The course of study for program participants is interdisciplinary, with a minimum total of six courses.
Students working toward the Course Requirements below should note that a minimum of three departments must be represented, with no more than half of the courses originating in a single academic unit. Students may count toward this certificate no more than two courses that are being used to fulfill the requirements of any major, minor, or other certificate.
Students working toward a certificate in Latino/a Studies in the Global South are encouraged (but not required) to declare it by their fourth semester.
To enroll in the certificate program, students should officially declare their intention to pursue the certificate through academic advising (first- and second-year students), or through the Office of the University Registrar (juniors and seniors) and should also meet in person with the Program Coordinator for Latino/a studies to complete required paperwork and discuss the academic plan.
Course Requirements - 6 Courses
Introductory Course (1)
Choice of either LSGS 201 or 201S (Introduction to Latino/a Studies in the Global South). Preferably in their first or sophomore year, all students will take this interdisciplinary introduction course with socio-historical basis.
Electives (4)
Students must take four elective courses, three of which must be at or above the 200-level. For these four electives, at least one must be a humanities course, and one a social science course. Qualifying courses may come from the sample list, or may include other courses not listed (new courses, special topics courses, and independent study) that have at least 50 percent of course content on Latino/as or Latino/a Studies and with term papers or other major projects focusing on this field. Language courses directly applicable to students' work in the certificate (e.g. in American indigenous languages or languages relevant to the study of Latino/a migrations to other areas of the Global South) can also be considered. Courses taken abroad with Latino/a Studies content that appear on the Duke transcript may also count toward the four elective course total. To determine if specific courses meet requirements for the certificate, students should consult the Program Coordinator. Students may take up to two elective courses for the certificate at UNC-Chapel Hill, following the 50 percent guideline above, in consultation with the Program. Students may also wish to take advantage of house courses offered on Latino/a Studies topics, although house courses cannot satisfy any requirement of the certificate.
Capstone Course (1)
All students will take the interdisciplinary capstone seminar — LSGS 495S (Capstone in Latino/a Studies in the Global South), or an equivalent advanced offering with Program approval, preferably in their senior year.