Latin American Studies for Technical Applications Minor

Minor In Latin American Studies for Technical Application

The minor in Latin American Studies for Technical Applications is an interdisciplinary minor that allows students to develop deeper understanding of the cultures and languages of Latin America while simultaneously honing and implementing the technical skills they are acquiring in the courses needed for their majors.  This minor aims to include students of all levels of Spanish language, including heritage and native speakers.

The minor requires 12 credit hours from an approved list of courses, with 6 credit hours taken at the 3xxx level or higher. At least two weeks (14 days) of documented experience in a Latin American country as part of an S&T-approved program is required. The lists for Areas 2 and 3 will grow as other faculty on campus develop courses as part of the minor. The minor also aims for breadth of knowledge. Therefore, courses from one area cannot count twice.

Area 1: Spanish Proficiency. To fulfill this, students must complete 6 hours of Spanish at the level of 1180 (Intermediate Spanish) or above. Courses that count towards this area include:
SPANISH 1180Intermediate Spanish4
SPANISH 2000Special Problems0-6
SPANISH 2001Special Topics3
SPANISH 2110Basic Spanish Conversation3
SPANISH 2160Hispanic Culture3
SPANISH 2170Masterpieces Of Hispanic Literature3
SPANISH 2180Intermediate Spanish Composition3
SPANISH 3000Special Problems0-6
SPANISH 3001Special Topics3
SPANISH 3100Spanish Translation for Technical Applications3
SPANISH 4000Special Problems0-6
SPANISH 4001Special Topics3
SPANISH 4302Phonetics and Phonology of Spanish3
SPANISH 4311Advanced Spanish Conversation3
SPANISH 4330Professional Spanish3
SPANISH 4350Spanish Literature, Science, and Technology3
Area 2: Technical Applications in Latin America. Students must take one of the following courses, for a total of 3 credits. Other courses will be added to Area 2 as they are developed.
CHEM ENG 5001 Special Topics TBD
GEO ENG 2407Geology and Engineering of Ancient and Modern Peru1
GEO ENG 5556Renewable Energy Systems (When the course is focused on Latin America)3
SPANISH 3100Spanish Translation for Technical Applications3
SP&M S 3235Intercultural Communication (When the course is focused on Latin America)3
Area 3: General Latin American Studies. Students must take one of the following, for a total of 3 credits. Other courses will be added at Area 3 as they are developed.
ENGLISH 3001/​TCH COM 3001Special Topics (Costa Rica in Text)3
HISTORY 3001Special Topics (History of Science & Technology in Latin America)3
SPANISH 2160Hispanic Culture3

Area 4: Experience abroad in Latin America. Students must spend at least 14 days in a Latin American country as part of an S&T-approved program, such as faculty-led study abroad, a semester- or year-long program at partner institutions, an internship, or Engineers Without Borders (EWB). This may be fulfilled via multiple trips to multiple locations within Latin America.