Latin American and Latino Studies Institute

History and Mission:

The Latin American and Latino Studies Institute (LALSI) is home to an interdisciplinary program which brings together approximately 25 faculty members from nine different disciplines. Originally founded as the Puerto Rican Studies Institute, the name as well as the scope of the program expanded in the early 1990s. LALSI faculty work on all major areas of Latin America, including the Caribbean as well as mainland North, Central & South American countries, and on US Latino issues. Because of Fordham University’s strong commitment to New York City and the presence of Spanish-speaking Catholic immigrant communities in the five boroughs, Fordham has led the way as one of the first institutions in New York City to recognize the importance of Latino Studies. LALSI embraces a comparative approach to and thus brings together scholars on US Latinos, Latin America and the Iberian peninsula. This transatlantic emphasis, expanding the dialogue between Latin America, US Latinos and the Iberian peninsula is one of the great strengths of our program

The Latin American and Latino Studies Institute offers an undergraduate major and minor. LALSI also offers a graduate certificate, a master’s degree and an Early Admission master’s degree.
LALSI provides an intellectual home for both students and faculty interested in Latin American and the Latino populations in the United States. LALSI also acts as clearinghouse for information, organizes conferences, invites distinguished scholars to the University, sponsors film series, and advises students who are seeking to study in Latin America or who are interested in attaining internships in related fields.