Chicano/Chicana Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Arts, Aesthetics, and Performance Concentration
Culture, History, and Political Development Concentration
Education, Social and Community Development Concentration
Language and Literature Concentration
Minor
Faculty
Miguel Domínguez ,Interim Chair
Abel Amaya, Julian Camacho, José R. López-Morín, Mónica Rosas-Baines
Department Office: LCH A-340, (310) 243-3326 or 243-3327
Chicano/Chicana
Studies Committee
Max Contreras (Graduate Education), José Cuervo (Spanish), Francisco García-Ayvens (Library), Benito Gómez (Spanish), María Hurtado-Ortiz (Psychology), Dan Joseffini (International Student Services), Suzanne Medina(Graduate Education), Irene McKenna (English), Laura Robles (Biology), Raúl V. Romero (Spanish), Mónica Rosas-Baines (Student Development), Imelda Quintanar (EOP Counselor), Denna Sanchez (Student Development), Porfirio Sánchez (Spanish), Sylvia Santos (Psychology), a representative from M.E.Ch.A.,and the Chicano/a Alumni Association.
Program Description
Undergraduate
The Chicana and Chicano Studies Department (CCSD), and
its interdisciplinary academic program, focuses on Mexican American scholarship
and educational programs at
Features
The Major and Minor in Chicano/Chicana Studies provide several distinct advantages to students by:
1) placing emphasis on critical thinking and research;
2) promoting greater understanding and awareness of Chicana/o community needs and circumstances;
3) promoting greater appreciation of the contributions of Chicano/as and other indigenous groups to the total development of the American Southwest or Greater Mexico;
4) training leaders, both inside and outside of minority communities, to work in challenging careers working in minority affairs;
5) preparing students in other fields, such as public policy, immigration affairs, community organization, performing arts; and
6) promoting students to consider graduate school for specialization in Chicana and Chicano studies.
Academic Advisement
All majors in Chicana and Chicano studies are to have a faculty advisor and must have a minor in another department. Students either select an advisor, or have one assigned to them. It is important that students work closely with faculty and associates to prepare them for academic success and possible career choices.
Career Options for
Chicano/Chicana Studies
• work for the federal, state, city or local government
• bilingual/bicultural education
• counseling and advising
• social work and human resources
• media and business networking
• community organizing
• work in the private sector
• Public Administration
• continue on to a Masters degree or a professional degree
• foundation for Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies, comparative cultures, or anthropology
• opportunities to travel and study abroad
Preparation
Although not required, both high school and community college students wishing to major or minor in Chicana and Chicano Studies are encouraged to take courses that relate to the Chicana/o experience. In particular, students are advised to study Spanish grammar and communication since Spanish fluency is an essential feature to understand the Mexican and Chicano/a people. A Minor or a second major in Spanish is highly recommended.
Bachelor of Arts in Chicano/Chicana Studies
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree
See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
Elective Requirements
Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.
General Education Requirements (54-60
units)
See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.
United States History, Constitution and American
Ideals Requirement (6 units)
See
the "United States History, Constitution, and American Ideals"
requirements in the University Catalog.
Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General
Education .
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement
See
the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" in the University
Catalog.
Minor Requirements
Student completing this major will need to complete a minor in another field.
Major Requirements (34 units)
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.
A. Recommended Courses
ENG 110. Freshman Composition I (3)
ENG 111. Freshman Composition II (3)
SBS 318. Cultural
Pluralism: Chicana/os in the
B. Required Courses (19 units)
1. Lower Division Required Courses (7 units)
CHS 100. The
& Historical Synthesis (3)
CHS 110. High Tech Research Methods (1)
CHS 205. Introduction to Chicano Literature (3)
2. Upper Division Required Courses (12 units)
CHS 300. Introduction to Chicana/Chicano Studies (3)
CHS 460. La
CHS 480. Mexican/Chicano
and Central American
Culture and Customs (3)
HIS 345. History of the Mexican American People I (3)
C. Concentration Requirements. Select four courses (12 units):
1. Language and Literature
CHS 210. Representation
of Indigenous People in the
CHS 225. Introduction to Mexican and Chicano Poetry and Music (3)
CHS 450. Pre-Colombian
Literature of
CHS 485. Intellectual
Traditions in the
CHS 495. Special Topics in Chicana/o Studies (3)
SPA 221. Intermediate Spanish II (3)
SPA 435. A Sociolinguistic Approach to Mexican American Dialect (3)
SPA 456. Literature
of
SPA 461. Lecturas Mexicanas y Mexico Americanas (3)
2. Education, Social, and Community Development
CHS 215. Changing Dynamics in "Raza" Communities (3)
CHS 400. Chicana/o Issues in Education and Society (3)
CHS 486. Chicana/o Family and Gender Issues (3)
CHS 495. Special Topics in Chicana/o Studies (3)
CHS 497. Research Methods in the Chicano Community (3)
PSY 380. Mexican American Psychology (3)
SBS 318. Cultural
Pluralism: Chicana/os in the
3. Culture, History, and Political Development
ANT 333. Ancient
Peoples of
CHS 325. Chicana/o movement (3)
CHS 470. The Mexican Revolution in Art and Literature (3)
CHS 495. Special Topics in Chicana/o Studies (3)
HIS 346. History of the Mexican People II (3)
HIS 368.
