The Centre for Amerindian, Latin American and Caribbean Studies has existed in St Andrews under different names since before 1969, when it was formally recognised by the Court of the University as the Centre of Latin American Linguistic Studies (CLALS).
It was founded by Douglas Gifford as part of the Department of Spanish when it encouraged the teaching of Amerindian Languages and Basque. Quechua became a regular part of Spanish Honours and was taught by the experienced Quechuista Leslie Hoggarth. A collection of books and objects was created which became the basis of the Centre's Library.
Refounded by the University in 1988 as the Institute of Amerindian Studies (IAS), it continued to teach Quechua for Spanish Honours from 1988-1994 under the direction of Tristan Platt. In 1996, it became the Centre for Indigenous American Studies and Exchange (CIASE) under the direction of Joanna Overing, and was incorporated into the School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies. Relaunched as CAS in 2006, it continues to enjoy a privileged link with the Department of Social Anthropology. The current Director of the Centre is Huon Wardle.
The School currently employs three Amerindianists and one Caribbeanist with interests in the history, languages and ethnography of South America and the Caribbean. They supervise a stimulating group of more than twenty postgraduates. The Centre has an extensive library collection part of which is housed in the Centre suite: books held in the CAS reading room can be consulted during opening hours or by appointment with the CAS Secretary, Daniela Castellanos.
Theoretical perspectives emphasise the anthropological and historical interpretation of Amerindian, Peasant, Urban and Archipelagian societies, with the learning and use of languages having an important role. Changing American societies are seen in their own terms, as well as in their relations with the rest of the world. A wide network of contacts is maintained with colleagues, popular and academic organizations and NGOs, in the Americas as well as in Scotland (through LACNET).
The St Andrews Latin American and Caribbean Network (LACNET)
For further information, please contact:
Centre for Amerindian, Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Department of Social Anthropology
School of Philosophical, Anthropological & Film Studies
University of St Andrews
71 North Street
St Andrews, Fife
KY16 9AL Scotland, UK
Email: amerindian@st-andrews.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1334 462986/2977
Fax: +44 (0)1334 462985
NEWS:
CAS PhD student, 
Laura Obermuller, took part in the COP17 climate change talks in Durban this month. Look out for her report here.
An important new CAS volume, The Archaeological Encounter. Anthropological Perspectives, edited by Paolo Fortis and Istvan Praet, is now available for purchase (£25).
Success for CAS students and Honorary Research Fellows: Giovanna Bacchidu, Margharita Margiotti, Paolo Fortis, Conrad Feather, Moises Lino e Silva.
This is in addition to a highly succesful round of recent scholarships and awards for our current PhD students.
