Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2013

Latin American studies

Program coordinator: Dr Ralph Newmark, (History) Director, Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS)

Latin American studies deals with the history, sociology, politics and culture of Brazil, Mexico, Cuba and the rest of Central and South America and the Caribbean. The study of Spain and Portugal and their cultures and languages may also be combined with Latin American studies.

Latin American studies in the Bachelor of Arts

To qualify for a degree by taking a minor in the study area of Latin American studies, students must complete 90 credit points from the subjects listed below, including 30 credit points at first year, 30 credit points at second year and 30 credit points at third year. Students are strongly encouraged to take a first year Spanish subject and DST1DEV.

Important notice: Not all of the subjects listed below will be available every year.

Program of Study

First year subject (15 credit points each)
TE-SEM-2 Globalisation and Development DST1DEV

Other subjects for Latin American studies available in 2013

Teaching period Subject name Subject code
First year subjects (15 credit points each)
TE-SEM-1 Spanish language subject at first year level  
TE-SEM-2 Spanish language subject at first year level  
Second year subjects (15 credit points each)
TE-SEM-W Brazil: History, Development, Culture and the Amazon (Winter Intensive) LAS2BRZ
TE-SEM-1 Post-Colonial Identities SPA2PCI
TE-SEM-2 Cuba: The Special Period SPA2CSP
TE-SEM-S From Pirates to Reggae: The History of Jamaica and the Caribbean (Summer Intensive) LAS2JAC
TE-SEM-S Tango, Samba, Salsa and Society: The History of Latin America through Music, Food and Drugs (Summer Intensive) LAS2TSS
TE-SEM-1 Spanish language subject at second year level  
TE-SEM-2 Spanish language subject at second year level  
Third year subjects (15 credit points each)
TE-SEM-W Brazil: History, Development, Culture and the Amazon (Winter Intensive) LAS3BRZ
TE-SEM-1 Post-Colonial Identities SPA3PCI
TE-SEM-2 Cuba: The Special Period SPA2CSP
TE-SEM-S From Pirates to Reggae: The History of Jamaica and the Caribbean (Summer Intensive) LAS3JAC
TE-SEM-S Tango, Samba, Salsa and Society: The History of Latin America through Music, Food and Drugs (Summer Intensive) LAS3TSS
TE-SEM-1 Spanish language subject at third year level  
TE-SEM-2 Spanish language subject at third year level  

Details about the Spanish subjects offered in 2013 can be found on the Spanish discipline handbook page.

Subjects not available in 2013

Teaching period Subject title Subject code
TE-SEM-1 Portuguese Beginners 2A PTG2BE3
TE-SEM-1 Portuguese Advanced 2A PTG2AD3
TE-SEM-2 Portuguese Beginners 2B PTG2BE4
TE-SEM-2 Portuguese Advanced 2B PTG2AD4
TE-SEM-S Conquest of the Americas: Aztecs, Mayans and Incas (Summer Intensive) LAS2CAM/LAS3CAM

Information in this handbook may be revised during the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences restructure process.

For further information about Latin American studies, please contact the School of Historical and European Studies either by email at history@latrobe.edu.au or by telephone on (03) 9479 2430.