Hispanic and Latino Studies

Parker Brocker-Knapp ’23 grew up in Portland, but Puget Sound never seemed far—thanks to close family ties to PLU. We sat down with Brocker-Knapp to learn more about how this senior made the most of his time at PLU.

Language, Literature, Film, and Cultural Studies

Arte callejero en Oaxaca, México

Engaging Learning Communities

Spanish for Heritage Speakers, Class of 2020: Ashley Carreño-Millan, Brenda Ochoa, Valeria Pinedo Chipana, Dr. Emily Davidson, Omar Miranda, Óscar Cantú, Sandra Estrada, Kerlin Escobedo

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Research and Service Opportunities

Riley Dolan ('19) researches memory sites that commemorate the genocide of indigenous communities in Guatemala

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Relevant Events and Lectures

Jenny Predmore ('14), Catholic Community Services, speaks at a discussion on the development, politics and practices of sanctuary movements, February 27, 2017

Danielle Twichel ('18) in Granada, Spain

Study Away

Danielle Twichel ('18), double major in Hispanic Studies and Studio Arts, in Granada, Spain

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.