WELCOME TO LATIN AMERICAN & LATINO STUDIES
The Latin American & Latino Studies program is a teaching and research academic unit committed to promoting knowledge of, and public engagement with, the many peoples that comprise Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S. Latina/o community. LALS cultivates a vibrant intellectual environment, simulates collaborative research, and promotes intercultural understanding. The Latin American and Latino Studies degree provides students with in-depth exposure to the key geographic regions, historical trajectories, social modes, languages, and political, economic, and cultural systems of Latin America and the Latina/o United States. Our program’s multifaceted, holistic approach prepares students for a bright future – from graduate studies to employment in private or non-profit sectors, international service, education, or the arts.
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Program at the University
of Arkansas. As Director, I warmly invite you to join our scholarly community and
explore how socio-political, cultural, historical, and economic factors in Latin America,
the Caribbean, and U.S. Latino communities shape your leadership in a diverse, interconnected
world.
Our programs equip you for success in academic, professional, business, nonprofit, or government roles related to the region. At LALS, we hold the belief that every student has the potential to make a positive impact on our communities, our country, and the world. By focusing on Latin America, the Caribbean, and U.S. Latino communities and their global influence, you can become a catalyst for change.
Dr. Erika Mariana Almenara
Latin American and Latino Studies Program Director
WHO WE ARE
The Latin American & Latino Studies program provides students with the chance to examine vital issues concerning Latin America, the Caribbean, and U.S. Latino communities through coursework, research, and study abroad opportunities. Set in a dynamic intellectual environment that encourages collaborative research and intercultural understanding, LALS offers comprehensive co-major and minor options for undergraduates. By framing the focus on Latin America, the Caribbean, and U.S. Latino communities within a global context, LALS supports rigorous, innovative research, scholarship, and creative pursuits that foster the development of global citizens.
LALS administers several grants for undergraduate and graduate students: the Puebla Study Abroad Awards and the Graduate Student Research Award.
WHAT WE DO
The co-major and minor programs in Latin American and Latino Studies provide students with a comprehensive view of Latin America, the Caribbean, and U.S. Latino communities. Their curricula and activities are structured to offer extensive historical, geographic, and disciplinary knowledge, alongside theoretical and methodological insights. Our goal is to develop informed thinkers who possess a critical understanding of the U.S. Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American contexts.
Our interdisciplinary program equips students for diverse future paths, whether in graduate studies, private or nonprofit sectors, international service, education, or the arts. LALS students collaborate closely with faculty advisors to undertake detailed research in their chosen fields. Our faculty work across a wide range of geographic locations, including Buenos Aires, Lima, Mexico City, Brazil, Northern Arkansas, Colombia, and the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. Their research specialties encompass art (history, education, design), literary and cultural analysis, film and media studies, (im)migration, history, politics, religion, ethnic studies, environmental studies, and more.
WHY THE PROGRAM SHOULD MATTER TO YOU
The United Nations describes Latin America as the engine of global change. Our focus on Latin America's connections to the United States and the wider world will prepare you to succeed in academic, professional, business, nonprofit, or government roles related to the region.
Latinos constitute the largest minority group in the U.S., influencing the nation's history, art, and values. Their contributions shape daily life, the economy, and the country's future. Understanding U.S. Latino culture and history is important because it reveals America's evolving identity.
News & Events
The Latin American and Latino Studies program hosts a range of events throughout the year, such as guest lectures, film screenings, Coffee Mixers, and more. These events are all listed below:
