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Dec 10, 2025
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2025 - 2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Global Studies (BA in International Studies)
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 Return to: Majors & Minors
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Common Core Courses:
All majors are required to take one of the following introductory courses: Additionally
All majors are required to take: Major Fields (18 Credits Total)
Students will select two fields that will guide their studies in LACS. At least one of these must be a disciplinary field, and students will take at least 9 credits in that discipline focused on Latin America. Available LACS disciplinary fields include: - Anthropology
- Art and Art History
- Economics
- Government
- Hispanic Studies
- History
- Sociology
For a second field, students may select another of these LACS disciplines, taking at least 9 credits in it focused on Latin America; OR design a thematic or global field relevant to the region, choosing courses (at least nine credits) from any discipline or program that together allow for in-depth study of a chosen topic relevant to Latin America. Possible thematic or global fields might include (but are not limited to): - empire and globalization
- political economy and development
- race and ethnicity
- Latino and diaspora studies
- Indigenous peoples
- human rights and social movements
- environmental studies
The optional thematic or global field must be designed in consultation with and approved by the LACS Program. At least 9 of the 18 credits required to meet the Major Fields requirement must be taken at the 300-level or above. See below for course listings by discipline. Other courses in topics in Latin American and Latino Studies not listed below may count and are subject to approval by the Program Director. Immersion Experience
LAS students are encouraged but not required to participate in an immersion experience. This is defined as an experience beyond the William and Mary classroom clearly linked to Latin America or Latinos residing in other parts of the world. Thus we encourage students to do service learning opportunities, internships, or study abroad programs that focus on Latin America and/or Latino/e/x issues. Students looking for such experiences can meet with faculty to talk about possible opportunities. Language Requirement
The concentration in Latin American and Caribbean Studies includes a language requirement that exceeds the College-wide proficiency requirement. The requirement can be met with three credits of a single course above the 240-level taught in a target language spoken in the region. Although William and Mary is not currently able to offer regional languages besides Spanish, a student could count another language (for example, Portuguese or Nahuatl) if they can demonstrate proficiency through accredited academic courses taken domestically or abroad. In special cases this requirement can be satisfied by an equivalent language immersion experience subject to approval by the LAS Program Director. Senior seminar:
This requirement is met by taking a 400-level seminar (3 or 4 credits) from the courses listed in the Latin American curriculum. Senior seminars often will be cross-listed as LAS 450. It is suggested that the senior seminar be fulfilled with a course from one of the student’s disciplinary or thematic fields, though any LAS 450 or senior seminar on Latin America from one of the LAS disciplines will fulfill the requirement. The senior seminar requirement can also be fulfilled through the pursuit of honors in Latin American Studies. Electives:
The elective requirement can be met by taking additional credits from course offerings in Latin American Studies, to bring total credits up to 33. The list of courses approved for LAS credit is published each semester on the LAS website. |
Return to: Majors & Minors
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