Eligibility & Requirements

Students choose from a list of appropriate courses, including Introduction to Latin American Civilization I, II, and III, as well as other approved courses. CLAS's online course lists include a notation of [F] for courses that meet this requirement. Students with extensive undergraduate coursework in Latin American and Caribbean Studies may petition to replace the foundational course with an additional more advanced class

Students can select from among dozens of LACS courses or equivalent non-cross-listed courses approved by CLAS.

Passing the Practical Language Proficiency Assessment, administered by the Chicago Language Center. This certification documents what a student can do with the language in a meaningful and impactful way and how their language abilities—listening, reading, speaking, and writing—will serve them in their professional and academic careers. The Practical Language Proficiency Certification also strengthens students’ resumes and expands their career opportunities. Students may take the exam either in the Autumn or in the Spring quarter; students must be registered to take it by the time they submit their LACS application.

Completing a UChicago course beyond the second-year level (above 20300) in a regional language. For students in the MAPH Two-Year Language Option, completion of six courses through the second-year level also demonstrates proficiency.

Having received a high school diploma or undergraduate degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is one of the languages listed above (e.g., a BA degree from a university in Latin America or Iberia).

The project must be advised by a faculty member affiliated with CLAS or approved for that purpose by the LACS certificate adviser.

Applicants to the certificate program must present their work at the Latin American History Workshop or Workshop on Latin America and the Caribbean or another event approved by CLAS (e.g., the CLAS MA Symposium) and submit an evaluation form completed by a faculty member in attendance. This experience is foundational because it encourages students to develop the skills necessary to present their research to an interdisciplinary audience and serves as a capstone to their participation in our intellectual community. Workshop schedules are developed quarterly; CLAS will organize an MA Symposium every Spring. Presentation in another workshop with relevant subject matter will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Students should reach out to appropriate faculty members in advance of their presentation. CLAS staff will work with MA certificate/option applicants to identify a faculty evaluator. Students should complete the top portion and then provide the form to their evaluator for completion.