MLAS - Latin American Studies

This course is an intellectual introduction to regional studies using Latin America as a lens to study the world in which we live and interact. We will take an interdisciplinary approach to the region through geography, history, politics, economics, environmental studies and cultural analysis. Students will also gain an understanding for current socio- political and socio-cultural phenomena that drive international relations within Latin America as well as relations with the United States. We will access information through text, film and online sources. Students will build their skills in critical thinking, as well as thoughtfully articulating their views both verbally and in writing. This course fulfills a global diversity requirement.

Independent study is open to junior and senior students only. At the time of application, a student must have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. A student may register for no more than three (3) semester hours of independent study in any one term. In all cases, registration for independent study must be approved by the appropriate department chairperson and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

This upper-division course is required for minors in Latin American studies. It is intended to help students: 1) consolidate their work in Latin American studies, 2) reach a higher level of critical perspective regarding Latin American affairs, and 3) complete final research papers concerning Latin American. Prerequisites include the successful completion of MLAS 200, SP 204, and 9 semester credits in residence at Carroll College in MLAS concentration or allied courses, or the instructor?s permission to enroll in the course.

The senior thesis is designed to encourage creative thinking and to stimulate individual research. A student may undertake a thesis in an area in which s/he has the necessary background. Ordinarily a thesis topic is chosen in the student's major or minor. It is also possible to choose an interdisciplinary topic. Interested students should decide upon a thesis topic as early as possible in the junior year so that adequate attention may be given to the project. In order to be eligible to apply to write a thesis, a student must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 based upon all courses attempted at Carroll College. The thesis committee consists of a director and two readers. The thesis director is a full-time Carroll College faculty member from the student's major discipline or approved by the department chair of the student's major. At least one reader must be from outside the student's major. The thesis director and the appropriate department chair must approve all readers. The thesis committee should assist and mentor the student during the entire project. For any projects involving human participants, each student and his or her director must follow the guidelines published by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Students must submit a copy of their IRB approval letter with their thesis application. As part of the IRB approval process, each student and his or her director must also complete training by the National Cancer Institute Protection of Human Participants. The thesis is typically to be completed for three (3) credits in the discipline that best matches the content of the thesis. Departments with a designated thesis research/writing course may award credits differently with approval of the Curriculum Committee. If the thesis credits exceed the full-time tuition credit limit for students, the charge for additional credits will be waived. Applications and further information are available in the Registrar's Office.