Latin American & Latino/a Studies minor

Latin American & Latino/a Studies minor attracts students from majors in languages, humanities, social sciences, business, health sciences, environmental sciences, engineering, design, and the arts. Why? Because Latin America is building some of the most dynamic cities, fastest-growing economies, cutting-edge production of music and film, intriguing political movements, and programs of environmental sustainability. Both professionals and scholars enjoy exploring, traveling, and trying to understand life and the world within the framework of this most vibrant region of the globe. If you are interested in Latin America, take a minor in Latin American and Latino/a Studies. It will enthrall you. It will push you to learn new languages. It will give you the edge to get a job.

GVSU students at the Laker Familia orientation.

Our Program

Knowledge of Latin America and its people, including those in the United States, is an essential part of a liberal education today. Not only is the Latino population of West Michigan growing rapidly but Latinos now constitute the most populous ethnic group in the United States. In the meantime, U.S. economic, political, and cultural relations with our Latin American neighbors -from Mexico and the Caribbean to Central and South America- continue to grow in importance.

Our mission is:

To educate students and the university community about Latino/a and Latin American matters with our courses and event programming.

To support internationalization, diversity, and interdisciplinary efforts on campus and in the community.

To promote an increase the size of the Latino/a and Latin American student body, faculty and staff.

To serve and educate West Michigan communities. The LAS Program enhances GVSU's relations with the regional Latino/a community.

LAS Program Coordinator
Professor Andrew Schlewitz

103 Lake Ontario Hall

616-331-8158

[email protected]

Latin America Map

What is Latin America?

  • A region of twenty different nations and territories in the Americas where people speak mostly Spanish and Portuguese as well as a host of different native and creole languages.
  • A region of intense ethnic and cultural fusion of African, European, and Native American origins.  
  • A region where most African-descended peoples of the Americas live.
  • A region with some of the largest industrial economies of the world.  
  • A region of impressive biological diversity and ecological richness.  

Upcoming in Latino/a & Latin American Studies

Events

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News

GVSU senior Simon Baker poses for a portrait outdoors.

Indigi-fest to celebrate Indigenous culture through food, dancing and other workshops

Attendees can expect to learn more about Anishanaabe language, Powwow celebrations and more.

Nov 19, 2024

exterior photo of Seidman Center, green trees and sidewalk extends through center of photo

Civil Discourse Symposium will highlight Gen Z voices with student panel

"Gen Z Voices: If We Were President" will be held November 21, 6-8:30 p.m., at the Seidman Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Nov 13, 2024

man stands and addresses room of people seated at round tables in Alumni House

StoryCorps collaborates with Talking Together to present October event

The event will highlight moderated conversations between strangers who have different political views.

Sep 26, 2024

DeVos Center building

Great Lakes History Conference speakers will relate historic substance abuse in warfare to current events

Speakers at the annual conference will explore the theme 'Intoxicated Warfare: Psychoactive Substances, Violence and Trauma.'

Sep 24, 2024

students sit in circle, Native banner with feathers at right

Native American Heritage Fund grant creates GVSU pilot program to embed Indigenous knowledge into courses

The program includes bringing in community Indigenous knowledge keepers to collaborate and co-teach with faculty members.

Sep 17, 2024

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Page last modified July 22, 2024