Latin American & Caribbean Studies The countries of Latin
America and the Caribbean represent an intertwining of Indian,
African, Asian, and European cultures with a variety of
languages such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, English, Maya,
Quechua, Aymara, and other indigenous tongues. This rich
cultural heritage has contributed substantially to the
complexity of the region. Whether in the form of new models of
economic development, varying forms of government, or innovative
social ideas, certain common developmental patterns have come to
represent the trademark of the region’s history, people, and
institutions. Given the complexity of such a diverse and pivotal
region, the Latin American and Caribbean studies minor promotes
course work in anthropology, biology, economics, political
science, international relations, history, and Brazilian,
French, and Spanish-American culture and civilization to provide
students with a broad, liberal background with which to
appreciate the intrinsic nature of Latin America and