Latin American and Latino Studies

Swarthmore’s Latin American and Latino Studies Program explores the rich diversity—as well as the similarities—among and within Latin American countries and cultures. The Program also investigates the broad dynamics shaping Latino experiences in the United States.

Participants in the program engage with a variety of disciplines to consider what defines “Latin America.” Spoken language; literature; pre-colonial, colonial, and modern history; native, immigrant, and diasporic experiences; politics; socioeconomic conditions; religion; social structures; architecture; and political borders are all considered in this far-ranging and inclusive course of study.

Students may add a minor or special major in Latin American and Latino Studies. Courses from art history, history, modern languages and literatures, political science, religion, sociology and anthropology contribute to this exciting interdisciplinary program.

Most of our students spend one semester in Latin America. Studying beyond the traditional classroom walls provides students with invaluable opportunities for enriching intellectual experiences and personal growth.

Isabella Smull '16

Congratulations to Isabella Smull ’16, Latin American and Latino studies honors minor, who was selected as a Boren Scholar this year which supports a federal initiative to deepen the pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills.

Sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), the Boren award provides funding and encouragement to develop language skills and experiences in countries critical to the stability of the U.S., and to help the federal sector address and respond to global issues.

“I was ecstatic and very thankful to find out that I’ve been given the opportunity to take the next step — to move beyond my studies and toward taking action,” says Smull, an Honors political science major from Kensington, California.

Smull will spend the next academic year at The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, becoming fluent in Portuguese while studying international and regional security issues. She will also research emerging security and development issues at Igarapé Institute.

Smull also received the 2016 Janice Bond Senior Award from the Pan American Association of Philadelphia for her outstanding excellence in Latin American Studies.

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College

Latin American and Latino Studies

Latin American and Latino Studies