University Establishes Latin America Program

The University has established an Office of Latin American Studies in an effort to co-ordinate work being done at Harvard on South American problems and culture.

The program, which is the seventh area center for international research to be created within the University since World War II, will be under the direction of William S. Barnes, assistant Dean of the Law School.

Describing the program as "ultimately of great value to undergraduates," Barnes said the Office "is not a research oriented operation."

Increased Course Offerings

Since the office will be geared towards the improvement of teaching, Barnes is confident it will result in increased course offerings in Latin American topics for both graduates and undergraduates. Plans for a graduate seminar as part of the program are being discussed now.

The main activity of the Office, according to Barnes, will be to "co-ordinate and stimulate" Faculty men who already are active in Latin American studies. "We hope to encourage work in specific fields, such as economics, public health, and education rather than to produce all-around experts."

In order to take an inventory of the Harvard resources which can be applied to the program, the Office is currently conducting a faculty seminar. Barnes said he was surprised by the great amount of "knowledge and interest" in the area of Latin American studies at Harvard. More than 30 Faculty members have expressed a willingness to participate.

About half that number attend the weekly meetings of the seminar. By the end of the semester it is hoped that definite plans for research project and other activities, such as bringing Latin American scholars to the University, can be formulated.

Barnes hopes that the work of the Office will result is increased publications dealing with all phases of development in Latin America.

Four three-year fellowships have already been granted to promising graduate students and young Faculty members. In addition to these University grants, Barnes indicated that some fellowships might be available through the National Defense Education Act.

The Office is operating under grant from the Kidder, Peabody and Company and the Kidder, Peabody Foundation.