Latin American and Caribbean Studies (BA)

Program Overview

The Latin American and Caribbean Area Studies Program (LACAS) offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Latin America, the Caribbean and people of Latin American and Caribbean descent in the United States. LACAS majors examine culture and economic and social problems throughout the Americas. By choosing this major, students not only learn more about a range of cultures and societies, but also about global interconnectedness.

Degrees Offered

• BA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

LACAS encourages students to diversify their experiences by participating in study-abroad opportunities and by combining their LACAS major with a major or minor in another department.

LACAS offers an honors program as well as an accelerated-degree program in which students earn a bachelor's and master's degree in five years.

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• LACS 200 - Intro Latin Am & Carib Studies

  This interdisciplinary course provides an introduction to Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizing the region's history, politics, society, and culture. It considers the historical effects of colonial legacies and U.S. intervention. Topics may include: the state; colonialism and anti-colonialism; race and ethnicity; social movements; gender. The course will introduce various approaches to studying Latin America. Offered every Fall. 4 Credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• LACS 202 - The Modern Caribbean

  A broad, interdisciplinary and socio-historical introduction to the Caribbean, beginning with the Haitian Revolution at the end of the 18th Century and ending with recent trends and changes. Several themes are covered, including empire and the making of the Caribbean; slavery and emancipation; labor formation and race; nationalist movements, colonialism and neo-colonialism; revolution and resistance; gender oppression and women; and cultural expressions. Offered every Spring. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• LACS 271 - Research Methods in LACS

  Research Methods in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Familiarizes students with the broad range of digital and print resources in the social sciences and the humanities available through the Binghamton University Libraries and the internet. Students gain hands-on experience in using these resources while learning about research methodologies for the study of contemporary and historical issues relevant to the Caribbean, Latin America, and communities of Latin American and Caribbean origin in the U.S. Students design, write, present, and revise their own research papers. Offered regularly. 4 Credits Levels: Undergraduate

• LACS 304 - EnviroActivism in LatAme/Carib

  As globalization and industrial development have advanced, populations throughout the world, but particularly poor and working-class communities, women and children, have been impacted by environmental destruction. This course examines the development of environmental activism and resistance movements in Latin America and the U.S., as well as models allowing for the development of local economies while providing environmental protection and conservation. Sources will include films, documentaries, newspapers, YouTube and articles drawn primarily from the fields of sociology, environmental studies, and anthropology. 4 Credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• LACS 311 - Black, Latin@ and Asian Gangs

  This is an interdisciplinary course that examines the emergence and evolution of Asian, Latina/o, and African-American “gangs” in the U.S., particularly New York City and Los Angeles in order to unravel the myths surrounding them and to further understand the interrelationship between identity, gender, racial formation, territory, and poverty. Close attention will be paid to the use of criminalization as a form of social control and the proliferation of regulations, ordinances, and legislative acts that give legal form to various methods of discipline and punishment. Moreover, the course will explore diverse forms of opposition and resistance conceived and enacted by gangs and other social groups to societal conditions and incarceration. 4 Credits. Levels: Undergraduate

After You Graduate

LACAS prepares students for graduate study and/or a wide array of careers such as teaching, research, social service and activism. LACAS prepares you to work with peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean as well as Latino/a and Caribbean communities in the U.S. Your ability to synthesize information, analyze and express ideas, and communicate across cultures will help you in careers such as:

• activism
• business
• community organizing
• research
• education
• foreign service
• government
• healthcare
• international development
• journalism
• law
• museums
• non-governmental organizations
• politics
• social work
• technology

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Latin American and Caribbean Studies website.