Zentralinstitut für Lateinamerikastudien - ZILAS, KU Eichstätt

The Center for Latin American Studies (ZILAS), founded in 1986, is the only university center for Latin American area studies in southern Germany.

Primary objectives

ZILAS aims to contribute to the understanding of social aspects and historical and current cultural phenomena in societies of different Latin American countries. Along with faculties of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU) and national and international external actors, it organizes and coordinates various academic events on the region.

Interdisciplinary approach

We believe interdisciplinary cooperation is the most appropriate way to meet our objectives. The disciplines at the KU that currently specialize in the region are political science, human geography, history, literature, linguistics, theology, and social work.

Transfer

Our specialization in Latin American studies provides opportunities to deal with the complex political, economic, and cultural relations that intertwine and link this region with Europe. Promoting scientific and public interest in Latin America is an essential goal of our center. Since the establishment of ZILAS, there have been several field trips to the region, exhibitions and information seminars in educational institutions.

We also provide other services for the general public such as

• advising and informing political organizations and the press
• workshops
• lecture series
• an annual themed week focusing on one Latin American country
• an annual Latin American Film Festival

Agreements and network

More than 35 agreements with universities in Latin America, as well as our numerous contacts and collaborations in the area manifest close international research cooperation. These ties are reflected in a variety of ways, such as in the exchange of students and lecturers, joint publications, and collaborative research projects.