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

Major programs. Twelve semester courses are required to complete the LAST major, (a) six in LAST and at least six in a department of concentration; or (b) 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, currently economics, earth and environmental sciences, government, history, music, religion, sociology, spanish, and theater. LAST majors may not concentrate in another program, (e.g., AMST) or in a college (e.g., CSS). Of the 12 courses required to complete the LAST major, three are required: LAST200 (Colonialism and Its Consequences in the Americas), LAST226 (Spanish American Literature and Civilization), and LAST245 (Survey of Latin American History). One additional LAST cross-listed social science course is also required. 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 are awarded to majors who complete a senior thesis of exceptional quality and who have a distinguish record of course work 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 12 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. Admission requires competence in either Spanish or Portuguese and an academic record that shows ability both in Latin American studies and in the intended department of concentration. All LAST majors are expected to complete Stage II of the general education expectations and to maintain a grade point average of B- or better in all LAST cross-listed courses taken at Wesleyan. To become a LAST major, a student submits an electronic major declaration, downloads from the LAST Web page a LAST Major Application Form and Status Sheet, and brings the two completed forms to the LAST chair's mailbox in the Center for the Americas. The core LAST faculty reviews these documents and the student's academic record to make sure that the student is prepared to become a LAST major. If so, the application is approved.