African American and African Studies

Web site
Coordinator and Undergraduate Adviser, José González
309 Seaton Hall, Lincoln NE 68588-0686 | (402) 472-9983
jeg@unlserve.unl.edu

The Latino and Latin American Studies program (LLAS) was formed in 1993 when two previously separate programs merged: Latin American Studies and Chicano Studies. These two components offer unique but complementary perspectives on people of Latin American origin or descent. Latin American Studies offers an opportunity for students to gain knowledge about the peoples, languages, and cultures of Latin America. Chicano Studies focuses on issues pertinent to U.S. Latinos, particularly Mexican-Americans, the largest Latino group in the United States.

Latin American Studies, developed in the 1960s, is a cross-disciplinary program aimed at giving students knowledge about the peoples, languages, and cultures of Latin America. Students who pursue this program will gain an understanding of the cultures of Latin America and a proficiency in either Spanish or Portuguese. Students will work closely with faculty at UNL whose research has involved them in Latin American languages, culture, and landscapes.

Careers
If you declare a major or minor in Latin American Studies you will find opportunities for employment in U.S. banks and commercial firms that have offices in Latin American countries, the travel industry (agencies, hotels, airlines), publishing companies, research organizations, and U.S. governmental agencies.

The Program
Latin American Studies has a long history at UNL, resulting in rich library resources, a strong curriculum, and a large group of faculty. The program incorporates both language and content courses; thus, students emerge with the skills they will need to work outside the United States or in U.S. companies with Latin American clients.

A number of faculty members are actively engaged in research in Latin America, providing opportunities for student involvement. Current faculty scholarship focuses on immigration, homeless youth, and literary and historical studies.

Study abroad is encouraged (but not required). Many majors spend one or more semesters studying in a Latin American country. This allows them to develop their language skills and gain valuable experience to complete their coursework. By working with UNL’s Study Abroad office (housed in International Affairs), students can receive credit for courses taken abroad.

Latin American Studies majors take at least 33 credit hours of content and language courses, and must complete a minor. Basic expectations for majors include: at least 12 hours of content classes selected from at least three of 10 designated departments; completion of the Latin American Pro-Seminar; at least nine credits of advanced language courses in either Spanish or Portuguese.

Chicano Studies
Pursuing a minor in Chicano Studies will provide the background you will need if you plan to seek employment or pursue graduate study with a focus on U.S. Latino populations. For example, students who plan to work in educational or human service settings benefit from the specialized knowledge Chicano Studies provides. The program also provides an initial foundation for students pursuing graduate study in Chicano Studies, Latino Studies, Cultural Studies, or any other graduate degree with an emphasis on race/ethnicity or the experiences of Latino populations.

The 18-hour minor allows students to take courses from a list of approved courses from different departments, including Anthropology, Curriculum and Instruction, English, History, Psychology, and Sociology. Course offerings range from Chicano Literature, Chicanos in American Society, History and Culture of the Mexican American, to Nationality and Race Relations and Psychology of Racism. For a full description of program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Bulletin entry for the Latino and Latin American Studies Program. In addition to completing all requirements for the specific minor, students must fulfill the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. Information may be obtained from the Arts and Sciences Advising Center.

At this time, there is no existing major in Chicano or Latino Studies. However, students may design their own major through the Individualized Program of Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences. This individualized major gives students flexibility to design a program of studies to match their interests. For more information on the IPS, consult the Undergraduate Bulletin, the Arts and Sciences Advising Center, or contact the African American and African Studies coordinator.

>Resources
The LLAS program has extensive library holdings in the discipline. Many faculty members are actively engaged in research in the United States and Latin America, providing opportunities for student involvement. Current faculty scholarship focuses on immigration, homeless youth, and literary and historical studies.

Activities
University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have access to hundreds of activities and groups related to specific academic, social, cultural, or political interests. Involvement in any of these organizations builds leadership, communication and organizational skills and helps you to meet new people with similar interests.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
High school seniors who are applying for admission should contact the Office of Admissions regarding application for freshman scholarships and all deadlines. For federal aid, student and parent(s) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from your high school guidance counselor.

Current UNL students should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to make sure they have applied for all appropriate scholarships and financial aid. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences administers scholarships. For information about these college scholarships, deadlines, and the college’s Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form, see the Arts and Sciences Web site at http://ascweb.unl.edu/students/sfa.html.