Center for Latin American Studies The Center for Latin American Studies coor- dinates teaching, research, and service activities related to Latin America and the Caribbean. The Center offers both a minor and an undergradu- ate certificate in Latin American Studies, which are intended to prepare students for graduate studies in the social sciences and the humanities, or for a career in business, government, or edu- cation dealing with Latin America and the Caribbean. The minor is intended to provide stu- dents with basic cultural and language training in an important world region. The more inten- sive certificate program is designed for those students who plan to live in Latin America, work with Latin Americans, or interpret Latin American culture to others. If they wish, stu- dents may earn both the minor and certificate. The minor and the certificate are offered in conjunction with the following colleges: Agri- culture, Architecture, Business Administration, Education, Fine Arts, Journalism and Commu- nication, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. Both the minor and the certificate are coordinated with a departmental major leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. Students must fulfill their respective college and depart- mental requirements for the B.A. or B.S. degree. Minor ip Latin American Studies A minor in Latin American Studies requires 18 credit hours of Latin American courses, dis- tributed as follows: 1) one semester of the cen- ter's interdisciplinary seminar, LAS 4935; 2) achieve intermediate mid-proficiency in a Latin American Language (Spanish, SPN 2240, Por- tuguese, POR 3240, or Haitian Creole, HAl 3230) or its equivalent; 3) at least two semesters (6 credits) of Latin American content courses outside the major. Only courses above the 2000 level will count towards the minor. Students with a prior knowledge of a Latin American lan- guage must take a placement test to prove equivalent proficiency. A maximum of nine credits of language can be applied towards the minor. Students can obtain an application for the undergraduate minor at the Office of the Uni- versity Registrar in Criser Hall. Awarding of the minor will occur upon certification by the undergraduate coordinator of the Center for Latin American Studies, or other authorized representative, that the applicant has completed the requirements. Such award will appear on the student's University of Florida transcript. Undergraduate Certificate in Latin American Studies The undergraduate certificate requires 24 credits of Latin American courses, distributed as follows: 1) at least one semester of the center's interdisciplinary seminar, LAS 4935; 2) achieve intermediate mid-proficiency in a Latin Ameri- can Language (Spanish, SPN 2240, Portuguese, POR 3240, or Haitian Creole, HAI 3230) or its equivalent; 3) Latin American courses taken within the major, whenever possible; 4) at least 9 credits of Latin American courses outside the major, which must include at least one social science and one humanities course. Students interested in the certificate should consult with the associate director, Center for Latin American Studies, 319 Grinter Hall, and with their departmental academic advisors. Study in Latin America Candidates for both the minor and the cer- tificate are encouraged to spend a summer liv- ing in a Latin American country. The university sponsors study opportunities in Latin America which are open to University of Florida stu- dents and other interested parties. The programs in Brazil and Mexico combine three valuable features. First, they provide high quality language training by native instructors at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Second, they immerse participants in the culture of the host country by housing them with care- fully selected local families. Third, they keep costs within reach of most student budgets. Interested students can obtain information about the Brazil and Mexico programs at the Office of International Studies and Programs, 123 Tigert Hall. Portuguese Language Program in Brazil Since 1978, the university has conducted a summer Portuguese course in Brazil, held at the Institute Brasil-Estados Unidos. The program provides six weeks of instruction in Portuguese language and Brazilian studies, awarding six credits of transfer credits. Participants must have completed a semester of Portuguese or two years of Spanish before leaving for Rio. Language, Culture, and Ecology Program in Mexico Since 1985, the center has sponsored a sum- mer and academic year program at the Univer- sidad Aut6noma de Yucatan, in Merida, Mexico. The summer program includes courses in intermediate and advanced Spanish as well as a course in either tropical ecology or social science. Students receive five hours credit for Spanish and four hours credit for the ecology or social science course. The academic year pro- gram is for students with advanced Spanish. They take regular courses at the Universidad Aut6noma de Yucatan under the sponsorship of the University of Florida. Participants should have at least one semester of Spanish to be eligi- ble for the summer program and two years of Spanish for the academic year program. Guar- anteed loans may be used for these programs. Other Activities The center sponsors speakers, an annual conference, a film series, art exhibits, and mu- sical performances; supports publication of scholarly works and newsletters; provides edu- cational outreach service; and cooperates with other parts of the university in overseas research and training programs. Most of these activities are open to undergraduates.