Latin America & Caribbean Studies
The Latin America and Caribbean Studies Program (LACS) offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the region’s diversity through a study of its rich political, social and cultural traditions as well as its natural environments and geography.
Program Overview
The goals of the LACS program are to educate students and the wider campus community about the diversity and complexities of one of the world’s most vibrant regions. Students who major or minor in LACS will have access to a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum that weaves together cultural traditions, regional languages, political systems, and societal and environmental issues. The program offers a deep understanding of how historical legacies and contemporary dynamics shape Latin America and the Caribbean, preparing students for impactful careers in international relations, cultural exchange, public policy, and more. Whether you’re pursuing international studies, political science, history, business, journalism, or social sciences, our program can enrich your major with a nuanced perspective on Latin American and Caribbean affairs and beyond. Enroll today and gain a unique edge in understanding and influencing one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies Concentration Program Requirements
Latin American and Caribbean Studies Concentration Program Requirements – Brazilian Studies Track
Why Latin America and Caribbean Studies?
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies program offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the histories, cultures, languages, politics, and societies of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as their connections to communities in the United States. With a curriculum spanning history, anthropology, political science, modern languages, economics, music, and more, students develop a well-rounded perspective on the region and its global impact. Beyond the classroom, the program provides experiential learning opportunities, including study abroad programs, service-learning, and community engagement, ensuring students gain real-world experience in diverse cultural contexts. Through hands-on learning, students engage with immigrant and Latinx communities in Knoxville, reinforcing the program’s commitment to both global and local connections.
Careers
Graduates of the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program are well-prepared for careers spanning education, government, business, law, human services, public administration, and environmental advocacy. With an interdisciplinary foundation, alumni have successfully pursued roles such as:
- Attorneys, immigration specialists, and human rights advocates
- International business professionals, banking officers, and import-export agents
- Marketing researchers, labor relations specialists, and policy analysts
- Environmental consultants, conservation specialists, and sustainability coordinators
- Journalists, technical writers, and newspaper reporters
- Social service workers, nonprofit advocates, and public administrators
- Hotel managers, travel agents, and cultural program coordinators
Additionally, LACS graduates are well-positioned for careers in environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, and conservation—fields that directly impact Latin America and the Caribbean. Many students also pursue graduate education in areas such as law, international relations, public policy, environmental studies, and Latin American studies, further expanding their expertise and career opportunities.
Featured Courses
ANTH 319
Caribbean Cultures and Societies
Anthropological approaches to key aspects of Caribbean history, sociocultural pluralism, racial and class stratification, patterns of economic development, and local and national-level political processes.
HILA 343
History of Mexico: Aztecs to El Chapo
Mexican history from pre-colonial period to present.
PORT 326
Brazilian Cinema
A study of Brazilian cinema in light of political, cultural, and social contexts. Films and documentaries are shown in Portuguese with English subtitles. Topics may vary.
SPAN 401
Cultural Plurality and Institutional Changes in Latin America
Value systems, behavioral patterns, political parties, role of the military, the church, educational institutions, dictatorship and nationalism.
Complementary Minors
