Phone: (845) 257-3489 (Program Director) or (845) 257-3480 (Program Secretary)
Location: OM 303C (Program Director)
Web Address: www.newpaltz.edu/las

Latin American & Caribbean Studies (LACS) offers students a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on the history, geography, economies, political systems, artistic and literary expressions, and activism of this vibrant region. Our programs -- a major leading to Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees and an 18-credit minor -- offer insights on both the common cultural formations and the different and unique cultures that give life to this region of the world. Following a Hemispheric approach, the LACS program focuses on the many relationships between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States, enabling students to learn about Latinx experiences, memories and histories.

One of the unique qualities of our program is the student's role in designing a plan of study. Both the LACS major and minor require our foundational course LAM270 Introduction to Latin American Studies and allow students to select classes, by advisement, from a wide range of course offerings housed in more than ten departments.

LACS faculty are active scholars from a wide range of academic disciplines, including anthropology, Black studies, communication studies, economics, education, English, Francophone studies, geography, history, political science, sociology, Spanish, theatre arts, and women's, gender, and sexuality studies. The interdisciplinary character of the program and faculty ensures that students approach Latin America, the Caribbean and the Latinx experience from a wide variety of perspectives. Study abroad, internships, talks by prominent Latin American artists and scholars, and many extra-curricular social and cultural activities provide opportunities for students to relate directly to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Consistent with an interdisciplinary approach, students often combine LACS with other fields of study by declaring the minor or a double major. Majors in international business, communication, Spanish, and international relations find that a second major in LACS enhances their career options in the global market. Graduates with expertise in Latin America are sought by employers in many professions, including academia, business, education, government, law enforcement, medical and social services, international companies/organizations, and non-profits.

LAM270. Introduction to Latin American Studies. 3 Credits.

Broad historical and geographic outlines of Latin America stressing cultural diversity, economic development, and revolution and militarism. Case studies of individual countries.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Effective Expression/Written
  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE4: World Civilizations
  • GE3: WRLD

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

LAM271. Latinx America. 3 Credits.

An exploration of the role and position of Latinx communities within the United States and their relation with Latin America and the Caribbean; an exploration of Latinx history, cultural expressions, and representative voices.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE4: United States Studies

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

LAM293. Latin Am Select Topics. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May be repeated for credit

LAM295. Indep Study Latin Amer & Carri. 1-12 Credits.

May be repeated for credit

LAM393. Latin Am Select Topics. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

LAM399. Modular Course. 1 Credit.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

LAM493. Latin AM Selected Topics. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

LAM494. Latin American Fieldwork. 1-12 Credits.

May be repeated for credit

LAM495. Indep Study Latin Americ. 1-12 Credits.

The required senior capstone course for Latin American Studies majors is a 3-credit independent study project, supervised by a member of the Latin American Studies faculty and completed during the student's final semester.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

Albi, Christopher
Associate Professor, History
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin; J.D., University of Toronto
Office: JFT 208
Phone: (845) 257-3587
E-mail: albic@newpaltz.edu

Aldana, Ligia
Associate Professor, Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Ph.D., University of Miami
Office: OM 204
Phone: (845) 257-3487
E-mail: aldanal@newpaltz.edu

Barros, Cesar
Associate Professor, Languages, Literatures & Cultures;
Director, Latin American & Caribbean Studies
Ph.D., Washington University
Office: OM 303C
Phone: (845) 257-3489
E-mail: barrosc@newpaltz.edu

Bueno, Cruz
Assistant Professor, Black Studies
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Office: OM B120B
Phone: (845) 257-2721
E-mail: buenoc@newpaltz.edu

Béjar Lara, Adolfo
Assistant Professor, Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Ph.D., University of Arizona
Office: OM 303A
Phone: (845) 257-3486
E-mail: bejarlaa@newpaltz.edu

Duhaney, Devon
Associate Professor, Adolescence Education
Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
Office: OM 323A
Phone: (845) 257-2850
E-mail: duhaneyd@newpaltz.edu

Ebert, Laura
Lecturer, Economics
Ph.D., New School for Social Research
Office: SCB 141
Phone: (845) 257-2357
E-mail: ebertl@newpaltz.edu

Fenouillet, Paul
Lecturer, Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Office: OM 308B
Phone: (845) 257-2623
E-mail: fenouilp@newpaltz.edu

Fitzpatrick, Patricia
Associate Professor, Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Ph.D., Florida International University
Office: OM 303D
Phone: (845) 257-3519
E-mail: fitzpatp@newpaltz.edu

Junge, Benjamin
Professor, Anthropology
Ph.D., Emory University
Office: WH 332
Phone: (845) 257-2697
E-mail: jungeb@newpaltz.edu

Lefkowitz, Joel
Associate Professor, Political Science & International Relations
Ph.D., CUNY Graduate Center
Office: JFT 818
Phone: (845) 257-3792
E-mail: lefkowij@newpaltz.edu

Nystrom, Kenneth
Professor, Anthropology
Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Office: WH 320
Phone: (845) 257-2986
E-mail: nystromk@newpaltz.edu

Pabón, Jessica
Associate Professor, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Ph.D., New York University
Office: JFT 300
Phone: (845) 257-2979
E-mail: pabonj@newpaltz.edu

Persaud, Jerry
Assistant Professor, Digital Media & Journalism
Ph.D., York University
Office: 
Phone: (845) 257-2631
E-mail: persaude@newpaltz.edu

Porras, Luz
Lecturer, Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Office: OM 205
Phone: (845) 257-2299
E-mail: porrasl@newpaltz.edu

Rojas-Sosa, Deyanira
Associate Professor, Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Office: OM 304
Phone: (845) 257-2298
E-mail: rojassod@newpaltz.edu

Roschelle, Anne
Professor, Sociology
Ph.D., University at Albany
Office: SCB 108
Phone: (845) 257-3502
E-mail: roschela@newpaltz.edu

Velez-Velez, Roberto
Associate Professor, Sociology
Ph.D., University at Albany
Office: JFT 512
Phone: (845) 257-3506
E-mail: velezr@newpaltz.edu