Latin American Studies

Overview

The largest of the two programs under Western Hemisphere Studies (WHS), the Latin American Studies Program (LASP) attracts between 60 and 80 students each year and enjoys a sizable presence in the SAIS Bologna Center. The Latin American Studies Program includes coursework in international economics/finance, U.S. foreign policy and international relations.

Employment Outcomes


SAIS graduates are in great demand by employers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Economics knowledge, analytical abilities, regional expertise, diplomatic skills, language proficiency and the capacity to apply theory to real-world problems give our students a distinct professional advantage.

Meet Our Students

All Students

SAIS's academics–from the emphasis on quantitative economics to the regional and functional study areas to the robust language courses–prepare students either to begin a career in international relations or to continue toward a specific field. Additionally, students reap the benefits of being in Washington, D.C., where on any given day a diplomat or head of state may come to talk on pressing current issues

Kishor Nagula, M.A., Latin American Studies
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Career Interests

Strategy for emerging markets for large consumer goods corporation

At SAIS
  • Intern, Endeavor Global

The Curriculum


The Latin American Studies Program (LASP) offers a wide range of courses focusing on current political and economic trends in the region, comparative issues in the broader emerging markets context, as well as specialized areas of increasing relevance today such as urban policy, polling for policy makers and energy challenges.

Concentration Requirements

Program Specializations

The program’s diverse curricular and extracurricular opportunities have allowed LASP graduates to pursue successful careers in a broad array of fields. In addition to the specializations offered by the International Economics Program, students have the option of complementing their LASP regional concentration with an Emerging Markets specialization. Under the umbrella of Western Hemisphere Studies, students who choose Canadian Studies as their primary concentration may concurrently pursue a concentration in Latin American Studies.

Requirements

Additional Opportunities

Bologna Center
Approximately one-half of every incoming LASP class spends the first year of the M.A. program in the Bologna campus.

Internships and Research Fellowships
LASP offers a summer internship and fellowship program that provides placement and funding opportunities to allow students to work or carry out research in the region during the summer.

Western Hemisphere Studies Weekly Samuel Z. Stone Seminar Series
The weekly seminar series is an integral part of the program. Exploring a wide variety of timely topics, academics, diplomats, business professionals and regional specialists, give informal lectures.

International Study Trips
Students have the opportunity to take part in international study trips, contingent on available funding.

Tertulias/Bate-Papos
These student-led social events are intended to provide an opportunity to practice conversational language skills and informally discuss relevant topics of interest with native Spanish- and/or Portuguese-speakers.

Wine and Cheese Receptions
Each semester, WHS Director Riordan Roett welcomes program concentrators, staff and faculty to his residence for a social gathering.

Latin American Film Series
Interested students and WHS staff collaborate to organize a series of Latin American films to provide additional insight on cultural and historical issues in the region.

Alumni Networking
Latin American Studies graduates have established an active alumni network and maintain a close relationship with the program. To join, send contact information to sais-westernhemisphere@jhu.edu.

Events and Announcements

Upcoming Events

    There are no events scheduled at this time.

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Upcoming Events

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Announcements

There are no announcements for Latin American Studies at this time.

Faculty

Contact
Riordan Roett, Director
John McGeoch, Program Coordinator
Anne McKenzie,  Senior Academic Coordinator for Outreach and Professional Development