ChooseWhy Choose This Program?
Why Study Latin American Studies at Goucher?
The Latin American studies minor (LAM) is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the history, politics, languages, and cultures of the people from diverse regions of the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. Students examine different aspects of Latin American society based on their own major interests. In addition to the language requirement, the minor in Latin American studies requires a minimum of 20 credits of course work.
LearnWhat Will You Learn?
What Will You Learn?
Students who intend to minor in Latin American studies must accumulate a minimum of 20 credits. There is a mandatory language requirement that students fulfill by completing SP 235. Students with Portuguese or French background, please contact the LAM director. All students will take LAM 105, and Introduction to Latin American Studies and a history class. Finally, students will take three electives, with at least one at the 400-level, from an array of disciplines such as art, Latin American studies, political science, religion, Spanish, and women, gender, and sexuality. Learn More
DoWhat Will You Do?
What Will You Do?
Once you graduate, you might follow the footsteps of our distinguished alumnae/i. Recent majors have chosen top-notch graduate schools to continue their formal education, are working at international NGOs, or have joined the Peace Corps. Spanish graduates work in rural communities focusing on environmental issues, as translators and interpreters, in mental health centers, and as legislative aides for councilmembers. Some work for the media and film industries, others for national and international companies. Spanish graduates are also teaching all over the world, from China and Thailand to Spain, Argentina, and California; or as close as Baltimore County and City.
Course Curriculum
Faculty
Major & Minor Program Contact
Viki Zavales Eggert, Department Chair, Assistant Professor, Hispanic and Latinx Studies: Peninsular and Latin American Literature and theater.
Full-Time Faculty
Florencia Cortés-Conde, Associate Professor, Hispanic and Latinx Studies: Language, identity and nation; literature and bilingual identity; gender and identity; Spanish in the media; and Spanish in the United States.
Maite Gomis-Quinto, Instructor Hispanic and Latinx Studies.
Citlali Miranda-Aldaco, Assistant Professor, Hispanic and Latinx Studies: Foreign Language Teaching/learning and Technology, Intercultural Communication, Latinx Representation in the United States, Diversity Teacher Training, Professional Development, Assessment.
Isabel Moreno-López, Professor and Center Director, Hispanic and Latinx Studies: Studies on Language, Literacy and Culture, Intercultural Communications, Critical Pedagogy, Spanish and Latin-American Literature, Queer Studies, Interdisciplinary and Study-Abroad Programs.
Jeanie Murphy, Associate Professor, Hispanic and Latinx Studies: Latin American literature and theater; Latin American cultural studies; Latin American history; gender studies.
Frances Ramos-Fontán, Instructor Hispanic and Latinx Studies: Community-based learning, Latin American and Latino Studies, and foreign language acquisition.
Aida Ramos-Sellman, Assistant Professor, Hispanic and Latinx Studies.
Viki Zavales Eggert, Department Chair, Assistant Professor, Hispanic and Latinx Studies: Peninsular and Latin American Literature and theater.
Study Abroad
LAM 272Y - Intensive Course Abroad (4 Cr.)
EMERGING MARKETS IN CUBA (BUS 272Y)
This interdisciplinary course will allow students to gain a better understanding of Cuba's history, culture, politics, economics, and changing business environment, as a country in transition from a firmly state-controlled market to a more open market. A seven-week pre-course at Goucher during the spring semester will introduce students to the economic structures and business models now in place in Cuba as well as the history of the revolution in that country. This will be followed by a three-week intensive course in Cuba in June during which time students will visit Cuban businesses, large and small, will meet with local businessmen and businesswomen, and will take part in various cultural excursions and activities. During the spring semester, students will receive 1 credit for their work in the pre-course, and, upon successful completion of the three-week ICA, they will receive an additional 3 credits cross-listed in Latin American studies and business management. Prerequisite for LAM: LAM 105 or LAM 125 or instructor's permission. Prerequisite for BUS: BUS 231 or instructor's permission. Variable years. Grossman, Murphy.
Other study abroad opportunities are available from the Office of Global Education.
Opportunities & Internships
Outside the classroom, opportunities to practice Spanish and attend international cultural events are provided through the Language House program and the Futuro Latino Learning Center.
The Language House
The Language House is staffed by native speakers and aims at promoting the daily practice of foreign languages outside the classroom by organizing a variety of events throughout the semester, such as plays, a weekly language table, teas, colloquia, film series, and guest speakers. To further enrich students' awareness of Spanish-speaking cultures, the Language House and the LAM Program sponsor an annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. These events often take place throughout the campus. For information about the Language House, contact María Teresa Gomis-Quinto, coordinator of the Spanish programs in the Language House.
Futuro Latino Learning Center
Since its inception in the fall of 2009, the Futuro Latino Learning Center (FLLC) has provided unique educational opportunities on campus to Goucher students and to the Latino community of Baltimore County. The center offers computing classes in Spanish and English as a Second Language classes for adults, a cultural enrichment program in Spanish for kids, and other programs. The FLLC provides a distinct learning experience to Goucher students, who teach the classes for adults and run the programs for kids. For more information on how to get involved, contact Frances Ramos-Fontán, director of the Futuro Latino Learning Center.
Internships
Internships help students explore possibilities, apply classroom learning, and gain experience. Explore internships and credit options.
Student Employment
Student employment connects students to both on and off-campus opportunities. The Career Education Office provides resources and support to students with or without Federal Work Study to find jobs, submit applications, and learn more about the job search process. Students have access to Handshake — a website for job postings, events, resumes/cover letters, and career management.
Major & Career Exploration
Exploring career options, choosing a major, and making career decisions is a multi-step process in which all students are encouraged to engage early and often. Goucher students have a variety of resources available through the Majors and Career page to assist them in this process.
Job Search
A Goucher education prepares students for today’s job market and beyond. Students can explore job opportunities and access job search resources through the CEO Job Search page.
Graduate & Professional School
Students access resources for searching and applying to graduate and professional school through the CEO Graduate and Professional School page, through faculty and staff members, or utilizing their own resources, network and tools.
Johns Hopkins Carey Business School 4+1 BA/MS Program
Goucher College and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School are offering Goucher students a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program. This 4+1 program combines a bachelor’s degree from Goucher with a master of science degree from Johns Hopkins in business analytics and risk management, information systems, health care management, finance, or marketing. Students can apply during their junior year. GRE or GMAT tests have been waived but applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better and have passed some quantitative reasoning courses with a grade of B or better.