Latino/a Studies Undergraduate Certificate (WEST)

Coordinator: Dr. Andrea Herrera, COH 1025D, Email: aherrera@uccs.edu, (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 Latino/a identifications are constructed and defined in the wake of 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 marketable 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 certificate program also provides students with opportunities for networking and mentoring within these specializations.

Certificate in Latino/a Studies - After completing the pre-requisite WEST 2010  Introduction to Race and Gender, students are required to take 12 credits (4 courses) under the WEST prefix. Nine of the 12 credits must be upper division. A minimum grade of 2.0 (C) is required for each course applied toward the certificate.

To enroll in the certificate program, please meet with the coordinator to turn in the completed application form. 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.

Course selection guidelines:

• Independent studies may not be used to earn this certificate.
• All courses must be offered through the WEST program and/or affiliates.

Students may enroll in the certificate program by completing a brief application available on the website (www.uccs.edu/west), from the coordinator, or at the WEST office: Columbine suite 1025, tel. (719) 255-4553.