Latin American Studies

Department Overview

Latin American studies is a dynamic, interdisciplinary area of study that focuses on Latin America and the Caribbean: their peoples, cultures, society, languages, literature, traditions, history, economy, and relations with other areas. Together with Hispanic studies, comparative American studies, and comparative literature, it is one of four academic programs available at Oberlin for students interested in studying the wider Spanish-speaking world.

Students majoring in Latin American studies explore the region from different disciplinary perspectives—from history to politics and literature to anthropology. In addition to Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, we encourage majors to incorporate coursework and other areas of Spanish colonization in North America. We also study the peoples of Latin American ancestry currently living in the United States.

Oberlin students graduating with a major in Latin American studies have chosen a wide range of career paths including teaching, bilingual education, social work, government or international organizations, business, journalism, and specialized nonprofit organizations. Coursework also prepares students for further graduate education in Latin American studies or its related disciplines.