BIENVENIDOS!
To the Latino And Latin
American Studies Program
The Latino And Latin American Studies Program of Northeastern
Illinois University provides to you with academic and experiential
opportunities to foster a comprehensive understanding of Latinos, Latin
American and Caribbean peoples in their relationship to each other, the
United States, and the world.
The program builds on the University’s commitment to diversity and
community partnerships as it promotes pride in the values of diverse
ethnic heritages. You will also gain from the classroom environment
and
active involvement in the community through internships and related
projects.
We recognize that Latinos and the peoples of Latin America and the
Caribbean region make increasingly visible cultural, social, and economic contributions.
Their rich ancestral roots and their long history of adaptation provide
a promising blueprint for building community in an ever more diverse
world. These same populations face contemporary trends toward
increasing poverty and educational deficits, and political struggles
for justice and democracy. T hese new challenges call for the careful
articulation of creative and responsible solutions, using the very
particular assets found among Latinos, Latin Americans and Caribbeans.
In its 20th year of existence, this originally student-created program
now counts with a minor and a full set of offerings that complement the
preparation of students in other departments. The program also strives
to function as a clearinghouse for knowledge and training that takes
advantage of the unique resources that Chicago offers regarding Latino
and Latin American matters.
Two concrete projects to accomplish this goal are through collaboration
with units such as Education, Social Work. Business, Criminal Justice,
and Computer Sciences. In addition, the program is involved with The
Latino Data Project, a collaborative effort to organize census
information on Latino communities in the city to be made accessible to
students, researchers, schools, and community organizations.
