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About CLACS
The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) serves students, faculty and scholars from across the University of Illinois campus, along with communities across Illinois and the Midwest, by promoting innovative research, specialist teaching, and public awareness of the Latin American and Caribbean region. CLACS is a designated National Resource Center for the 2022-2026 period, supported by the Department of Education under Title VI funding.
- We’re thrilled to share new photos from the LAST 395: Archaeology Field School in Peru, where students are currently conducting hands-on research at the archaeological site of Cerro Blanco, a historic Chancay Administrative Center in central Peru.Led by Professor Kasia... Read full story LAST International Program: Field School in Peru 2025
- The IGI Series on Global Responsibilities brings multidisciplinary and global perspectives to major contemporary questions. For calendar year 2025, our spotlight is on Palestine in the world today.The events in this series are being sponsored by the following: Center for Advanced... Read full story An IGI Series on Global Responsibilities: "Palestine in the World
- On March 7th and 8th, CLACS hosted the 51st Annual Midwest Conference on Andean & Amazonian Archaeology & Ethnohistory. The conference provided a space for scholars to share their current research on Andean and Amazonian studies. We sincerely thank all presenters... Read full story Event recap "51st Annual Midwest Conference on Andean & Amazonian Archaeology & Ethnohistory"

Professor Andrew Suarez Receives 2025 Faculty Leadership Award
Congratulations to Professor Andrew Suarez! We’re excited to share that Professor Andrew Suarez, Acting Head and Professor in the Department of Entomology, has received the Executive Officer Distinguished Leadership Award as part of the 2025 Campus Awards for Excellence in Faculty Leadership. Professor Suarez has guided the department through key transitions with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style. He is known for fostering an environment where mentorship, teamwork, and academic growth thrive. This award...
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Title
LEARN Q'ANJOB'AL WITH US! TITAN HAKUY Q'ANJOBAL JETOQ!
Q’anjob’al is a living Maya language spoken in Guatemala and growing communities in the U.S. Studying it opens the door to understanding Mesoamerican Indigenous heritage, Maya worldviews, and cultural practices. It’s especially valuable for educators, researchers, and professionals working with Maya communities.
Title
COME LEARN QUECHUA! HAMUYCHIK RUNASIMI YACHARIKUQ!
Quechua is the most widely spoken Indigenous language in the Americas, with 8–9 million speakers across six Andean countries. Learning Quechua offers valuable insight into Indigenous heritage, Andean worldviews, and linguistic structure. It’s especially useful for researchers, educators, and professionals working in the region.