Program bridges cultures; Latin American studies minor available next fall
As the face of the nation becomes more culturally diversified, Utah State University has announced a new program and minor aimed at increasing student knowledge of peoples, cultures and countries of Latin America.
“The Latin American studies minor would benefit students of any and all majors as it demonstrates foreign language competence, international knowledge and cultural awareness,” Shannon Peterson, director of the new program, said. Students with these cultural skills are being increasingly sought by employers, she said.
Student reaction to the new program has been positive as they look forward to new learning opportunities with the formation of new classes.
“The impact of Latin America on the United States is extraordinary, but sometimes ignored by policy makers,” said Steven Thompson, a sophomore in political science. “This program will help Latin America receive the recognition it deserves in the formation of our country.”
Earning the new minor requires two years or equivalent of Spanish or Portuguese. Students are then required to take a new interdisciplinary course, Intro Latin America, after which they fulfill 15 credits with classes offered in seven different departments, Peterson said.
Peterson said she expects the number of students involved in the program to be modest initially in the fall, but expects them to grow as more students become more aware of the program.
“We were thrilled by the student and community response to this past week’s events,” she said, referring to the Latin American Cultural Extravaganza.
Peterson said the new program was made possible by a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which is aimed at improving universities’ international aspects and foreign languages. The grant also provided the funds to hire a new professor of Portuguese, she said.
Peterson said she would like to see the curriculum become its own major,which would include departments across the university, adding the program will also expand out to strengthen the community.
Spencer Holmgren, a senior in elementary education, said having the program will be beneficial in improving community communication. Holmgren, who student teaches in the ESL (English as a Second Language) program, said there is often communication difficulties between teachers and those new to the country.
“If we can increase the cultural understanding amongst everyone, we will greatly increase the quality of our educational programs,” he said. “It will help the natives of this country be better neighbors and friends if they can better understand the culture and traditions of those coming to the states, as they learn of the culture here.”
-paulgarrett@cc.usu.edu