TransAmerican Latino/a Studies, B.A.

Requirements for Major in TransAmerican Latino/a Studies

Contemporary North and South America have been and continue to be defined by the movement of people immigrating, migrating and transmigrating. As the United States continues to be impacted by the growing demographic, cultural, political and economic presence of Spanish-speaking communities, we face an increased demand to understand the dynamic cultural exchange between the northern and southern hemispheres of the Americas.

The TransAmerican Latino/a studies track is an interdisciplinary opportunity intended for students who seek to be proficient in the Spanish language, while acquiring an understanding of Chicano/a, U.S. Latino/a, Latin American and Caribbean identities. This program is designed to enable students in many fields (anthropology, business, communications, economics, education, health care, law, marketing, international relations, and political science, among others) to gain the linguistic competencies and the cultural aptitudes necessary to effectively work and develop productive ties in this rapidly changing world. By analyzing a broad array of Spanish-language cultural and literary productions, students will develop critical thinking skills in a second language. In addition to high linguistic competency, the TransAmerican Latino/a studies track provides an interdisciplinary perspective that may include courses in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, English, political science and ethnic studies. This multifaceted approach to the cultures of the Americas and Spanish language will prepare students to engage in a lifelong dialogue on contemporary issues.

The Specific Requirements for the Major Are:

A Minimum of Nine Units, Including:

The seminar must be taken after all other requirements have been met or in the final semester of completion of the major requirements.

MLAC 107: “Our Americas”: Crossing Borders, Cultures and Histories (1 Unit)
SPAN 201: Intermediate Spanish (1 Unit)
SPAN 202: Intermediate Spanish, continued (1 Unit)
SPAN 301: Advanced Oral and Written Expression (1 Unit) or equivalent
SPAN 306: South American Identities and Cultural Perspectives (1 Unit)
OR
SPAN 307: Cultural Encounters: Caribbean, Central and North America (1 Unit)
SPAN 362: Key Issues in U.S. Latino/Chicano Literature and Culture (1 Unit)
SPAN 401: Seminar (1/2 Unit)

The Remaining Units to Complete the Nine-unit Requirement Can Be Selected From:

SPAN 302: Advanced Oral and Written Expression through Hispanic Film (1 Unit)
SPAN 303: Spanish for the Professions (1 Unit)
OR
SPAN 304: Advanced Oral and Written Expression through Creative Writing (1 Unit)
SPAN 306: South American Identities and Cultural Perspectives (1 Unit)
OR
SPAN 307: Cultural Encounters: Caribbean, Central and North America (1 Unit)
SPAN 315: Hispanic Studies: Textual Analysis and Interpretation (1 Unit)
SPAN 350: Women in Hispanic Literature (1 Unit)
SPAN 361: Key Issues in Latin American Literature and Culture (1 Unit)
SPAN 402: Seminar (1 Unit)

History Courses:

HIST 142: Modern Latin America History (1 Unit)
HIST 270: Latin American Immigration and the U.S. (1 Unit)
OR
HIST 301: Gender in Latin American History (1 Unit)
OR
Approved courses in anthropology and sociology, political science, English and ethnic studies may count toward the major with departmental permission.

Additional Requirements

Study abroad in an approved off-campus program in the Americas.
A maximum of one unit of Advanced Placement credit can count toward the major.
All courses for the major must be taken for a numerical grade.
Residence in language-learning housing for at least one semester and successful completion of MLAC 110 .