Hispanic and Latino Studies

Much More than a “Spanish” Program

The politics of migration in Spain, Spanglish and Latinx music, gender inclusive language in Argentina, indigenous struggles in Mexico—these are just a few of the exciting topics students explore in the PLU Hispanic and Latino Studies Program.

Students in our program learn to think critically in a complex world through the study of the Spanish language, linguistics, literature, film, and a vast array of cultural productions from Spain, Latin America, and Latino communities in the USA.

Our faculty are teacher-scholars, who are well-known on campus for their genuine passion for teaching, active role as mentors, and advocacy for social change here in the US and abroad.

Hispanic and Latino Studies graduates leave PLU equipped with the cultural competency and sensitivity to be effective participants in the global community of the twenty-first century. Many of our students participate in our study away programs in Mexico, Spain, and Uruguay, and community-engaged learning in Latino/a/x communities right here in Parkland and Tacoma. Our majors and minors pursue various professional fields and vocations, including work in social services and public health, education, arts and communications, activism, international development, ministry, business, law, and politics.