The Latin American Studies Program (LASP) at the University of Iowa fosters cross-disciplinary teaching and research on Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. LASP uses this region as a framework for exploring thematic issues in such disciplines as anthropology, art, history, political science, Spanish and Portuguese, and communication studies. Established in 1978, the program is governed by a faculty steering committee whose primary teaching and research interests focus on Latin America.

Latin American Studies faculty and students consult, partner, and collaborate with faculty and disciplines across the UI campus and worldwide. The program sponsors lectures, film series, exhibitions, conferences and round table discussions, works to expand research and teaching in Latin American Studies, and seeks to bring Latin American scholars to the campus and fosters institutional linkages. These activities are funded by International Programs.