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Latino and Latin American Studies

McDaniel College's minor in Latino and Latin American Studies is a dynamic program focused on the history, culture, and politics of Latin America, with the aim of understanding the experiences of Latin Americans on a global perspective.

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Degree Types
Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Spanish
History
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Spanish Competency
Document
Graduate Program
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Why McDaniel for Latino and Latin American Studies?

McDaniel's program in Latino and Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary course of study exploring Latin American culture, history, politics, literature, and more. Latin American studies encompasses all people with Latin heritage, including in the U.S. 

Students studying Latino and Latin American Studies must demonstrate linguistic competency in Spanish by the end of the program, or, with approval, can demonstrate competence in another language, such as Portuguese.

Future Careers

The degree in Latino and Latin American Studies will prepare you for a career related to Latin America, whether you're focused on international relations, history and art, or working with populations with Latin American heritage. 

Whether you plan to live in Latin America, attend graduate school for Latin American Studies, or work in the government or nonprofit sectors, minoring in Latino and Latin American Studies at McDaniel can prepare you for your next steps.

  • Spanish Teachers
  • Interpreters and Translators
  • Healthcare Specialists
  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants
  • Public Relations Specialists
  • Immigration Lawyers

Special Opportunities

Students outside of Budapest campus.

The Spanish House

The Spanish house is a wonderful opportunity for you to live together with a group of people who love Spanish. Each year, a Spanish house director comes from Spain or Latin America to study at McDaniel, share their culture, and help you improve your Spanish.

Budapest city scene.

CULTIVATING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE Global Fellows

McDaniel's prestigious Global Fellows Program is an academic and co-curricular opportunity. Through this opportunity, you'll deepen and broaden your understanding of global issues, develop heightened intercultural competency, and cultivate the skills and attitudes necessary to lead successful personal and professional lives in a global context. Global Fellows will help you navigate one of the most pressing challenges you'll face as a young professional: How do you succeed in a global workplace that respects the unique experiences of those you're working with?

McDaniel students with Matthew Mongiello, assistant professor of Political Science and International Studies, at the 2019 League of United Latin American Citizens Emerge Latino Conference.

Join a Student Organization

McDaniel is home to many student organizations that host extracurricular events that can involve philanthropy, culture, and connecting with peers. Students minoring in Latino and Latin American Studies may also be interested in:

  • Hispano-Latinx Alliance
  • League of United Latin American Citizens
  • Palabras 2 Words
  • Latina Empowerment and Development (LEAD) Chapter
  • Model UN

Pictured: The McDaniel delegation to the 2019 League of United Latin American Citizens Conference.

Distinctive Courses

SPA 2223 - Cultural History of Latin America

Historical and contemporary culture of Latin America.

SPA 3303 - Contemporary Latin American Culture

This course is a study of contemporary Latin American culture. Topics addressed include socioeconomic class, ethnicity, urbanization, changing family structure, education, religion, nationalism/globalization and the environment.

SPA 3308 - Spanish American Literature

A chronological study of Latin American literature. Students will become familiar with the most important writers of the period.

Latino and Latin American Studies Program Requirements

Latino and Latin American Studies Minor
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McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment — a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students — provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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Research

Students in Budapest.

Study Abroad

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Internships

Headshot of Jasmin Chavez

Senior awarded Gilman scholarship to study abroad in Mexico

A few short weeks after being named the League of United Latin American Citizens’ (LULAC) National Woman of the Year, Jasmin Chavez, Class of 2019, received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study Spanish literature at the Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca in Mexico.

Read the full story.
Magdalena Olivares

Magdalena Olivares, Ph.D.

Magdalena Olivares is a dedicated teacher-scholar in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Her passions include Latin American theatre and cinema, gender studies, and second language pedagogy, and she coordinates the first-year Spanish courses at McDaniel. Her desire to introduce students to Hispanic culture has led her to serve as resident director for study abroad in Mexico.

Read more about Magdalena Olivares, Ph.D.

Related Programs

Spanish Political Science - International Studies Cross Cultural Studies International Business Food Studies
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch
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See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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