Latin America is the product of one of the most dramatic intersections of human societies in world history. Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans began a process that has created a politically, socially, and economically complex region. Latin America and its peoples have played a vital role in the development of the modern world, and that role is only increasing at the start of the 21st century. The minor in Latin American Studies provides students an opportunity to study this field from a variety of disciplinary angles. By employing the tools of various disciplines, including anthropology, Spanish, economics, government, history, and others, students can begin the process of understanding this vast mosaic of peoples and nations.