Find your path in Latina/Latino Studies

Community Resources

We've put together a list of campus, local, and national resources on harassment and discrimination, immigration, and wellness to support our community.

Find Resources

Professor Gabriela G. Corona Valencia joins the Department of Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois

This fall, the Department of Latina/Latino Studies welcomes assistant professor Gabriela G. Corona Valencia. Professor Corona Valencia was previously a Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Associate from 2023-2025. Her research interests include histories of eugenics, public health, medicine, reproductive justice politics, and education. Read a Q&A with her to learn more about her work. Read full story Professor Gabriela G. Corona Valencia joins the Department of Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois
Latina/Latino studies professor elected to leadership positions with Latina/x/o Studies Association and Berkshire Conference of Women Historians

Professor Natalie Lira was recently elected to leadership positions within two professional associations, joining other Department of Latina/Latino Studies faculty who serve on professional associations in their fields. Read full story Latina/Latino studies professor elected to leadership positions with Latina/x/o Studies Association and Berkshire Conference of Women Historians
New Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Associates join the Department of Latina/Latino Studies

Saraí Blanco Martinez and Angie C. Bonilla joined the Department of Latina/Latino Studies this fall as the 2025-2026 Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Associates. Read full story New Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Associates join the Department of Latina/Latino Studies

Title

Why Study Latina/Latino Studies?

Professor Mirelsie Velázquez shares the value of the major, favorite spots in Champaign-Urbana, and why the Latina/Latino studies department is the best kept secret on campus in an interview with the College of LAS.

Apply Meet our Students Explore Career Paths

Highlighted Courses

Intro Latina/Latino Studies

Interdisciplinary introduction to the basis for a Latina/Latino ethnicity in the United States.

LLS 100

Latina/o Migration

Topics discussed include the history of international migration to the United States, the relationship between history and the contemporary context, the development of U.S. immigration policy, the incorporation of Latino immigrants in U.S. society, and immigrant and community responses to migration.

LLS 220

Intro to Latina/o Literature

Survey of literature by and about people of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Latina/o descent in the United States.

LLS 242

Race, Sex, and Deviance

Explores how racial stereotypes rely on sexual stereotypes by examining the intersections of ethnic studies, gender and women's studies, and queer studies. Interdisciplinary course that draws from critical legal studies, sociology, anthropology, literary criticism, and history.

LLS 465

Follow the Department of Latina/Latino Studies on social media for updates, photos, and more!

Facebook Instagram

Upcoming events

Alumni spotlight: Nancy Cambron Perez, '12, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, Teladoc Health

Nancy Cambron Perez earned her BA in Latina/Latino Studies and Sociology from UIUC in 2012. Reflecting on her decision to major in Latina/Latino Studies, she explained, “I was passionate about understanding the diverse history, culture, and experiences of the Latinx community.” She also credits her interaction with LLS faculty in shaping her decision to major in Latina/Latino Studies, noting, “Meeting and connecting with faculty members Isabel Molina-Guzmán, Julie A. Dowling, Jonathan Xavier Inda, and Mirelsie Velázquez shaped my decision to major in LLS. They made me feel like I could make...

Faculty spotlight: Gabriela G. Corona Valencia

Gabriela G. Corona Valencia explores the bridge between 20th-century eugenic policy in the American Southwest and the contemporary sex education discourse disseminated to Chicana/Latina girls in K-12 public schools in East Los Angeles.