International Studies Latin American Studies - Middlebury College

International Studies Latin American Studies from Middlebury College is a Campus Bachelor Latin American Studies degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. In 1507, German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller named the New World landmass America after the Italian navigator and cartographer Amerigo Vespucci, and we have been confused about the continent ever since. Most references in English assume that there are two continents, North America and South America. In Spanish, however, the assumption is that there is a single continent, Am?rica. There is much confusion when it comes to nomenclature. Why was the river that separates Argentina and Uruguay named the R?o de la Plata when no silver was ever discovered there? The Yucat?n peninsula was purportedly given its name by Spaniards who misunderstood local inhabitants who were not telling them the name of their region, rather stating, \\\"You speak too rapidly; we don\\\'t understand your language.\\\" And Latin is not spoken anywhere in Latin America. So what is Latin America? It is the geographic region that encompasses everything in the Western Hemisphere south of the United States. Spanish and Portuguese are the predominant languages, but there are more than a dozen others spoken in the region. Much of the history of Latin America is based on confusion and misunderstanding, and one of your challenges will be to sort through the myths, misinformation, and assumptions often associated with the area. Overview Latin American Studies combines language expertise, cultural understanding, disciplinary specialization, and interdisciplinary study. An integral part of the program is study abroad in Latin America, and students are expected to consult with Latin American studies faculty regarding appropriate programs abroad. View more details on Middlebury College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Latin American Studies courses.