Study the people and culture of Latin America through its history, literature, politics and economy. Then, gain first-hand experience through study abroad.
The Latin American Studies (LAS) major explores Latin American culture through language study, the humanities and the social sciences. Core courses in history, literature and politics will give you a base for understanding the life of the region.
Then, you’ll take five courses in a more narrowly focused track, choosing from Gender and Sexuality, Race and Ethnicity, Politics and International Relations, History, Literature and Cultural Studies and the Latin American Diaspora.
Two years of Spanish language and a semester of study abroad in Central or South America are required, as is a senior exercise.
What You’ll Study
- Latin American culture and people
- History of the region
- Representations in literature or film
- Spanish language
- A specialized track of your choosing
Researching at Pomona
Fighting the Trope of the “Corrupt Banana Republic”
For a summer internship, Alfredo Moreno ’22 researched and wrote stories about the resilience and resistance of Central Americans.
I absolutely enjoy the flexibility that I have with this major. The courses required for the major are simple. Don’t be fooled, however, because the classes are rigorous. This is expected since we are studying an entire hemisphere (studying Latin America and the Caribbean intrinsically means studying the United States). This in itself comes with the advantage of approaching my work from the point of view of various disciplines—philosophy, history, politics, public health, art to name a few. Truly a 47-in-1 major!