Riordan Roett, Director
Western Hemisphere Studies (WHS) brings together the faculty and curriculum of the Canadian Studies Program (CSP) and the Latin American Studies Program (LASP) to offer students an integrated view and understanding of the dynamics of change in North and South America in the 21st century.
WHS students choose a concentration in either Canadian Studies or in Latin American Studies. In both concentrations, students are required to take the WHS core course, Theory and Practice of Politics in Latin America (or its equivalent in Bologna), in addition to taking a course from the other concentration. LASP students choose one course from among the CSP offerings, and CSP students choose one course from the LASP curriculum.
WHS students must take a total of six courses, including those previously mentioned, to fulfill their concentration requirements. LASP concentrators must also fulfill the Latin American history exam requirement (go to www.sais-jhu.edu/academics/regional-studies/latin-america/history-exam.htm). Students concentrating in LASP may not pursue a second concentration beyond International Economics.
Internships
One of the most popular components of Western Hemisphere Studies is the Summer Internship/Research Fellowship Program in Latin America and Canada. Since 1979, the program has provided stipends to allow students to learn firsthand about business operations and field work in Latin America and now also Canada. The internship placements in the private, public and nonprofit sectors have spanned the region and have been as diverse as the interests of participating students. The internships and research fellowships have allowed students to utilize their SAIS education to gain important hands-on training in the field.
The application process is competitive. On an annual basis, 20 to 25 students receive summer internship or research fellowship stipend funding. For lists of recent placements as well as application guidelines, visit www.sais-jhu.edu/academics/regional-studies/whs/internships.htm.
Co-curricular Activities
Informal lectures are offered by academics, diplomats, business professionals and Latin American and Canadian specialists on varied topics of interest throughout the semester. These sessions are an integral part of the program and offer an excellent opportunity to extend the SAIS learning experience outside the formal classroom setting.
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