Study the people and culture of Latin America through its history, literature, politics and economy. Then, gain first-hand experience through study abroad.
The Latin American Studies (LAS) major explores Latin American culture through language study, the humanities and the social sciences. Core courses in history, literature and politics will give you a base for understanding the life of the region.
Then, you’ll take five courses in a more narrowly focused track, choosing from Gender and Sexuality, Race and Ethnicity, Politics and International Relations, History, Literature and Cultural Studies and the Latin American Diaspora.
Two years of Spanish language and a semester of study abroad in Central or South America are required, as is a senior exercise.
What You’ll Study
- Latin American culture and people
- History of the region
- Representations in literature or film
- Spanish language
- A specialized track of your choosing
Researching at Pomona
Gender and Sexuality in 20th Century and Modern Latin America
Isis Murillo Bravo ’25 has worked on a pair of projects: "Mexican Women After Independence: A Study of Catholicism Within Secular Policies" and "Is Sexual Pleasure a Human Right? An Important Gap in the Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Peruvian Women."
As an immigrant, I cherish the opportunity to learn about aspects of Latin American history that, from my own experience, is not even taught in Latin American schools. This major also helped me recognize that in order to best serve my community, it is paramount that I take the time to learn and understand its history, politics, policies, economics, etc.