Latin American Studies (known as LAS in the academic world) is an academic discipline which studies the experience of people in the Americas. Closely related to other Area Studies disciplines such as African and African Diaspora Studies, European Studies, American Studies, et al., Latin American Studies critically examines the history, culture, politics, issues, and experiences of Latin Americans in Latin America and in United States. Drawing from numerous disciplines such as sociology, history, literature, political science, gender studies, and economics Latin Americanists consider a variety of perspectives and employ diverse analytical tools in their work.

Major Programs/Departments

• Tulane University's Stone Center The oldest LAS program in the United States.
• University of Texas at Austin's Long Institute, one of the largest LAS programs in the United States.

See also

Latin America

Area Studies | Interdisciplinary fields