U-LAS-C - Latin American and Caribbean Studies Certificate

The course of study for program participants is intended to be interdisciplinary. Students working toward a certificate in Latin American and Caribbean studies will declare a major in an academic department. To qualify for the certificate, students take Latin American Studies 121 (Introduction to Contemporary Latin America), the interdisciplinary capstone seminar (Latin American Studies 498S or other courses designated as a capstone each term), fulfill the indicated language requirement, and take three additional area courses, two of which must be at or above the 200 level. Also, at least three different departments must be represented overall, with no more than three courses counting from one single department or major. The language requirement can be fulfilled in one of three ways: (1) by taking three language courses below the 300 level in any one of the most commonly taught languages spoken in Latin America: Spanish, Portuguese, French; (2) by taking one course taught in any one of these languages at the 300 level or above; or (3) by taking two courses in any one of the less commonly taught Latin American languages (such as Haitian Creole, K’iche’ Maya, or Yucatec Maya). A Summer Intensive Yucatec Maya Language Program is also offered through the Consortium in Latin American Studies, and Haitian Creole and K’iche’ Maya are now offered at Duke.

Appropriate courses may come from the list given below, or may include other courses not listed below (new courses, special topics courses, and independent study) with at least 50 percent of course content on a Latin American topic and with term papers or other major projects focusing on a Latin American subject. To determine if specific courses meet requirements for the certificate, students should consult the associate director. Regular courses are described under the listing of the various departments. Students may also wish to take advantage of house courses offered on Latin American topics although house courses cannot satisfy the requirements of the certificate.

Eligible undergraduates satisfying the certificate may use no more than two courses that are also used to satisfy the requirements of any major, minor, or other certificate program. International comparative studies majors and minors interested in choosing Latin America as their primary area of concentration within that major or minor should consult the director of International Comparative Studies.