Why study with LACS
LACS is widely recognized for its research and teaching that conceptually bridges the study of Latin America and the Caribbean with Latina/o Studies. LACS prepares its students to comprehend the complexity and richness of the transnational Latina/o experience, to develop an understanding for distinctive histories and development of Latin American and Caribbean nations, and to mature into socially conscious and critically informed individuals with the necessary skills to professionally succeed and positively influence society.
Interdisciplinary approaches, new research methods, a rethinking of concepts such as nation, borders and racial and cultural identity were needed to understand the contemporary reality of Latinidad. LACS prepares students in all these areas. LACS majors have embarked on careers in education, media, law, social services, non-profit advocacy and social justice organizations, health care, public policy, translation, urban planning, and higher education.
Why LACS is important
People of Latin American or Caribbean origins make up about 18.3% of the population of the United States, about 60 million people. This makes the United States the third largest Latin American nation after Brazil and Mexico. While the vast majority of Latinx live permanently in the United States, their racial and ethnic identity, linguistic practices, creative and artistic expressions and social values are nourished by the cultural traditions and historical legacies of their countries of origin.
Globalization, advances in social media and communication technologies, expanded affordable air travel have created virtual translocal and transnational Latina/o communities. Because of the profound demographic changes in the U.S., it is increasingly more important for students to develop an understanding of the diverse cultures and histories, and the interconnectness of Latin America and Latinx communities.
Publications by Latin American, Caribbean and U.S. Latino Studies Faculty
Recent News
Office of Diversity and Inclusion Announces 2023 Diversity Transformation Award Winners
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) has announced the winners of the 2023 Diversity Transformation Awards. Among this year’s recipients are projects aiming to support UAlbany’s BILPOC faculty, undocumented students and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as efforts to increase presence of historically underrepresented groups in UAlbany curricula and STEM departments.
$100,000 Grant Gives UAlbany’s Latin American, Caribbean and U.S. Latino Studies a Boost
The work of four PhD students in the Department of Latin American, Caribbean, and US Latina/o Studies (LACS) at the University at Albany is being supported by a new federal grant program aimed at offsetting the impacts of the pandemic and uplifting the humanities.
FALL 2022 SYMPOSIUM
“Rethinking the Mobilities of Migrant Children and Youth across the Americas." - Thursday, October 6 & Friday, October 7, 2022.
LACS announces Latin American, Caribbean, Latina/o Knowledge Production Support Project
LACS is delighted to announce the Latin American, Caribbean, Latina/o Knowledge Production Support project, which will offer dissertation writing stipends to three advanced PhD candidates. The project will make possible a variety of departmental programming during the 2022-2023 academic year.
A Sociologist Assesses How Immigration Enforcement Affects Children Over Time
For the first time, a study explores the dynamics of immigration enforcement that shape children's lives over time. Led by Joanna Dreby of Sociology and two UAlbany colleagues, the research is published in the Journal of Marriage and Family.
Department of Latin American, Caribbean and U.S. Latino Studies, College of Arts and Sciences
Social Science 250
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
United States
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By Phone: Monday - Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
No On Site Hours