Academic Programs
Certificate
Students pursuing the certificate in Latin American Studies at The University of Iowa must earn at least 24 semester hours of credit with a grade-point average of at least 2.00 in courses chosen from the list of LASP-approved courses. These courses must include: (1) 130:070 Introduction to Latin American Studies [3 s.h.]; (2) 130:176 Latin American Studies Seminar [3 s.h.]; (3) at least 6 s.h. in each of two or more of the following departments -- Anthropology, History, Political Science, and Spanish and Portuguese [12 s.h.]; and (4) four semesters (or the equivalent) of Spanish or Portuguese language coursework
LASP-approved courses that apply toward the student's major also may be applied toward the LASP certificate.
Courses applied toward the LASP certificate also may be used to satisfy General Education Program requirements or the requirements for a major or minor. The certificate is awarded only upon completion of a bachelor's degree. Holders of baccalaureate degrees from the University of Iowa may return to complete the requirements for a certificate. A student may not be awarded both a minor and a certificate in Latin American Studies.
Minor
The minor in Latin American Studies is available to undergraduate students completing a degree program at The University of Iowa and requires completion of at least 15 semester hours of coursework approved for the Latin American Studies Program. To preserve the interdisciplinary character of the Latin American Studies minor, students may not count more than 6 semester hours from courses being used for other majors, minors, or certificates toward the Latin American Studies minor. Students are strongly encouraged to take either or both of the following: 130:070 Introduction to Latin American Studies [3 s.h.] and 130:176 Latin American Studies Seminar [3 s.h]. A period of study abroad in Latin America is highly recommended.
Each student’s plan of study for the minor is developed according to the student’s interests and in consultation with a program advisor. Students must earn a grade point average of 2.00 or higher in all work for the minor. At least 12 of the 15 semester hours must be taken in advanced courses, as defined by the department, in University of Iowa coursework.


