Chicano Studies
Chicano Studies
The United States of America is a racial and cultural pluralistic country. The Chicano(a) Studies department strives to begin meeting the educational obligation to a multi-cultural community. The Chicano(a) Studies department examines the past and present experiences of Chicano(a) and others of Latin American decent. The Chicano Studies courses are designed to prepare students to serve the Chicano/Latino community, to become aware of the culture and heritage and to develop a critical assessment of the social, political and economic experience of this community. The interdisciplinary nature of our Chicano(a) Studies prepares students for transfer to four-year universities that offer upper division majors in this area. Students from this field of study find employment in areas such as education, community and social services, law, government, counseling, probation, and business. In addition, Chicano Studies provides students with many pathways for graduate work in areas that include education, history, political science, sociology, social work, women’s studies, ethnic studies, urban studies, law, and the arts.
This course provides an interdisciplinary survey of the Mexican American/Chicano heritage with emphasis on the contemporary experience in the United States. The survey will include an analysis of the economic, political, social, and intellectual elements of the culture of the Mexican American/Chicano community, and a study of the changing relationship of the community to the general society of the United States.
The primary focus is on the development of Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x communities in the U.S. This course investigates the effects of the Latina/o/x communities as well as the affects on the Chicana/o/x communities and most relevant contemporary issues. Special attention will be given to economic, social, political, cultural, and institutional issues that are important to the contemporary Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x experience.
This course will introduce students to Chicana contemporary issues while examining historical events that have shaped the current social, political, cultural, and economic experiences of women of Latin American origin in the United States, with particular emphasis on the experiences of Mexican-origin women. Particular attention to the topic of gender, sexuality, patriarchy, spirituality, indigeneity, and intersectionality will frame this course. These topics will be explored through a critical engagement with interdisciplinary readings, poetry, Chicana popular culture, and film.
This course will examine various theoretical perspectives from a sociological framework in relation to the Chicano community. Race, class gender and culture in the historical development of Chicano people will be explored as we discuss culture, ethnic identity, the institutions of education, economics, family and government. It will include an overview of past and current social movements (i.e. the Chicano, Chicana Feminism, labor movements, and other topics). Students will analyze prevailing myths and stereotypes and investigate the ways Chicanos have contributed to and participated in social and political change. Specific instances of Chicano structural resistance to Anglo encroachment and domination will be discussed. Particular attention will also be given to language development among Chicanos and the historical role of youth.
This course offers specialized study opportunities for students who wish to pursue projects not included in the regular curriculum. Students are accepted only by a written project proposal approved by the discipline prior to enrollment.