Why Latin American Studies at Iowa?

Discover the cultures, politics, and histories that shape Latin America today.

Explore undergraduate programs in Latin American studies

Enrich your academic journey

Studying Spanish at Iowa is an interdisciplinary journey through art, language, and social change. You'll connect classroom learning with real-world issues across Latin America and the Caribbean and attend film series, lectures, and events featuring leading Latin American scholars.

Research and scholarship

Explore articles, books, and creative works published by Latin American Studies faculty at the University of Iowa.

Study abroad

Practice your language skills, expose yourself to world cultures, and expand your worldview.

Internships

Apply what you learn in the program, gain real world experience, and pursue your future career path.

Why pursue Latin American studies at Iowa?

Explore Latin America through language, culture, and politics—an education that spans continents.

Latin American Studies invites undergraduates to engage deeply with the histories, arts, languages, and social dynamics of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. This interdisciplinary program brings together courses from anthropology, political science, history, Spanish and Portuguese, and more—offering a well-rounded, global perspective. Whether you're passionate about culture, international affairs, or regional challenges, the curriculum equips you with the analytical tools to understand Latin America's complexity and its growing global influence.

Beyond the classroom, the program connects students with campus events, visiting scholars, and vibrant discussions on current issues. With faculty support and opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning, students gain both academic insight and real-world context. Since its founding, the program has fostered meaningful connections across departments and institutions, encouraging students to think critically, build language skills, and consider international careers in diplomacy, education, development, and beyond.

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Courses to choose from

1978

Year our program was established

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Write your story

Build knowledge. Conduct research. Create new work. Stand out among your peers. You're going places, and it all starts here.

Latin American studies faculty

Amber Brian
Pinned content, custom sorted.

Amber Brian, PhD

Title/Position
Departmental Executive Officer
Associate Professor
Horacio Castellanos

Horacio Castellanos

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Roxanna Curto

Roxanna Curto, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Portrait of Armando Duarte

Armando Duarte, MFA

Title/Position
Director of the BFA Program
Professor
Portrait of Mariola Espinosa

Mariola Espinosa, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Portrait of Fox Claire

Claire Fox, PhD

Title/Position
MF Carpenter Professor of English
Professor of Spanish and Portuguese
Brian Gollnick

Brian Gollnick, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Director, Latin American Studies Program
Portrait of Joy Elizabeth Hayes

Joy Elizabeth Hayes, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Ana Merino

Ana Merino, PhD

Title/Position
Adjunct Professor
Kristine Muñoz

Kristine Muñoz, PhD

Title/Position
Professor
Global Health Studies Director
Kathleen Newman

Kathleen Newman, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Portrait of Rene Rocha

Rene Rocha, PhD

Title/Position
Latina/o/x Studies Program Director
Herman J. and Eileen S. Schmidt Chair
Professor