The major consists of 12 courses plus a related immersion experience. All must be selected in consultation with the Advisor.

Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.

NOTE: This Catalog describes Weinberg College BA requirements that pertain to students who matriculated at Northwestern after spring quarter 2023. Refer to the Archives if you are following BA requirements described in the 2018-2019 through 2022-2023 editions.

12 Required courses for the major:

• 1 introductory course: Either LATINO 201-0 Introduction to Latina and Latino Studies or LATINO 203-0 Introduction to Latina & Latino Cultural Studies. If students take both, only one will count towards the major.
• 1 senior-year seminar: LATINO 395-0 Capstone Seminar in Latina & Latino Studies.  All majors are required to enroll. 
• 7 core courses in Latina and Latino Studies:
  • Up to three can be selected from 200 level courses. The remainder must be 300 level courses.
  • One of these core courses must have a focus on history.
  • One of these core courses must have a focus on gender and/or sexuality.
• 3  courses in comparative race and ethnic studies: 
  • Two courses must address the experiences of indigenous populations or other racialized groups in the U.S. 
  • One course can address peoples or places in Latin America and/or the Caribbean. 
  • At least two courses must be at the 300 level. 
  • Courses are typically drawn from, but not limited to, African American Studies, Asian American Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies or American Studies. 

Required Immersion Experience

All majors must have an immersion experience with Latina and Latino communities in the United States or a transnational counterpart. Courses for the immersion experience may double-count toward elective and required courses for the major with permission of advisor.

Examples of immersion experiences include but are not limited to:

• Study abroad in Mexico or Latin America
• Chicago Field Studies
• Senior thesis in Latina and Latino Studies
• Independently proposed research or internship
• Civic Engagement Capstone Research Project (SESP 299-1 & SESP 299-2) if it relates to Latina/o communities
• Youth Participatory Action Research
• 2 performance-based courses in theater, dance, communication, sound design or performance with a US Latina/o focus.

Independent Study in Latina and Latino Studies

Students may work on an approved independent study or thesis in Latina and Latino Studies under the supervision of a faculty member (LATINO 399-0 Independent Study in Latina and Latino Studies). Students must submit a proposal, including a reading list, to the program director and receive confirmation from the faculty member supervising the independent study.  Seniors may complete a senior thesis regardless of whether or not they qualify for honors nomination. 

Honors in Latina and Latino Studies

Majors with strong academic records and an interest in pursuing honors should apply by the end of junior year. The application includes a project proposal and approval from a faculty thesis adviser, who may be from another department. Accepted students complete a senior thesis or project through 2 quarters of independent study (LATINO 399-0 Independent Study in Latina and Latino Studies). Taken in fall and spring of senior year, both quarters of LATINO 399-0 may count toward the major requirements.

Students whose theses and grades meet program criteria are recommended to the college for graduation with honors. For more information see the Latina and Latino Studies Honors and Honors in the Major.