POL 343. Political
Behavior in
POL 344.
SPA 351. Contemporary
Hispanic Culture: Spanish-Speaking
4. Arts, Aesthetics, and Performance
ART 353. Art
of
ART 363. Latin American Art (3)
CHS 225. Introduction to Mexican and Chicano Poetry & Music (3)
CHS 410. Chicana/o Popular Culture (3)
CHS 495. Special Topics in Chicana/o Studies (3)
MUS 170. Chamber Music (3)
THE 339. Multicultural Theatre: Teatro Dominguez (3)
THE 495. Special Topics in Theatre: Chicano Theatre, Masks (3)
D. Capstone Requirement (3 units):
CHS 490. Seminar in Chicana/Chicano Studies (3)
Minor in Chicano/Chicana Studies (19 units)
A. Recommended Lower Division Electives
1. Recommended Courses
ENG 110. Freshman Composition I (3)
ENG 111. Freshman Composition II (3)
SPS 318. Cultural Pluralism: Chicana/os in the U.S. (3)
2. Required Courses (19 units)
CHS 100. The
Americas: European Cultural
& Historical Synthesis (3)
CHS 110. High Tech Research Methosd (1)
CHS 205. Introduction to Chicano Literature (3)
CHS 300. Introduction to Chicana/Chicano Studies (3)
CHS 460. La Latina (3)
CHS 480. Mexican/Chicano
and Central American
Culture and Customs (3)
HIS 345. History of the Mexican American People I (3)
Course Offerings
The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title. Departments may indicate the term in which they expect to offer the course by the use of: “F” (fall), “S” (spring) or “EOY” (every other year).
Lower Division
CHS 100 The Americas: European Cultural and Historical Synthesis (3) FS.
An in-depth study of
the Mexican Indian and European peoples who created major New World mestizo
culture that influences
a significant portion of the Western Hemisphere today.
CHS 110 High-Tech Research Methods (1) FS
Introduction to
modern research techniques utilizing the latest computer technology. Emphasis will be on use of online resources
of the University Library and resources beyond:
union catalogs for the CSU and UC systems; collections online; internet
search engines, etc.
CHS 205 Introduction to Chicano Literature (3).
Prerequisite: CHS 100 recommended.
An introduction to
selected works of modern Chicano literature including an analysis of
influences, themes, and techniques.
Special attention given to certain issues of the Chicano experience
reflected in the literature. Frequent written assignments.
CHS 210 Representation of Indigenous People in the Americas (3) F
An introduction to
the different forms on indigenous representation with special emphasis on
Mesoamerica. Discussions of how these
accounts are expressed, perceived, and constructed at the point of European
contact will be examined.
CHS 215 Changing Dynamics in Raza Communities (3) S
Assesses the challenges
confronting the Chicano community resulting from increased and diverse patterns
of immigration, restricted occupational opportunities, and socio-political
differences. Focus will be on urban
issues from communities throughout the United States, including the
Mexican/United States Border.
CHS 225 Introduction to Mexican and Chicano Poetry & Music (3) S
An introduction to
Mexican/Chicano poetry and music from the Spanish Conquest to the present. Students will learn to recognize boleros,
sones, huapangos, mariachi, norteno, corridos, “Tex-Mex,” and
“oldies.” The class is not designed for
music majors.
CHS 295 Special Topics in Chicana/Chicano Studies (3) FS.
A study of an issue,
concept, or theme in Chicana/Chicano studies. Repeatable for
a maximum of six units for credit.
Upper Division
CHS 300 Introduction to Chicana/Chicano Studies (3) F.
Prerequisite: CHS 100 is recommended.
An introduction to
the historical, political, psychological, and social aspects of the Chicano
experience. Includes an analysis of
the various forces and circumstances
that make up the second largest minority in the United States. This course meets the intent of Assembly Bill
1117 of September 4, 1969.
