CLACLS Undergraduate Certificate Requirements

The undergraduate Certificate Program constitutes the heart of the Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies offerings. The Certificate Program enables students, regardless of their major, to develop a concentration in Latin American/Latino Studies as a supplement to their regular disciplinary studies. Students entering the Certificate Program have an opportunity to study the Latin American area from the perspective of diverse disciplines and points of view. Those students who fulfill the requirements of the program are awarded a Certificate in Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies attesting to their achievements in language and area studies. There are two tracks within the Certificate Program, and their requirements are listed below. One track emphasizes language proficiency, and the other area studies. Students wishing further information or those who intend to complete the program, should contact the chief advisor.

Track A: Language Emphasis

1. Languages

a) Students must demonstrate a practical working knowledge, defined as the ability to engage in ordinary conversations and to read mature but nontechnical material, of Spanish or Portuguese. This knowledge may be demonstrated by examination or by satisfactory performance in either SPAN 311 or 312; or either PORT 311 or 312.

b) Completion of the two beginning semesters of the other language (Spanish or Portuguese), or demonstration of equivalent competency by examination.

2. Area Studies

Successful completion of four courses with Latin American, Caribbean or Latino studies content selected from at least three distinct disciplines. A list of available courses that may be applied to the requirements is compiled every semester, and may be obtained at the Center and the Center’s website. At least one of these courses must have Latin@ content.

Track B: Area Studies Emphasis

1. Languages

Students must demonstrate a practical working knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese. For details see Track A, 1a.

2. Area Studies

Successful completion of six courses with Latin American, Caribbean or Latino studies content selected from at least three distinct disciplines, with no more than three from any one discipline. One of these courses must be taught entirely in Spanish or Portuguese. A list of available courses that may be applied to the requirements is compiled every semester, and may be obtained at the Center and the Center’s website.

Requirements may be satisfied by both regular course offerings and special topics and seminars. A list of available courses that may be applied to the requirements is compiled every semester, and may be obtained at the Center and the Center’s website. These typically include offerings in Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Education, Geography, History, Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies, Legal Studies, Political Science, Portuguese, Sociology, Spanish, and Women Studies. Appropriate courses from the Five College offerings may also be used to fulfill requirements.

Notes on Requirements:

1. All courses applied to the requirements of the Certificate and the Minor must be completed with grades of “C” or better.

2. At least one half of the courses for the Certificate and the Minor must be completed on the University’s Amherst campus.

3. Courses completed at other institutions, including the Five Colleges, must be approved by petition to the Chief Advisor of the program.

4. Independent Study, internships, practicums, or honor thesis credits may not be included as part of the first 15 credit hours required.

5. No more than two courses used to satisfy the requirements for the Certificates program may be applied toward another Certificate program

6. The Certificate is awarded at the time of graduation, and will not be awarded if Bachelor’s Degree requirements are not completed.