Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latinx Studies bring together shared stories and perspectives. We uncover these stories through exploration of cultural traditions, artistic and literary expressions, social movements, and political struggles. Knowledge of history, language, place, and power inform contemporary analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean today.
With LACUSL, students are able to celebrate uniqueness as well as commonality. Students learn about themselves and about others, and thus increase their ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. LACUSL provides the analytic tools students need to understand their place in this diverse and interconnected world. LACUSL majors delve into topics that interest them, all while securing skills and tools to aid in a rewarding life path and/or career post-graduation.
Photo by Pablo and Jackie Muirhead in Perú
Unique Curriculum
The curriculum of the LACUSL Major is unique across the nation and is designed to ensure that students acquire foundational knowledge of U.S. Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean history and cultures; develop analytical and critical thinking skills; learn the comparative approach to studies of cultures; and gain insight into Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean cultures from a variety of perspectives.
Students take an introductory course in Latin American and Caribbean studies as well as a course on U.S. Latinx studies. With this foundation, students choose their elective courses from across campus departments, allowing them to focus on topics, themes, and disciplines that interest them.
A final research project will serve as a culminating experience in the major. Students will learn and demonstrate research skills in examining an issue that is relevant to the major. Students are required to complete an e-portfolio for assessment purposes.
LACUSL Scholars
Scholars arrive with a variety of personal interests that lead them to the program; some with an intended career path, others following a passion for education and open to the possibilities. About half of our scholars share a cultural heritage with the program’s area of study.
Coursework spans over twenty-five departments and curricular areas across campus and colleges. Scholars can petition for a course they are in to count towards LACUSL if at least 30% of the course content is LACUSL-related. Scholars share an interest in examining the regional and diasporic perspectives through the lenses of varying disciplines.
Some scholars double major in LACUSL, pairing the program with Spanish, Global Studies, African and African Diaspora Studies, to name a few. Scholars’ specific interests have included migration & identity, social justice & human rights, arts & culture, feminisms, Indigeneity, health, LGBTQ+ communities, and more.
Beyond the Classroom
With LACUSL there are abundant opportunities to take your learning beyond the classroom. You can study abroad, participate in an internship for UWM credit, or volunteer. Check out our new LACUSL Internships page for local opportunities.
UWM offers semester-long and short-course study abroad opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Visit the Center for International Education (CIE) office or webpage for details.