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College of Arts & Sciences
- Undergraduate
Educational Objectives
| Degree Programs | Major
| Minor | Honors
Program: FILAS (Fellows in Latin American Studies) |
Departmental Honors
Introduction
Latin American Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach
to learning about the cultures and societies of Latin America
and the Caribbean. Undergraduate courses are offered in Africana
Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Architecture, Art
and Art History, Biology, Communication, Economics, Geography,
History, Journalism, International Studies, Marketing, English,
Modern Languages and Literatures, Music, Musicology, Political
Science, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Women’s and
Gender Studies. The major in Latin American Studies is designed
for the student who wants to acquire background knowledge
about the area or who is interested in some aspect of Latin
American and Caribbean affairs, such as government, law, business,
research, journalism, or education. Students are strongly
encouraged to spend at least one semester abroad on a program
with a Latin American and Caribbean Studies component (see
Office of International Education and Exchange Programs, 212
Allen Hall).
Educational Objectives
The goal of the BA in Latin American Studies is to acquire,
advance and disseminate knowledge of the history, literature,
culture, politics, economics, and natural and social sciences
of the regions within an interdisciplinary framework, while
at the same time emphasizing the languages and cultures of
Hispanophone, Francophone and Lusophone Americas including
the transnational study of Latin Americans, Caribbeans and
their descendants in the United States. Students should leave
the program with the following:
• the analytical and methodological tools needed to
conduct interdisciplinary research;
• the ability to read, write and think critically about
primary and secondary sources.
• a general knowledge of the different regions that
comprise Latin America, the Caribbean and their Diaspora as
well as a critical understanding that the geographic, political,
and cultural boundaries that have traditionally defined the
“area” as an object of study are not isomorphic
and are connected to the interests of European and North American
powers;
• a critical understanding of the competing ways in
which Latin American and Caribbean peoples have represented
themselves paying particular attention to race/ethnicity,
class, gender and sexuality, language, religion, migration,
transculturation, and other historical, social, economic,
and political factors;
• a language competency in French, Spanish, or Portuguese
at an intermediate level and with beginning competency in
a language other than the above or in an indigenous language
of Latin America and the Caribbean;
• a "Beyond the Books" experience that will
bridge the gap between the university and the surrounding
communities, and will help solidify a long-term interest in
and commitment to the regions.
Degree Programs
Bachelor of Arts
Major
MAJOR IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES (BA)
**A C- or better for all major courses, with a GPA of 2.0
Latin American Studies Minor
The minor in Latin American Studies may be obtained by completing
15 or more credits in courses on Latin America and the Caribbean,
provided that they are selected from courses that fall outside
the department of the student's major. As part of the required
15 credits, students must successfully complete LAS501 or
LAS494 to obtain a minor.
Honors Program: FILAS (Fellows in Latin American Studies)
In this highly selective Honors Program, students follow
a rigorous, accelerated curriculum to complete a dual degree
(B.A./M.A.) in Latin American and Caribbean Studies in five
years. The program provides exciting collaborative research,
travel, and work opportunities.
Working with UM’s world-class faculty in various academic
disciplines, FILAS participants design individualized curricula.
In addition to the regular general education course requirements
of the College of Arts and Sciences, FILAS students choose
one focus track for their most advanced courses: Social Sciences,
Literature & Culture, Communication, Environmental Studies,
Public Health, or History. For broad-based, multi-disciplinary
preparation, students choose courses that focus on Latin America
and the Caribbean from the following categories (at least
ten of these courses must be taken at the Master’s level):
• One gateway seminar in Latin American Studies
• Two History courses
• Two International Studies courses
• Two Economics courses
• Three advanced Languages and Literatures courses
• Seven courses in Study Abroad
• Two courses as internship/co-op credits
• Three courses above the 300-level (third-year) in
a range of disciplines
• Ten courses in one focus track
FILAS students also write a thesis based on an original
research project. In addition, they present their findings
in a meeting of the UM Center for Latin American Studies in
their final semester.
• SAT1 composite score of 1360 or ACT 31.
• Top 10% of high school graduating class.
• Regular Application for Admission to the University
of Miami. We recommend students submit their applications
by November 15.
• Recommendations from three high school teachers.
• Statement of interest in FILAS, emphasizing
prior language or area study.
• To continue through the Master's level, students
must maintain at least a 3.4 GPA and they must take the
GRE Exam.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
Students with an appropriate GPA are encouraged to contact
the program to apply for departmental honors.
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