Latin American and Caribbean Studies

College: Social Sciences and Public Policy
Degree: BS and BA
Specialized Admission: No

Description of Major

*Please Note: Face-to-face/in-person instruction of this program is available ONLY at the main campus in Tallahassee, FL. This program is NOT available via Online/Distance Learning.*

The undergraduate program in Latin American Caribbean Studies is designated for: (1) general liberal arts students who wish to learn more about the peoples and civilizations of this vital area; (2) students who wish to pursue graduate work in this field; and (3) students who seek employment in or relating to Latin America and the Caribbean. As this program is interdivisional in nature, students take courses in anthropology, art, communications, economics, geography, history, humanities, languages, music, philosophy, political science, religion and sociology.

Prerequisite Coursework

Prerequisite Coursework: None
There are no prerequisite coursework for the major, but students are encouraged to take lower level introductory courses in some of the related disciplines. Such courses serve as background for the major and may meet prerequisites for more advanced courses in the major.

Students are encouraged to begin study in a relevant area language and to take any culture and history courses that relate to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org .

Requirements for Progression to the Upper-Division Major
Students must complete at least 52 hours of credit with a minimum FSU GPA of 2.00 and most of the General Education requirements met, including freshman English composition and mathematics, or an A.A. Degree.

Requirements

Major Program of Studies at FSU: (36 hours)
Students majoring in the program are to construct their study program around three components, in consultation with an advisor.

The components are:

1) Area-Specific Courses: (24 hours)
Students select a minimum of 24 hours from the approved list of area-specific courses.

2) Comparative Concepts and Theories: (6 hours)
Students select a minimum of 6 hours from the approved list of concepts and theories courses. These should be selected in consultation with their advisor.

3) Additional LAC Studies courses: (6 hours)
Students select six (6) additional hours in consultation with their advisor from the approved “Area Specific” and “Comparative Concept and Theories” lists.

Foreign Language Requirement: (0-12 hours)
In addition to the 36 hour in the major, a relevant foreign language through the intermediate level (2000 level) is required, (Spanish, Portuguese, French, or other approved Latin American Caribbean language). Students will be encouraged to bring their chosen language up to an effective level of proficiency in both reading and speaking by either taking additional coursework on the FSU campus or by participating in a semester or summer abroad program in their relevant cultural area as such programs become available. To encourage the achievement of language proficiency, language coursework hours taken beyond the intermediate foreign language requirement may be counted towards the required 36 hours for the major.

Digital Literacy: (3 hours)
CGS 2060 (3) or CGS 2100 (3) fulfills the requirement for this major.

Oral Communication Competency: (3 hours)
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met with an approved college-level course.

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
General Education *36
Major Coursework *36
Minor Coursework 0
Foreign Language 0-12 (depending on placement)
Digital Literacy 3
Oral Communication Competency 3
Electives to bring total hours to 120

* Hours taken to meet General Education or AA requirements cannot be used to fulfill the 36 hours required in LAC Studies.

Mapping

Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu.

Remarks

1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.

Employment Information

Salary Information: For more information go to: National Association of Colleges and Employers (www.naceweb.org) or the Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm) provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major:Sinologist, Foreign Service Officer, Intelligence Specialist, Teacher, Journalist, Import/Export Trade Specialist.

Graduates of the Latin American & Caribbean Studies program are prepared for work similar to those in the broad field of International Affairs, but obviously in a specialized area. Government, Teaching and Business are the primary employers.