Latin American studies (LAST) is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide an integrated view of Mesoamerica, South America, and the Caribbean. The interdisciplinary approach is complemented by concentration in a specific discipline. This program thus can be adapted to the special interests of each student. A student who completes this program will receive a degree in Latin American studies with concentration in a particular department. A double major in that department is an option for Latin American studies majors.

Major requirements. Twelve semester courses are required to complete the LAST major, either six in LAST and at least six in a department of concentration; or seven in LAST and five in a department concentration. The five or six courses in the concentration need not be cross-listed with LAST. Acceptable departments of concentration are those with an affiliated LAST faculty member, i.e., Anthropology, Economics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Government, History, Music, Religion, Sociology, Spanish and Theatre. LAST majors may not concentrate in another program, (e.g., AMST) or in a college (e.g., CSS). Of the twelve courses required to complete the LAST major, three are required: LAST200 (Colonialism and its Consequences), LAST226 (Modern Latin American Literature and Civilization), and LAST245 (Survey of Latin American History). One additional LAST cross-listed social science course is also mandatory. All four of these required courses must be taken at Wesleyan. Majors must also complete the LAST research requirement by writing a paper at least 20 pages in length that is centrally concerned with Latin America, that is on a topic of the major's own choosing, and that receives a grade of B- or better. Majors also meet Stage II of the General Education Expectations. Departmental honors is awarded to majors who complete a senior thesis of exceptional quality and who have a distinguish record of coursework in the program.

Study abroad. Students may spend a semester or a year in a program in Latin America approved by the University's International Studies Committee. Additional regulations apply to Latin American studies majors. Please note that at least eight of the twelve courses required to complete the LAST major must be taken at Wesleyan.

Admission. Application to the major should be made in the second semester of the sophomore year. To become a LAST major, a student must choose a department of concentration with a LAST affiliated faculty member. That faculty member signs the student's major application form (available on the LAST web site) and major acceptance card after certifying (a): that a student has demonstrated competence in either Spanish or Portuguese; (b): that a student's Academic History shows interest and competency in both Latin American Studies and the department of concentration; and (c): that the student is likely, in short order, to complete Stage I of the General Education Expectations. After the faculty member signs these forms, the student brings the signed Major Application and Academic History to an administrative assistant in the Center for the Americas and the signed Major Acceptance card to the registrar. Only after each of these items is received is the student admitted to the major.