Inter-American regional emphasis

The Inter-American Studies emphasis is designed to facilitate the study of critical issues in the western hemisphere and the consideration of strategies for mutually beneficial relations between the U.S. and Latin America. Attention to increasing economic interdependence allows us to consider the nature and impact of trade, finance and transnational migration, intercultural relations, and the rise of drug trafficking and other criminal activity. The study of development brings agriculture, social movements, ideology, transnational organizations, human rights and post-conflict reconciliation into focus. In addition, courses in societal relations cast light on the nature and the role of gender relations, ethnicity, religion and other aspects of social development.

Incorporating this regional emphasis supports and promotes the opportunity for students to interact with local populations and policymaking officials in a number of ways. Student associates in the Josef Korbel School's Human Trafficking Clinic carry out and present research of human trafficking in Latin America and elsewhere. Internships with the Denver Justice and Peace Committee allow students to coordinate speakers, salon presentations and advocacy around specific issues. Other internships in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Peru and elsewhere emphasize health, education and other field work in local communities.

In addition, through the Leo Block Alumni Fund and the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Association (LACSA), we regularly host academics, journalists and state department officials who speak on such diverse topics as U.S. relations with Cuba, insurgency in Colombia, cartel activity in the border region, and democratization throughout the region. These forums bring students, faculty and others together in an informal atmosphere to discuss the past, present and future of Inter-American relations.

Faculty

Art Gilbert
Sally Hamilton
Lynn Holland

Student groups, initiatives and resources

Amnesty International- Sturm College of Law
Center on Rights Development (CORD)
Human Rights and Human Welfare
Human Trafficking Clinic
Inter-American Studies Program's portfolio page features interviews from current Josef Korbel School students and alumni who have worked in Latin America, South America or the Caribbean, as well as articles published by our faculty and students.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies Association (LACSA)

Course offerings

For students interested in designing a regional concentration in Inter-American studies, at least one course must be region-specific. Region-specific courses include:

INTS 4341: Illicit Markets in Latin America
INTS 4386: Transnational Migration in the Americas
INTS 4453 Political Economic Development in Latin America
INTS 4514: Population, Development and Environment in Latin America
INTS 4551: Political Economic Change and Ethnicity in Latin America
INTS 4592: Human Rights and Development in Latin America
INTS 4450: Democracy and Militarism in Latin America
All concentrations must be approved by the degree director and the Director of Student Affairs, Susan Rivera.

In addition, students can incorporate an Inter-American focus into the following courses:

INTS 4521: International Development in Cross-Cultural Perspective
INTS 4589: Indigenous Movements and Human Rights
INTS 4373: Sustainable Development and the Environment
INTS 4379: Gender, Environment, and Development
INTS 4181: History of American Diplomacy
INTS 4937: Human Rights and the International Refugee System
INTS 4987: Contemporary Slavery & Human Trafficking
INTS 4362: Discrimination, Minorities, and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
INTS 4501: Comparative Politics: States and Societies in the 21st Century
INTS 4566: Globalization and Sustainable Development: The Case of Coffee and Chocolate
INTS 4939: Human Rights: Genocide
INTS 4941: Human Rights and International Organizations
INTS 4936: International Law and Human Rights
INTS 4711: Politics of Democracy and Development
INTS 4468: Politics of Development
INTS 4367: Global Health Affairs
INTS 4435: Health and Development
INTS 4495: Civil Wars and International Responses
INTS 4715: Problems and Challenges of Democratization
INTS 4315: Social Movements, Globalization and Human Rights
INTS 4590: Civil Society, Democratization and Human Rights