Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies

Degree

Minor

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Fairfield's minor program in Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean studies offers a humanistic perspective on the people of Caribbean, Central, and South American nations and their customs, politics, art, and civilization.

What You'll Learn and Do

Complement your main field of study

Students may choose this minor program for its inherent interest, or to enhance a major in Spanish, French, Portuguese, politics, economics, history, sociology and anthropology, communication, or fine arts.

Put your education to the test

The Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies faculty also encourage you to take a semester abroad in a Latin American or Caribbean country through our international programs to gain a deeper understanding of the particular culture you are studying.

Prepare for your future

The Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean studies minor will add to your qualification for employment and graduate study. Students who have minored in LLACS are employed in fields such as law, government, international trade, journalism, and more.

Pursue a cross-cultural career

The growing economies of Latin America and the Caribbean result in increasing job opportunities for graduates with a minor or major in LLACS, particularly those who speak Spanish, Portuguese, and/or French, and have been exposed to the business cultures of the region.

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Study Abroad Opportunities

See where a minor in Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies can take you.

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Internships Abroad

In collaboration with the International Studies program, Latin American and Caribbean Studies offers internships that expose you to services and activities that involve the Latinx community abroad. Short-term internships in Brazil or Guatemala are available to students.

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Local Internships

In addition to opportunities abroad, there are local opportunities to intern with local organizations. Students can work with the International Executive Service Corps in Stamford, which sends business executives overseas on troubleshooting missions. They can also work with Technoserve, an organization in Norwalk that supports grassroots development projects in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Find Out More

Contact Us

Undergraduate Admission
admis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4100

Study Abroad

The faculty of the Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies (LLACS) program strongly urges students to experience first-hand the reality of a Latin American or Caribbean country. Such an experience will greatly expand classroom learning, and instill an unparalleled cultural awareness. 

Equally important is that study and service in learning within Latin America and the Caribbean will deepen students’ understanding of many social and economic inequalities that confront people in the Global South. This understanding will propel you, as a student of Fairfield University, to reflect on the Jesuit commitment to social justice and your role as an agent of betterment for Latin American and Caribbean communities.

Fairfield University in Latin America and the Caribbean

Fairfield University and its affiliates provide both semester-long and year-long programs in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. The University also offers short-time service-learning programs and internships in Brazil, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. 

When you study in a Latin American or Caribbean country, you will fulfill most– if not all– of the requirements for the LLACS minor, or you will become motivated to do an individually designed major in LLACS.

There is financial support available for students engaging in study in Latin America.

The Bailey Family Nicaragua Fund

Each year, the LLACS program grants financial support through the Bailey Family Nicaragua Fund to a select group of students engaging in study in Latin America. 

The grants range in value from $500 to $2,500 and were established in 2007 through the generosity of Mr. Carl Bailey. The grants can contribute to the expenses of any of the following: travel, accommodation, and other expenses related to an approved project. 

The deadline for applications is at the end of April each year.

More Bailey Family Nicaragua Fund Information

 

Student Learning Objectives

Understand

Demonstrate an understanding of basic knowledge of the history, geography, economics, biodiversity, political processes, social dynamics, and culture of Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean peoples. This occurs through accurate referencing of factual data about the regions’ geography, historical developments, culture, and current events.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate breadth in approaching questions about the regions of Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean peoples and populations by seeking, applying, and evaluating relevant literature and empirical studies generated by Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean authors.

Analyze and Interpret

Use analytic, interpretive, and critical thinking skills to explore issues and trends affecting or characterizing the Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean regions in the curriculum. This research will culminate in an original and innovative research project.

Inquire

Demonstrate depth in approaching questions about Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean regions by conducting integrative inquiries that appreciate complexity and intersectionality.

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Get Started at Fairfield