 The Latina/Latino Studies Program, housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, provides a location and support for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach. The Program coordinates a range of courses in various disciplines whose content covers subject matter relevant to Latina/Latino Studies. In keeping with the demands of the 21st century, and in light of the fact that the U.S., and the state of Illinois in particular, is experiencing a substantial growth in its Latina/o populations, the program introduces students to relevant topics regarding the Latina/o presence in the United States. The Latina/Latino Studies Program aims to: - 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 of course work in key areas;
- Assess how historical and cultural processes affect these Latina/Latino groups in contemporary society;
- To provide students with the background in issues of class, gender, sexuality, and race/ethnicity, and their relationship to the construction of Latina/Latino cultural identities.
In addition to its teaching mission, the Latina/Latino Studies Program fulfills multiple roles for University of Illinois students, faculty, staff, and the larger Latina/Latino communities in the state of Illinois. The Program enhances curricular offerings through such activities as conferences, lectures, and colloquia. These activities not only benefit students who minor in Latina/Latino Studies, but also enhance scholarly discussions of Latina/Latino communities regionally and nationally. | 