CHS 325 Chicana/o Movement (3) S
A historical and
comparative examination of the Chicano/a movement by examining the early
pattern of Mexican immigration and the formation of mutual aids associations
designed to defend their interests. The
focus is on the period from 1960-1990.
CHS 396 Practicum in Chicana/o Studies (3) F.
Supervised work
experience in a Chicano/Latino community with emphasis upon social and economic
development in a local, national, or international setting. Students will be placed in settings suitable
to their academic expertise.
CHS 400 Chicana/o Issues in Education and Society (3) F
An overview of the
educational system in society - how it functions, whom it serves, and the
cultural and theoretical explanations for the success and failure of Chicano/a
students. Discussions include family
values, teen pregnancy, language, gangs, etc.
CHS 410 Chicana/o Popular Culture (3) S
An overview of the
central areas of Chicana/o popular
culture, focusing on film, mass media, art, theatre, and music. The course examines how concepts of culture,
identity, and ethnicity are popularly expressed in a constant state of flux.
CHS 450 Precolombian Literature of Mexico (3).
Prerequisite: CHS 300 recommended.
The study of the
literature of ancient Mexico, specifically the Popol Vuh of the Maya and
Aztec poetry, in order to obtain an insight into the Precolombian world
view. Periodic essay exams.
CHS 460 La Latina (3).
Prerequisite: CHS 100 recommended.
The study of the
issues that Indohispanic women encounter in contemporary U.S. society. This includes a survey of remote and recent
cultural, social, and political developments that have influenced the values,
expectations, and roles of Indohispanic females.
CHS 470 The Mexican Revolution in Art and Literature (3).
Prerequisite: CHS 300 recommended.
The study of the
impact of the Mexican Revolution on the art and literature of 20th Century
Mexico as well as its influence on contemporary Chicano art. Topics to be covered are philosophy,
muralism, the corrido, folk speech, legends, and the novel of the Mexican
Revolution.
CHS 480 Mexican/Chicano
and
Central American Culture
and Customs (3).
Prerequisite: CHS 300 recommended.
The study of aspects
of contemporary Mexican/Chicano and Central American folk art, music, and
literature, traditions, philosophy, and belief systems leading to
a better understanding and appreciation
of the customs and culture of these Indohispanic groups.
CHS 485 Intellectual Traditions in the Americas (3) S
Recommended Prerequisite: CHS 300
The course offers
some of the philosophical, intellectual, and social concepts of the
Americas. Themes crucial for the study
of Chicano and Latino cultures have been considered to understand the
political, social, and economic reality of the Americas.
CHS 486 Chicana/o Family and Gender Issues (3) S
The course examines
family and gender issues as they relate to the Chicana/o community in the
United States. Topics will include
Chicana/o family roles and structure, cultural values, experiences that
influence and challenge families, gender roles and expectations.
CHS 490 Seminar in Chicana/Chicano Studies (3) S.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent
of instructor or Program Director.
Study of selected
topics which provide
a comprehensive understanding of the experience, contributions, and
participation of Chicanos in United States society. Three hours of seminar per
week.
CHS 494 Independent Study (1-3) FS.
Prerequisite: Consent of Program Director.
Independent study of
a particular topic in Chicana/Chicano Studies relating two or more disciplines,
such as anthropology, art, education, history, language, music, politics,
psychology, or sociology under the direction of an instructor in
Chicana/Chicano Studies. Repeatable
course.
CHS 495 Special Topics in Chicana/Chicano Studies (1-3) FS.
Prerequisite: Consent of Program Director.
An intensive study of
an issue, concept or theme in Chicana/Chicano Studies. Three hours of lecture per week. Repeatable for
a maximum of six units for credit.
CHS 496 Internship in Chicana/o Studies (3) S.
Under direction of
the internship faculty, students will work in a Chicano/Latino community,
applying skills and knowledge learned in the classroom as well as the
workplace. Repeatable course.
CHS 497 Research Methods in the Chicano Community (1-3) FS.
Prerequisite: CHS 100 is recommended.
Supervised research
experience in the Chicano community, including public and private agencies in
education, social welfare, industry and the arts. Reviews basic techniques in research design
with emphasis on measurement and social science techniques. Repeatable course.
Graduate
Graduate standing or consent of the department chair is prerequisite to enrollment in graduate (500 level) courses.
CHS 594 Independent Study (1-4).
Prerequisites: Consent of Department Chair.
Independent
investigation of a research problem or directed readings in a selected area of
Chicano Studies.
CHS 595 Special Topics (3) S.
An intensive study of
a concept, movement, school of thought, or individual within the discipline of
Chicano Studies. Intended for students
with senior or graduate standing.
Specific topic listed in Class Schedule. Repeatable course. Three hours of seminar per week.