In keeping with the demands of the 21 century, and in light of the fact that the U.S., and the state of Illinois in particular, will experience a substantial growth in its Latina/o populations, the program will introduce students to the relevant topics of the Latina/o presence in the United States. The Latina/o Studies Program aims to:

1) provide students with a theoretical base in academic courses and a firm background in the history and culture of Latinas/os in the United States through a balance between the humanities and the social sciences courses
2) assess how historical and cultural processes affect these Latina/Latino groups in contemporary society;
3) to provide students with the background in issues of class, gender, sexuality, and race/ethnicity, and their relationship to the construction of Latina/o cultural identity.


Requirements

Seven courses (at least 21 credit hours) chosen in consultation with a Latina/Latino Studies Program advisor, including the following:

- LLS 100 - Introduction to Latina/Latino Studies
- 3 courses in the Humanities and 3 courses in the Social Sciences

These courses must be approved by the Latina/Latino Studies advisor. No more than 2 courses (6 hours) may be chosen from a single department.

Of the required 21 hours, no more than 4 hours may be at the 100-level and at least 6 hours must be at the advanced level (300 and approved 200-level courses). Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in Latina/Latino Studies courses.