Coordinator: Dr. Andrea Herrera, ACAD 426
Email: aherrera@uccs.edu
Ph: (719) 255-4001
The WEST program is committed to deepening the understanding of the histories, cultures, and perspectives of groups whose stories and experiences have been marginalized, with special emphasis on those within our own community. Thus, an area that we are developing within the program is Latino/a Studies. Approached with a special emphasis on cultural and historical context, this concentration is designed to highlight the diverse experiences of the various Latino/a communities in the United States, and engage students in the ongoing debate regarding how transnational Latina/o identifications are constructed and defined in the wake of the globalization, migration, and diaspora. The courses offered in this concentration emphasize the manner in which cultural identification has been approached, theorized and defined, and the manner in which ethnic/racial, cultural and social identity has been conceptualized in terms of intertwined categories such as class, gender, and sexual or religious orientation. For WEST majors, minors, and other students wishing to concentrate in these areas, we offer a certificate of specialization in Latino/a Studies.
Given the particular demographics of the region in which we are located, a certificate in Latino/a Studies is attractive to a wide range of employers and educational institutions, including social work, graduate and professional schools, community action organizations (non-profits and NGOs), heath care providers, government agencies, and social/ legal services. Participation in the certification program also provides students with opportunities for networking and mentoring within these specializations.
To enroll in the certificate program, please meet with the coordinator to turn in the completed application form.The form is available as a PDF from the website, from the coordinator, or from the WEST office: ACAD 406, Ph. (719) 255-4553.
In order to complete the certificate program, students are required to submit a transcript and a five-page, typewritten self-reflective statement evaluating her/his perceptions regarding the knowledge gained in the concentration and implications for future scholarly and professional work. Please submit the statement to the coordinator. The certificate will be mailed to recipients upon completion of a certificate audit by the coordinator and graduation.
