Spring Break
The Daily OrangeLatino studies program fails to make an impression on SU campus
By Joshua Alston
Posted: 9/19/05, 10:12 PM EST Section: Pulp
Olivo, who has more of an interest in the history of Latinos in America, suggested that this quandary is to blame for why she has not been more vigilant about working LAS courses into her schedule.
"People I've spoken to who have taken the classes enjoyed them, but there's not much of a Latino aspect," she said. "The department strives to be contemporary, but there are only so many classes that they can offer."
As it stands, the relationship between most Latino students and the Latin American/Latino studies program resembles that of a growing child and his security blanket. It may not be used very often, but it is reassuring to know that it's around.
"Students want to feel a sense of belonging on campus," Salliant said. "I think the program gives them the sense that we are here and that we have a presence on campus. Their involvement can take many forms, not just that of taking the courses."
However, this comforting role may not lead the LAS program toward self-sufficiency.
The future of the program depends on the department's ability to grow in popularity. Salliant aspires to have faculty members appointed directly to the department to help foster its growth, but the student support must come first. Vilson said that this support will only come when more Latino students discover the importance of learning their past.
"A lot of people will say, 'Well I'm Latino, and I know everything there is to know about being Latino,'" Vilson said. "People think there's only so much you need to know about your history, but that's not true."
"People I've spoken to who have taken the classes enjoyed them, but there's not much of a Latino aspect," she said. "The department strives to be contemporary, but there are only so many classes that they can offer."
As it stands, the relationship between most Latino students and the Latin American/Latino studies program resembles that of a growing child and his security blanket. It may not be used very often, but it is reassuring to know that it's around.
"Students want to feel a sense of belonging on campus," Salliant said. "I think the program gives them the sense that we are here and that we have a presence on campus. Their involvement can take many forms, not just that of taking the courses."
However, this comforting role may not lead the LAS program toward self-sufficiency.
The future of the program depends on the department's ability to grow in popularity. Salliant aspires to have faculty members appointed directly to the department to help foster its growth, but the student support must come first. Vilson said that this support will only come when more Latino students discover the importance of learning their past.
"A lot of people will say, 'Well I'm Latino, and I know everything there is to know about being Latino,'" Vilson said. "People think there's only so much you need to know about your history, but that's not true."
