The Latin American Studies Program in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington was established in 1992 and is committed to the advancement of scholarship and applied knowledge about Latin America. The program is built around several region-specific themes and principles. These include the creative arts, the impact of colonialism and slavery on national development, and current efforts to strengthen democratic values and practices, reduce poverty, violence and injustice, and create healthier individuals and environments. Faculty, staff and students work in close collaboration to fulfill the program’s mission through research, interdisciplinary education, experiential and service learning, and community outreach.
The Latin American Studies major has become the largest and fastest-growing area studies program in the School of International Studies. Graduates from this program go on to successful careers in business, government, education, non-governmental organizations, law and other fields. Many also use the degree as a step toward graduate study in history, business administration, economics, anthropology, and other fields at top universities. The major’s popularity stems from an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines the strengths of regional and comparative international studies with study and research opportunities in specific academic disciplines. Students graduate with both a comprehensive understanding of Latin America and a rich knowledge of the global processes affecting the region and its people. Students can also pursue practical training in a thematic area of choice such as Media Studies, NGO Management, Immigration, or Gender Studies.
The Latin American Studies major requires extensive language training in Spanish and Portuguese, French or an indigenous langauge, and strongly encourages students to gain practical experience through internship opportunities and a wide range of study abroad programs. Students are awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies with a concentration in Latin American Studies. Students may also earn a Latin American Studies minor.
The Latin American Studies faculty is composed of individuals with expertise in Latin America. Most also have cross-regional and interdisciplinary interests. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and teachers in their respective area of specialization, and hold appointments in diverse departments including American Ethnic Studies, Anthropology, Economics, History, Geography, Women Studies, Fisheries, International Studies, Music, Health Sciences, Political Science, Romance Languages, Comparative Literature, Sociology, and in the Schools of Social Work, Business Administration and Forestry.
Latin American Studies also organizes colloquia, conferences, special events, and visits by renowned speakers to complement academic offerings and provide students, faculty and the local community with timely and relevant opportunities to learn about and become involved in issues relevant to Latin America.
Please explore our site to learn more, or contact our program office if you would like more information.