When institutions attempt to provide courses centered upon a certain ethnic group there are always a few underlying doubts: Will this be an accurate representation of the culture, history, and experience of members of that group? Is everything going to be presented through a colonial or white-washed lens? Looking at the Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) minor at Penn, there is a surprisingly well structured curriculum and variety of courses to choose from that encompass the Latin American perspective. In doing so, the minor provides students with the opportunity to explore the differing experiences of the indigenous and Latino populations in the United States through social sciences, cultural criticisms, and the discussion of Latin American history.
It is, of course, inevitable for the minor to place some sort of colonial lens on Latin America, as colonialism was a big part of its history; but it is pleasant to see that Latin America is being studied beyond that. With course offerings such as The Immigrant City (LALS 273-401), The African Diaspora: Global Dimensions (LALS 078-401), Narratives of La Selva (LALS 397-402), and Staging Gender in Latin America (LALS 395-401) the minor provides a platform for the discussion of various issues and communities within the Latin American world. These courses explore the impact of religion and social constructs in gender and sexuality, and discuss the indigenous and Afro-Latinx communities at great length.
A favorable point in the program is the tendency of professors to complement formal sources with their experiences. The courses are taught by a predominantly Latino staff, who takes the time to insert its own perspectives and experiences during class. This makes the material being covered more real and relatable to those who have had little exposure to Latin America.
The minor not only provides a look into the culture and history of Latin America, but also requires that students take language courses in either Spanish or Portuguese. This is important because language is an integral part of the Latinx community. Beyond that, the minor encourages students to go abroad and experience the language and culture themselves in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil. Travelling gives students the opportunity to learn what is beyond the classroom, creating a more impactful experience. Experiencing it first hand is a more effective way to build an appreciation and understanding of what is being discussed.
While no course of study can fully capture the Latinx experience, the LALS minor certainly does provide ample opportunity for those who are interested in immersing themselves in a well-versed curriculum that explores the perspectives of both the Latino population and the indigenous populations of Latin America.
Written by Natasha Chity-Guevara