Latin American Studies at the University of Toronto is an interdisciplinary program that provides undergraduate students with the opportunities to deepen their understanding of Latin America / Abiayala. This vast, biodiverse region with massive natural resources is home to heterogenous populations with unique cultural expressions and histories and with complex economic, political and social issues.
Courses that lead towards a Major, a Minor or a Certificate in the Latin American Studies program encourage students to pursue their special academic and professional interests while becoming proficient in the contemporary debates about Latin America within a broad and flexible interdisciplinary framework. Students engage with faculty of varied academic backgrounds and a broad disciplinary range of texts; this engagement trains them in critical readings of colonial histories, literary and anthropological genres, comparative politics, politics of indigeneity and human rights, geography and urban planning, and public health, as well as in environmental policies and the political economy of Latin America and the Americas as a transnational whole. Such knowledge is increasingly necessary for Canada, as the country enters new trade, political, environmental, and academic agreements with our hemispheric partners.
Curricular and co-curricular activities in some of the advanced level courses offer important career-development opportunities as well as personal and academic enrichment through experiential learning in Latin America. The program is ideal for students intending to pursue a variety of careers, be they in academic, or public, cultural and intellectual work, diplomacy and policy making, journalism and reporting, or business and commerce, among many others.
Following its pedagogical and research mission, LAS is a dynamic hub for academic events, interdisciplinary conversations, and student initiatives. Over the years, LAS has collaborated with different partners to foment conversation on a variety of topics related to the region. On many Wednesdays through the year, LAS offers the Latin American Studies Luncheon Series – an occasion to have your lunch while listening an expert talk on a topic related to Latin America. Keep an eye on our webpage for the announcements of future events!
The Academic Calendar lays out the sequence of the courses that need to be taken towards a program in Latin American Studies. You can also find there the LAS course descriptions and courses offered by other academic units that are pre-approved for credit in our programs. For advice and guidance regarding admission, courses, and program requirements, please contact the Program Director, at las.program@utoronto.ca
For courses offered during the current academic term, please visit the full Arts & Science Timetable Builder. Search under Faculty / Division > Arts & Science.