Creating, Teaching, and Maintaining Latin American Studies at a Liberal Arts Institution

• In Event: Exclusiones e inclusiones. Estudios latinoamericanos, ciencia y tecnología e investigación socioeducativai

Abstract

This paper explores two themes: the obstacles and difficulties in creating a Latin American Studies Program at a small liberal arts college in the Northeast of the United States; and the challenges associated with teaching a largely homogeneous student body. While old lines are not being renewed, and new lines are geared towards the pre-professional programs, how does a newly established interdisciplinary program survive? The paper explores the challenges faced by a nascent program, and discusses the possible solutions to administrative cutbacks. Secondly, I explore the various pedagogies utilized to attract students who come from fairly similar upbringings. How does one attract students to a program in order to prove interest to the administration? Which pedagogies have worked, and which have failed? How does one incorporate language training in the program? These and other instructional tools will be discussed.

Author

• Cathy M Ouellette, Muhlenberg College