Thesis: | 6 | |
Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
A two-semester research-based alternative | ||
Additional LACIS Honors to achieve 18 credits |
University Degree Requirements
Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
- (Interdisciplinarity) analyzing contemporary political, economic, and cultural realities in the LACIS regions from multi-disciplinary perspectives, ideally including humanities, social sciences and sometimes natural science approaches.
- (Depth of knowledge) mastering at the undergraduate expert level a particular disciplinary (e.g. history, anthropology etc.) or topical (e.g. poverty, gender, social justice etc.) theme in the LACIS regions by taking five courses in an area of concentration.
- (Historical and cultural grounding) understanding the historical, political, and cultural forces and conditions that have given rise to the unity and diversity in LACIS regions today.
- (Language knowledge) mastering at the undergraduate generalist level a particular facet of life in one or more LACIS regions by studying a foreign language to the advanced (3rd year) level and beyond.
- (Analytical skills) demonstrating the ability to think critically and analytically, the capacity to write clearly and effectively, and the ability to identify and evaluate research methods and outcomes.
Sample Four-Year Plan
This Sample Four-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it—along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools—to make their own four-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests. As students become involved in athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, volunteer experiences, and/or work, they might adjust the order of their courses to accommodate these experiences. Students will likely revise their own four-year plan several times during college.
Freshman | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
Introductory Course for Major | 3-4 | Area of Concentration for Major | 4 |
PORTUG 101 or SPANISH 101 | 4 | PORTUG 102 or SPANISH 102 | 4 |
Communication A | 4 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
Quantitative Reasoning A | 3-4 | Biological Science Breadth | 3 |
15 | 14 | ||
Sophomore | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
Declare the Major (before 86 credits)Students can declare the major at any time, however we encourage early declaration of our major so that students can connect with LACIS faculty, staff and the community early on and benefit from opportunities through LACIS and from attending LACIS events and programs. | Apply for Summer InternshipLACIS encourages students to consider an internship during their college career. | ||
Area of Concentration for the Major | 4 | Area of Concentration for the Major (and L&S Breadth) | 4 |
PORTUG 201 or SPANISH 203 | 4 | PORTUG 202 or SPANISH 204 | 4 |
Quantitative Reasoning B | 3-4 | Communication B | 4 |
Science Breadth | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
INTER-LS 210 | 1 | ||
15 | 15 | ||
Junior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
Recommend Study Abroad | Recommend Study Abroad and Apply for Summer Internship | ||
Area of Concentration in the Major | 3-4 | Area of Concentration in the Major | 3-4 |
Breadth in the Major | 3 | Language, Literature or Civilization for the Major | 4 |
Language, Literature or Civilization for the MajorAbove 220 level | 3-4 | I/A Level Comp Sci, Math, or Stat (if B.S.) | 3 |
Science Breadth | 3 | Electives | 6 |
Elective | 3 | ||
16 | 16 | ||
Senior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
Breadth in the Major | 3-4 | Breadth in the Major | 3-4 |
Language, Literature or Civilization for Major | 4 | Language, Literature or Civilization for the Major | 3-4 |
I/A Level Comp Sci, Math, or Stat (if B.S.) | 3 | Electives | 8 |
Elective | 4 | ||
14 | 15 | ||
Total Credits 120 |
Students should contact Sarah Ripp, the LACIS undergraduate advisor, at skripp@wisc.edu, to determine which courses may satisfy major requirements.
Students are encouraged to seek the assistance of SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science early in their academic career. Take advantage of all the services offered such as mock interviews, resume and cover letter review sessions, career preparation workshops, and so on.
Students interested in international internships should contact the International Internships Program office.
L&S career resources
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students leverage the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and liberal arts degree; explore and try out different career paths; participate in internships; prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications; and network with professionals in the field (alumni and employers). In short, SuccessWorks helps students in the College of Letters & Science discover themselves, find opportunities, and develop the skills they need for success after graduation.
SuccessWorks can also assist students in career advising, résumé and cover letter writing, networking opportunities, and interview skills, as well as course offerings for undergraduates to begin their career exploration early in their undergraduate career.
Students should set up their profiles in Handshake to take care of everything they need to explore career events, manage their campus interviews, and apply to jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers around the country.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit, targeted to first- and second-year students)—for more information, see Inter-LS 210: Career Development, Taking Initiative
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Com B General Education Requirement)
- Handshake
- Learn how we’re transforming career preparation: L&S Career Initiative
The Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies (LACIS) teaching staff consists of more than 100 faculty who teach Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian language and area content courses.
LACIS also has a Steering Committee.
As a regional center within the Institute for Regional and International Studies, we support and enhance international and global awareness in our student communities and inspire informed thinking about the complexities of our world. We encourage our students to connect to international networks and our regional communities through our program’s lecture series, film screenings, and varied outreach events and activities. We encourage our students to study abroad, do international internships, learn foreign languages, and expect them to gain an interdisciplinary grounding in global and regional affairs. We provide resources and expertise on our world area to students, and prospective students, and more broadly to K–12 teachers and students, post-secondary educators and graduate students, businesses, the media, the military, the community at large, and anyone else who is interested.
Undergraduate students (from any major or discipline) can apply to receive one-time funds for internships or volunteer programs in Latin America, the Caribbean, the Iberian Peninsula. Domestic programs will be considered if the work is related to the LACIS field of study. The internships and volunteer programs will be carried out in public institutions, or well-established NGOs. Students from any nationality and citizenship are eligible to apply. Please note that preference is given to declared LACIS majors. Please check with the LACIS undergraduate advisor, Sarah Ripp, about your plans before submitting an application to ensure it meets our criteria. Read post-internship reports from former grant recipients. We also encourage our students to explore funding options available through the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) Awards Office.