Program Overview
Develop a deeper understanding of the diverse heritage and cultures of Latin America, the product of one of the most dramatic intersections of human societies in world history.
Using tools from anthropology, Spanish, economics, government, art, and history, explore the vast mosaic of peoples and places that comprise Latin America. Match your major and your interests to help shape your perspective. Expand on the cultural and linguistic skills you learn in Spanish courses. Broaden your international understanding by learning more about this vibrant region that plays such a dynamic role in the development of our world.
Spotlight
Lawrentian Spotlight
Alumni Perspective
“Lawrence University’s liberal arts curriculum gave me the opportunity to master critical thinking and collaborative research skills. The Latin American Studies program, gave me a space to map, explore, and weave together ideas and projects; allowing me to participate in the esteemed Harrison Symposium.”
Meralis Álvarez ’22, Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President at Lawrence University Global Studies, Spanish, Latin American Studies Appleton, Wisconsin
Get Global
Hone your language skills and experience places, cultures, and people with study abroad programs like international development in Ecuador or sustainability in Costa Rica.
The Chandler Senior Experience
You can work closely with Latin American Studies faculty to develop a Senior Experience project that incorporates your studies in this field.
Recent Senior Experiences include:
- Gender and Revolution in the Gothic Novel
- Cognitive Disability in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Fiction
Advising
At Lawrence, academic advising helps you shape an educational experience that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your faculty advisor will support you as you plan your path, connect with campus resources and communities, and make informed decisions that prepare you for a meaningful and fulfilling future.
Faculty
Engage deeply and collaboratively with professors who are experts in their field and committed to supporting your education.
Chairs
Gustavo C. Fares
Professor of Spanish
Fares’ topics of research include Latin American cultural studies, legal studies, visual arts, and border studies. He is the author of five books, among them: Domingo F. Sarmiento’s Argirópolis, A Critical Translation (New…
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Jose L. Encarnacion (He/Him/His)
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies
jose.l.encarnacion@lawrence.edu
José L. Encarnación leads the jazz improvisation classes, directs the LU Jazz Band, coaches jazz small groups, teaches applied jazz saxophone, coordinates the jazz performance program and Chairs the Jazz…
View Full Profile Gustavo C. Fares
Professor of Spanish
Fares’ topics of research include Latin American cultural studies, legal studies, visual arts, and border studies. He is the author of five books, among them: Domingo F. Sarmiento’s Argirópolis, A Critical Translation (New…
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Dylan B. Fitz
Associate Professor of Economics
I teach courses in development economics, the economics of altruism and effective altruism, economic growth, poverty traps, Latin American economic development, and advanced econometrics.
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Jake Frederick
Jean Lampert Woy and J. Richard Woy Professor of History
Jake Frederick specializes in colonial Mexican history. He is the author of "Riot! Tobacco, Reform, and Violence in Eighteenth-Century Mexico" (Sussex, 2016), and co-author, with Tatiana Seijas, of "Spanish Dollars…
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Rosa Tapia (she/ella)
Professor of Spanish
Spanish and Latin American film and 20th-century Spanish literature. National Chief Academic Consultant for AP Spanish. Co-organizer of LULASFF, Latin American and Spanish Film Fest (see 2022 video here). Publications include…
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Timothy X. Troy (he/him)
J. Thomas and Julie E. Hurvis Professor of Theatre and Drama and Professor of Theatre Arts
Timothy X. Troy (playwright & stage director) is the Hurvis Professor of Theatre and Drama at Lawrence University. Regular teaching areas include acting, directing, script analysis, and playwrighting. Professor Troy’s…
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