Priorities of the Center

1. CLAS promotes interest in academic topics pertaining to Latin America and the Caribbean. Through a variety of programs, activities and presentations, the Center unites Latin Americanists and Caribbeanists in the College of Arts and Sciences with faculty from other schools of the university including Architecture, Communication, Marine and Atmospheric Sciences among others. These linkages create opportunities for interdisciplinary research and open a dialogue within the university on topics relevant to the region.
2. CLAS sponsors Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs) composed of faculty and students that concentrate on specific areas of interest. Individual groups set their own agendas and organize public sessions open to all. Call (305) 284-1854 for information, or click here for details on existing groups.
3. The Center invites to campus on a regular basis visitors from Latin America or from other parts in the world who specialize in Latin American subjects. CLAS also regularly hosts Visiting Scholars working on the Latin American and/or Caribbean region. Visiting Scholars typically interact with faculty and students on areas of common interest. Their contributions to the Latinamericanist community include guest lectures, workshops, and participation in IRGs. Persons interested in becoming Visiting Scholars should call (305)284-1854 for more information.
4. The Center offers Summer Research Grants for graduate students who wish to conduct research in Latin America and the Caribbean. CLAS annually awards the Barrett Prize for the best doctoral dissertation on a Latin American/Caribbean subject.