Why Take the Minor
The Minor is particularly beneficial for students in the University's regional area, because Lancaster and surrounding counties have a burgeoning Latino population, with 2000 census data noting that 30.7% of Lancaster city residents and 5.7% of county residents report Hispanic origin. The Latino Studies Minor builds upon continued efforts within the University to address regional workforce needs, increase access and equity, enhance the ability of the state system to serve the needs of business, and strengthen the commitment to increased cultural diversity within the University academic community.
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About Latino/a Studies
As the twenty-first century progresses, it appears to be both essential and beneficial that all persons have a multi-cultural perspective of themselves and the world around them. Increasingly, Americans of all races and ethnic origins face political, social, and economic interactions with persons of other countries as well as with those of diverse cultures within their country. To be more effective as professionals in the workplace and as citizens, an understanding and appreciation for the unique perspectives and contributions of Latinos are essential.
The Latino/a Studies Minor, therefore, aims to facilitate such interaction and understanding by providing an opportunity for Millersville students to study an important component of the multi-ethnic culture of the United States. The focus of the Latino/a Studies Minor is to study and analyze Latino experiences, culture, and contributions to the USA.
Kimberly A. Mahaffy, Director
Somerset House, Room 200
Millersville University
PO Box 1002
Millersville, PA 17551-0302
Phone: (717) 871-2311
Fax: (717) 872-3942
What Others Are Saying
Through my studies of Spanish I became interested in other aspects of Latino culture. My pursuit of Latino Studies has taught me that intercultural communication is best achieved, not with linguist knowledge alone, but with cultural knowledge as well. In addition, as a Latino Studies minor, I have enhanced my credentials as a perspective Spanish teacher.
-Ben Stein
As an Anthropology Major I love learning about different cultures and different people's perspectives of the world. Latino Studies challenges me to redefine the truth in history, politics, and the culture of Americans while broadening my personal perspective of the world.
-Megan Kirkpatrick
I chose to minor in Latin@ Studies because of the fact that I am a bi-racial student and I am a Social Work Major and they go hand in hand. I also have been deprived of learning about my Latin@ culture due to the absence of my father. It is a good way of learning about my culture and earning a degree. I am very pleased to know that we have accomplished so much and in so little time. Another reason I am minoring in Latin@ Studies is because I do not want to be in the same category as other young Latin@s who have no interest in their culture. I am very pleased with this minor.
-Wil Childs
I chose Latino Studies as my minor because I am very interested in learning about the Latino culture. Not simply because I am a Latina, but also because it will be beneficial to my career. I am a Broadcasting major and I plan on working in television or film to enhance the Latino presence in Hollywood. I would like to see Latin@s portrayed more positively instead of continuing with the negative stereotypes.
-Marisol Mendez
I choose to be a Latin@ Studies minor because I would like to learn more about my culture and those cultures that closely relate to mine. Being that I have Puerto Rican roots but was born in the United States I would like to learn more about the history of the country, culture and people. I would like to use the information I learn with this minor to provide a positive impact on the community.
-Kaleena Rodriguez
