Latin American Studies

The Latin American Studies (LAS) Project at Nassau Community College offers courses and promotes academic and cultural events that broaden knowledge about and understanding of Latin America and Latino communities in the U.S.; that foster civic engagement; and that lead to an appreciation of the rich cultures of Latin American nations, which include the Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

As our world’s economic and political systems have become increasingly interconnected and global in nature, the study of the arts, cultures, domestic issues, economics, geography, history, international relations, languages, politics and religions of Latin America is now more vital than ever.  Given that Latinos comprise the fastest growing minority in the U.S., the study of the history, experiences, contributions and social fabric of diverse Latino communities is equally essential.  

Students may take two interdisciplinary courses—LAS 101 Introduction to Latin American Studies and LAS 105 Introduction to Latino/a Studies in the U.S.—as well as department-specific courses (for example, HIS 220 History of Modern Latin America, HIS 222 Modern Mexico and Central America, SPA 251 & 252 Practical Spanish for Medical Personnel, and LAS 222/Eng 222 Latin American Literature).  These courses meet one or more SUNY and NCC General Education requirements and transfer to other colleges and universities (for instance, at Hofstra, LAS 101 is equivalent to LACS001 and LAS 105 to LACS 999).

Latin American and Latino/a Studies at NCC can be a gateway to additional study and varied job opportunities or careers, such as immigration attorney, college admission counselor, community affairs specialist, cultural affairs officer, customer relations representative, drug enforcement agent, educator,  human resources specialist, journalist, interpreter, social worker, translator, travel agent/writer; international media planner, international relations or trade specialist, U.S. Foreign Service officer, CIA/FBI agent, Peace Corps/VISTA worker, USAID environmental officer. Employment may be found at advertising companies, airlines, airports, banks, book publishers, clinics / hospitals, consumer organizations, hotels, manufacturing companies, restaurants, resorts, public relation firms.

The LAS Project also sponsors a rich variety of lectures that are free and open to the public. Two-thousand-nine featured CUNY professor Dr. Sherrie Baver's lecture on the changing nature of Latino immigration to New York; Hood College Dr. Griselda Zuffi's lecture on testimonial narratives of post-dictatorship in Argentina and Chile; Cuban-American Hugo Perez's talk on his journey as a video-/filmmaker and the influence of his Latino background on his work; and John Jay College of Criminal Justice professor/Episcopal priest Dr. Luis Barrios' scholarly deconstruction of the myths and stereotypes associated with Latino/as.    

The LAS Project is supported by the LAS Committee, whose members include faculty and staff from various departments and offices at the College. Any NCC faculty and staff member interested in joining the LAS Committee should contact the LAS Project Coordinator for meeting dates.  

For more information, please contact the LAS Project Coordinator:      
Dr. Ines Shaw
E-mail:  Ines.Shaw@ncc.edu
Phone:  516.572.7840