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Latinx Studies Minor FAQ

Q: "How will a Latinx Studies minor benefit me if I’m majoring in another field, such as Engineering, Data Analytics, Architecture, Psychology, Education, History, English (or any other major)? 

A: Latinxs are the fast growing population in the U.S. and are increasingly present in and important to multiple fields. Future OSU graduates may find themselves working for or working with Latinxs, providing services to or selling products to Latinxs, designing programs or products for Latinxs  in the U.S. In that future scenario, those with a background in Latinx Studies will have a distinct advantage. Today, there are literally thousands of students at other universities taking courses in Latinx, Chicana/o, and Puerto Rican Studies every school term (UCSB alone enrolls 600 students every term in the Intro course) and they will enter the job marketplace or graduate degree programs with an important advantage in addressing the needs of this growing population.

Q: "Why do I need to learn about Latinx cultures?"

A: In the Introduction to Latinx Studies, CS 2322, and other courses in the minor we study the dynamics of Latinx cultures and new cultural phenomena so that we can better understand the groups that make up the U.S. However, we also go beyond culture to study how Latinx populations are particularly affected by political, social, and economic trends and events. We look at many sides of important topics such as immigration, language, education, urban, and rural economies. We study key issues affecting Latinxs as well as Latinx history, art, literature, and film. Latinx Studies allows you to learn about Latinx populations and what is distinct about the participation of Latinx groups in U.S. society. We also examine the relationship between U.S. Latinx groups and the economies, cultures, politics, and languages of their home countries. Through a specific focus on Latinxs, we will prepare you to engage issues of difference more broadly both in the U.S. and globally. 

Q: "I grew up in a Mexican family! I already know about being Latinx!"

A: First, Latinx Studies is a field that allows you to deepen your knowledge about multiple ethnic groups -- Puerto Ricans, Mexican American, Dominican, Cuban American, Salvadoran American -- not just the one with which you are already familiar. Second, whatever your ethnic subgroup, do you really think you already know all there is know about that particular group's literature, history, and experience? 

Q. “Okay. What do I need to do to get a minor in Latinx Studies?”

A. It’s easy. See Academic Advisor Emily Carpenter in Hagerty 355 (carpenter.438@osu.edu, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) or e-mail Latinx Studies Coordinator Professor Paloma Martinez Cruz (martinez-cruz.2@osu.edu) to officially sign up for the minor. Take the Introduction to Latinx Studies and four other courses from our course list of offerings (several also count for GEC requirements) and you’re done! Let us know when you’re graduating so we can celebrate!