Latin American and Caribbean Studies

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies (IGLC) major offers students an interdisciplinary exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating regions. This rigorous academic pathway integrates social sciences, humanities, and intensive language instruction in two of the region’s three main languages: Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

At the core of the IGLC curriculum lies a comprehensive approach to regional studies. Students engage with five distinct regional courses distributed across a minimum of three academic departments, ensuring breadth and depth of understanding. This academic framework is enriched by mandatory study abroad experiences in Latin America or the Caribbean, where theoretical knowledge meets lived cultural immersion. The program’s distinguished faculty brings expertise spanning the diverse regions: from the complexity of the Andean Ridge to the vibrancy of Brazil, from the cultural mosaic of the Caribbean to the ancient wonders of Mesoamerica, and from the unique flavors of the Southern Cone to the ever-changing landscape of Mexico. 

In this program, students develop analytical frameworks to examine Latin America and the Caribbean both in their historical contexts and within contemporary global dynamics. Language mastery stands as a cornerstone of the IGLC experience. Students achieve advanced proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French through a combination of rigorous coursework at Middlebury College and immersive study at one of Middlebury’s prestigious C.V. Starr Schools Abroad in Latin America or the Caribbean. This linguistic expertise enables students to engage meaningfully with the region’s diverse communities and cultural traditions. 

For detailed information about international study opportunities, please consult Middlebury’s C.V. Starr Schools Abroad resources.

Note: Prior to the 2025-2026 academic year, this IGS track was previously designated as Latin American Studies (IGLA, formerly abbreviated as LAS).

Requirements

See general requirements and requirements by track.

Advising Wizard

To assist you in tracking the completion of your requirements, please meet with your advisor to complete and submit the advising wizard for your track.

Courses

See courses by track.

Student Theses

See Past Student Theses.