Latin American Culture

<h2 id="section---IsLatinAmericanCultureForMe">Is Latin American Culture for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---OverviewOfTheField">Overview of the Field</h3> <p>Latin America encompasses the Caribbean Islands and countries from Mexico to Chile in North and South America. Spanish and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Portuguese_Translator.html">Portuguese</a> are the primary languages spoken in Latin America, with <a href="https://learn.org/articles/French_Language_Courses_and_Degree_Programs_Your_Questions_Answered.html">French</a> and local dialects spoken less frequently. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationOverview">Education Overview</h3> <p>Students who major in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Distance_Learning_Latin_American_Studies_Programs.html">Latin American studies</a> focus on the diverse societies and cultures of this part of the world. Coursework is usually interdisciplinary and might cover topics in American history, globalization <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Immigration_Law_Courses_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">immigration</a> and transnationalism. Programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and can lead to a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Some colleges and universities also offer dual degree programs, which can culminate in a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies and a degree in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_an_Executive_Juris_Doctorate_JD_Law_Degree.html">law</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Business_Administration_BSBA_Bachelors_Degree.html">business administration</a> or community and regional planning. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>Successful completion of a degree program in Latin American studies may lead to careers in business, the nonprofit sector and education. Other career tracks include working for government agencies like the Foreign Service and Peace Corps, as well as international organizations, such as the United Nations and World Bank. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOutlookAndSalaryInformation">Career Outlook and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Education_is_Needed_for_College_Professors.html">university professors</a> who teach area, ethnic and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Cultural_Studies.html">cultural studies</a> earned a mean annual wage of $77,550 in May 2013. In the same year, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Lawyer_Become_a_Lawyer_in_5_Steps.html">lawyers</a> earned a mean annual wage of $131,990, while <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Management_Analyst.html">management analysts</a> earned $89,990 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInLatinAmericanCulture">How Can I Work in Latin American Culture?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3> <p>You can begin by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Iberian and Latin American Cultures. Over the course of four years, you'll most likely take courses in Latin American history and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Literature_Degrees_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">literature</a>, art, music and folklore. Cultural perspectives and topics in government and politics will also be covered, along with instruction in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelors_Degree_in_Spanish_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">Spanish</a> and Portuguese. Studying abroad can be beneficial; destinations can include Santiago, Chile or Barcelona, Spain, as well as Brazil and Portugal. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>Master of Arts and Ph.D. degrees are also available in Iberian and Latin American cultures, with a working knowledge of Spanish required for the latter. Graduate courses can include topics in literary and cultural theory, as well as advanced language courses in Portuguese or Catalan. Courses devoted to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Art_History.html">art history</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Where_Can_I_Earn_a_Linguistics_Degree_Through_Distance_Learning.html">linguistics</a>, education and philosophy may also play a major role in the curriculum. Areas of specialization associated with a Ph.D. program can include medieval Iberian literature, colonial culture or U.S. Latin/Chicano relations. As a Ph.D. candidate, you'll also research, write and defend a dissertation related to your field of special interest.</p>