Return to Homepage

What is Latin American Studies?

The people of Latin America have made enormous contributions to American culture and traditions. Northern New Jersey has especially enjoyed the contributions of leaders from Cuban, Dominican, Puerto Rican and Haitian backgrounds; in addition, representatives from Central America, Mexico, the Andes and the Southern Cone have increasingly made their mark on contemporary society. They trace their roots to Latin America, which stretches from the Rio Grande to the South Pole. It includes exciting metropolitan centers like Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, as well as examples of stunning ancient civilizations such as the Maya, the Inca and related groups that still struggle to protect their culture and our environment.

Latin American Studies develops student understanding of this heritage through an examination of the history, culture, and language of Latin Americans in our hemisphere and Latinos/as in the U.S.

Latin American Studies at Ramapo

Located within twenty miles of at least eight separate communities of distinct Latin American roots, Ramapo College is in an advantageous position to bridge the academic gap between Latino and non-Latino cultures and societies. In addition, knowledge of the close neighbors of the United States will enrich our own self-understanding and prepare us to deal more effectively in our future professional and business activities as well as in our personal and academic pursuits. This is accomplished via an exciting interdisciplinary minor that incorporates history, sociology, literature, communications, art and language into a program that enables students from various backgrounds to demonstrate competence about Latin America. The Latin American Studies minor can be easily added to most majors at the college.

What Are the Specific Requirements?

In addition to taking a general introduction (AHST Latin American Culture and Civilization), students will take

One/two courses in Spanish (which can be waived by examination);

Two additional L.A. courses at the 200 level; and two courses L.A. courses at the 300/400 level.

Sample courses fulfilling these categories include:

AHST 219 Contemporary Latin America

AHST 321 Mexico and Central America

CART 207 Latin American Art

CCOM 363 Media and Culture of Latin America

ALIT 3xx Latino Literature of the US

ALNG 4xx Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition

What Career Options are available to Latin American Studies?

Future college graduates will encounter an increasing number of Spanish speaking people claiming a Latin American heritage. This minor uniquely prepares students to interact with this growing population. The minor is highly recommended for majors in Education, International Business, International Studies, Psychology, Sociology and Social Work. The program can also be taken as a special co-minor with Spanish.

Related Ramapo Programs and Resources regarding Latin America

The Rodman Collection--a scintillating display of Haitian art which is part of the permanent collection in the George T. Potter Library Art Center.

Latin American Video Archives--a special collection of popular videos reflecting life in contemporary Latin America

Study Abroad--an opportunity for students to spend a summer in Costa Rica studying Spanish and participating in a tropical studies program. Some students may also wish to participate in the RS2 Science Teaching Program in Argentina.

Organization for Latin Unity--a lively student run organization under the sponsorship of staff and faculty that hosts dances, lectures, fora and other events of special interest to Latinos.

In April of each year it sponsors the Latino Heritage Month.

Contacts for further information:

Dr. Niza Fabre, Convener

or any of the following participant faculty and staff

Marta Bautis, M.F.A.

Communications

Carol Bonilla Bowman

Education

Charles Carreras, Ph.D. University of North Carolina

History and Latin American Studies

Linda Diaz, Director, Residence Life

Niza Fabre, Ph.D. C.U.N.Y.

Spanish and Literature

Hank Frundt, Ph.D. Rutgers University

Sociology

Mitchell Kahn, M.S.W., University of Chicago

Social Work

Patricia Keeton, Ph.D. New York University

Communications

Celia Fuentes O'Brien, M.A. Fairleigh Dickinson

Advisement

Yolanda Prieto, Ph.D. Rutgers University

Sociology

Samuel J. Rosenberg, Ph.D. Rutgers University; MSW,

Social Work

Susy Suarez, M.F.A.

Art

Teo Halpern, Ph. D.

Science, Physics