Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS)

Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.

500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.

Course Fees

Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.


LALS 200. Exploring Latin America - D2, AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Exploring Latin America will allow students to develop a general appreciation and understanding of a specific region of Latin America, such as the Caribbean, the Andean region, the Southern Cone, Brazil, Central America, and Mexico. Students will consider issues related to culture and ethnicity through exploration of texts and literature examined within historical, political, and social contexts. Students will learn to recognize the rich cultural diversity of Latin America and the impact of cultural diversity on societal issues.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

LALS 310. Introduction to Latin American Studies - D2, SB3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: An interdisciplinary overview of Latin American Studies, including geography and history; social, political and economic systems; literature, culture and global issues.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

LALS 311. Introduction to Latino Studies - SB, D13 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Description: An interdisciplinary introduction to the experience and condition of Latinos in the United States.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

LALS 313. Panamanian Culture - D2, SB3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Summer Only

Description: This course provides students with an overview of Panamanian history and culture and is offered annually through the LALS Study Abroad Program in Panama.

Note: Formerly LAS 313.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

LALS 317. Social Sciences Special Topics in Latino Studies3 Units

Description: This course offers a historical overview of the rich cultural diversity of Latinos in the United States. It focuses on issues such as race and ethnicity, politics, social class, economics, and immigration, as well as contributions in the arts and literature.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

LALS 320. Special Topics in Latin American and Latino Studies-Humanities3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: This course offers a historical overview of the rich cultural diversity of Latin America. It focuses on issues such as race and ethnicity, politics, social class, and economics, as well as contributions in the arts and literature.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

LALS 321. Social Science Special Topics in Latin American Studies3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Description: This course offers a historical overview of the rich cultural diversity of Latin America. It focuses on issues such as race and ethnicity, politics, social class, and economics, as well as contributions in the arts and literature.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

LALS 400. Latin American and Latino Studies Internship - CUE, WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Senior status.

Description: The LALS Internship is a culminating undergraduate experience for seniors that requires them to apply the knowledge gained in coursework on Latin American cultures and issues concerning Latinos in the United States, and utilize Spanish linguistic skills while volunteering a minimum of 80 hours of documented work for an organization that serves the Hispanic community.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status., CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

LALS 510. Urbanism in the Global South: Cities and Space3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: This course is a reading-based seminar. We learn about processes and practices within the Latin American and African city from a spatial, cultural, economic and political perspective.

Note: Cross-listed with GEOG 510 and UPA 652.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes