Why the minor?

The Latin American Studies minor provides deeper knowledge and expertise in this dynamic and diverse region for students interested in a variety of careers, from education, public policy, and law to the arts, international relations, and community engagement. It complements the disciplinary training of a student’s major field by asking that students engage with Latin America through multiple perspectives and methods, taking advantage of the expertise of faculty across different schools and departments at UCI.

Drawing on courses in history, political science, anthropology, literature, sociology, and more, the program encourages students to explore how global processes, such as migration, social movements, cultural production, and environmental change, shape the lives and experiences of people across Latin America and the Caribbean. By integrating language study, research opportunities, and cross-cultural understanding, the minor cultivates analytical and comparative skills that prepare students to think critically about the region’s past, present, and future in a global context.

Requirements for the Minor

Completion of the minor is done by taking seven courses (28 units) (of which no more than three may be lower-division) as specified below.

1. Complete one of the following core courses

    a. Spanish 50

    b. History 70D

2. One course from each of the following three categories—History, Culture, and Social Sciences.

    a. For a detailed list of approved courses refer to the UCI Catalogue.

3. Three additional elective courses.

    a. For a detailed list of approved electives refer to the UCI Catalogue.

No more than four courses may be taken in any one single department.

For more information, please see the UCI Catalogue for the most recent requirements.