Chicana/Chicano Studies

College of Liberal Arts

Division of World Cultural Studies

Department of 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

Irene Vásquez ,Chair

Abel Amaya, Marisela Chávez, José R. López-Morín, Mónica Rosas-Baines

Department Office: LCH A-340, (310) 243-3326 or 243-3327

Chicana/Chicano Studies Faculty and Staff Advisory Committee

José Cuervo (Spanish), Francisco García-Ayvens (Library), Benito Gómez (Spanish), Rod Hernandez (English), Laura Robles (Biology), Mónica Rosas-Baines (Student Development), Imelda Quintanar (EOP Counselor), Denna Sanchez (Student Development), Sylvia Santos (Psychology), Jennifer Vega la Serna (McNair), Ericka Verba (History), the Chicana/o Studies Association, a representative from M.E.Ch.A.,and the Chicano/a Alumni Association.

Program Description

Undergraduate

The Chicana and Chicano Studies Department (CCSD), prpares students for academic success in their university studies and professional careers in the public and private sectors. The Academic program enhances the understanding of the indigenous Mexican and Chicana/o experiences as well as those of other Latina/o populations in the Americas. The CCSD offers an undergraduate degree program with four concentrations: language and literature; education, health and community service; historical and political development; and arts, aesthetics, and performance. In addition, the CCSD co-sponsors an extensive public programming calendar throughout the academic year, such as el 16 de septiembre, dia de la raza, dia de la mujer, cinco de mayo, a Latino retention conference, a luncheon in honor of César E. Chávez , and the Chicano/Latino awards banquet. CCSC also co-sponsors the Dolores Huerta Chicana/o Latina/o Graduation Celebration.

Features

The Major and Minor in Chicana/Chicano Studies provide several distinct advantages to students by:

1) placing emphasis on critical thinking and research;

2) promoting students to consider graduate school for specialization in Chicana and Chicano studies and other disciplines;

3) promoting greater understanding and awareness of Chicana/o community needs and circumstances;

4) promoting greater appreciation of the contributions of Chicano/as and other indigenous groups to the total development of the American Southwest or Greater Mexico;

5) training leaders, both inside and outside of minority communities, to work in challenging careers working in minority affairs, and;

6) preparing students in other fields, such as public policy, immigration affairs, community organization, performing arts.

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 Chicana/Chicano Studies

• attend graduate school

• work for the federal, state, city or local government

• education

• college and university teaching

• counseling and advising

• criminology

• social work and human resources

• journalism

• 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 Chicana/o Studies, Ethnic Studies, comparative cultures, anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science, history, art, Spanish, or English

• 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.

Student Organizations

Ce Chapter: Membership in the Ce Chapter, the Chicana/o Studies Honor Society, is open to students who have completed at least 18 upper division semester units in Chicana/o Studies, and who have a 3.0 grade point average in all CSUDH courses, including a 3.5 grade point average in all Chicana/o Studies courses. Ce Chapter honors those who attain excellence in Chicana/o Studies and those who strive to contribute to the betterment of Chicana/o Latina/o communities. Students interested in applying for membership should consult the chair of the Chicana/o Studies Department.

Graduation With Honors

An undergraduate student may graduate with Honors in Chicana/o Studies provided that the following criteria are met:

1. A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;

2. A minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper division requirements in the major;

3. Recommendation by the faculty of the Chicana/o Studies Department.

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 (55-62 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.

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 U.S. (3)

B. Required Courses (19 units)

1. Lower Division Required Courses (7 units)

CHS 100. The Americas: European Cultural & 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 Latina (3)

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 Americas (3)

CHS 225. Introduction to Mexican and Chicano Poetry and Music (3)

CHS 450. Pre-Colombian Literature of Mexico (3)

CHS 485. Intellectual Traditions in the Americas (3)

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 Spanish America (3)

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 United States (3)

3. Culture, History, and Political Development

ANT 333. Ancient Peoples of Mexico and Guatemala (3)

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. Mexico: Colonial Period (3)

POL 343. Political Behavior in Latin America (3)

POL 344. Latin America: The Revolutionary Tradition (3)

SPA 351. Contemporary Hispanic Culture: Spanish-Speaking America (3)

4. Arts, Aesthetics, and Performance

ART 353. Art of California and the Southwest (3)

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 Chicana/Chicano 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. For course availability, please see the list of tentative course offerings in the current Class Schedule.

Lower Division

CHS 100 The Americas: European Cultural and Historical Synthesis (3).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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 590 Graduate Seminar in Theory and Methods (3).

Prerequisite: Consent of Department Chair.

This course is an introduction to theorists and methods under girding Chicana and Chicano Studies as these have been deployed in the writings by Chicana and Chicano authors during the past thirty years. The class will present theories and methods that inform intellectual issues in Chicana/o studies..

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).

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.