Chicana and Chicano Studies

Introductory study of cultural, economic, educational and political issues as they impact the Chicana/o in the U.S. Includes a study of the contributions that Chicana/os have made in these areas. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (ES)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent, subject to verification of oral skills at the beginning of the semester. Basic instruction in spoken and written formal Spanish for students who already have some comprehension of and fluency in the language. Designed for Chicano/Latino and other students from a Spanish-speaking background. Emphasis is placed on improving speaking, writing and reading …

Survey of Chicana/o visual art, music and drama and their role in Chicana/o culture. Offers a historical approach to Chicana/o contributions in the arts. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (ES)

Prerequisite: Placement in a supported GE subarea A2 Written Communication course. Corequisite: UNIV 061. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax …

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 113A. Corequisite: UNIV 062. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as the …

Prerequisite: Placement in supported GE subarea A2 Written Communication course. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as …

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 114A. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as the elements of prose …

Prerequisite: Multiple Measures Placement in GE-level writing. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax and grammar, as well as the elements …

Prerequisite: Multiple Measures Placement in GE-level writing, or completion of 113A or 114A, or completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examination of the principles essential to effective verbal communication skills through the study and practical application of basic speech forms. Attention given to individual and group communication activities designed to improve one’s ability to …

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Comprehensive overview of the literary heritage of Mexico from pre-Colombian times to the present. Includes an analysis of its historical, technical and lyrical dimensions and its relationship with other Hispanic literature in order to develop a critical appreciation of literary art. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Introduction to the process of critical thinking through the lens of race-based theories and selected historical and contemporary discourse of African Americans, Asian Americans and Chicanos/Latinos on race relations and multiculturalism in American society. Examines contemporary social issues through the use of scholarly studies and a range …

Develops the fundamental skills for guitar. Incorporates the study of various regional musical styles of the Southwest and Mexico. (Credit/No Credit only)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Introduction to research methods and writing skills through class lectures and hands-on assignments requiring the use of basic information sources and tools. Focuses on the development of basic research strategies and reinforcement of appropriate writing skills necessary to a wide spectrum of research and writing assignments. Includes …

Comparative analysis of significant political and social events in the U.S. from colonial times to the present. Emphasis placed on the historical development of American institutions and ideals as they have been affected by regional dynamics within the U.S. and by international, socio-political and economic relationships, particularly with Latin America. (Available for General Education, C3 …

Using a sociological framework for understanding the contemporary experiences of Mexican American women in the U.S., focuses on the sexual division of labor in families, the workplace and community. Each section explores the variation and heterogeneity in women’s class, ethnic/racial and gender identity. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural …

Study of important constitutional issues and cases that have affected the Chicano community. Examines how American political institutions, operating under the framework of the U.S. Constitution, have influenced the civil and political rights of Chicanos. (Available for General Education, D3/D4 Constitution of the United States/State and Local Government.)

This course will provide a survey of different schools of thought within the natural sciences with special attention to historical and contemporary debates around race and racism. Students will learn about how intelligence testing, forced sterilization, eugenics movements, modern psychiatry, and environmental conservation have impacted Chicana/o communities from a social science interdisciplinary approach. With this …

Students will engage in and practice the skills, methods, and awareness necessary for social change in the barrio. The course will focus on connections between students’ life experiences, community institutions, and social justice issues in the Chicana/o/Latina/o community. Freire’s problem-posing processes, cooperative learning, grant writing, and reflection are used to deepen student’s understanding of Chicano/Latina …

Selected topics in Chicana/o Studies with course content to be determined.

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division requirement. Analysis of the image of the Chicana and Chicano as presented in films and documentaries. Includes historical background, content analysis and social implications of selected feature films and documentaries. Students prepare a written analysis of each film viewed. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES) *Not available for General …

Preparatory: Upper division standing; completion of one or more introductory courses in Chicana/o Studies, Religious Studies or Art; or by consent of the instructor. This lecture/studio course examines the concepts inspiring the Dias de los Muertos celebration from ancient Mesoamerican mythology and worldview to contemporary expressions of the Days of the Dead in the Chicana/o …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the cultural, instrumental and musical aspects of predominant regional musical styles of Mexico from Pre-Cuauhtemoc to contemporary times. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (ES) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Course addresses how critical and indigenous methodologies and research can be used to promote racial and social justice within the Chicana/o/x community. Students practice using a language of critique in examining research methods, epistemology and ethics, theory, concepts and practices within the context of research in the …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Overview of social, educational and linguistic factors that influence language development among Chicanas/os and other language minority children. Introduces students to theories and processes of first and second language acquisition and relates these to the language development and educational needs of Chicana/Latino and other immigrant children. The course …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. History of the development of the Mexican peoples from the beginning of Spanish colonization (1521) to the present. Analysis of the interaction between politics and economics and the factors underlying Mexico’s economic underdevelopment also presented. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (ES) …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Appraisal of past and contemporary socio-political and economic contributions by Mexican women and Chicanas to developments in Mexico and the U.S. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (ES) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement. Introduction to the Intellectual history of Indigenous societies of the Americas and highlights the 15,000-year legacy of Indigenous Knowledge held by today’s Indigenous communities with roots in Latin America. The course employs anti-colonial and decolonizing theoretical frameworks that center student attention on Indigenous Intellectual history and Indigenous people’s …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Comparative historical study of Mexican Catholicism and American Protestantism and their influence on Chicanas/os in the U.S. Examination of issues involving church, religion, and politics in Chicana/o communities including analysis of theologies of liberation, faith-based community organizing, and feminist, queer, and indigenous spiritualities. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the intellectual life of Mexico from its indigenous pre-Colombian roots through the Spanish and European influences up to its own distinctive present-day perspectives and philosophical outlook. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, C2 Humanities.) (ES) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the origin and development of Chicana/o organizations, such as the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and La Raza Unida Party (LRUP), and their emergence of social movements emphasizing their role in the electoral process and in the development of …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study and critical analysis of the urban Chicana/o community in the U.S. Includes theory, demography, spatial dynamics, leading economic and political issues, key institution issues, trends, and urban policy and planning. Intended for, but not limited to, prospective elementary and secondary school teachers. Available for Section B of …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Preparatory: CHS 364. This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to critically understanding indigeneity in Latin American communities as well as contemporary Indigenous migration movements from Latin America to the United States. Students examine varied theoretical frameworks as well as specific case studies of Indigenous diasporic communities …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Explores the historical and material causes of world migration from underdeveloped countries. Compares Mexican immigration to the U.S. with those of other underdeveloped and developing nations. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (ES) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Comparison of Chicana and Third World women in the U.S. and the world community. Effects of colonialism, changes in the mode of production and liberation movements are studied within the U.S. and the Third World communities. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the political, economic, social and cultural changes that have affected women in Latin America. Regular written assignments are required. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of major Chicana/o writers. Includes an analysis of Chicano novels, short stories, theater and poetry. Students develop analytical skills through class discussions, written assignments and readings. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, C2 Humanities.) (ES) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Introduction to the literature produced by contemporary Chicana writers. Reading and discussion of narrative works, poetry and drama, as well as socio-historical criticism, literary theory and biography. Socio-critical and textual analysis. Regular written assignments required. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, C2 Humanities.) (ES) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement. Chicano/a/x literary representations of the self will be examined historically and within their own literary and intellectual traditions. Parallel literary works of other ethnic groups will also be explored. The ideas of a lived experience, self-determination and decolonization will be covered as they pertain to a construction of …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Includes techniques of planning, writing, editing, designing and the publishing of an alternative newspaper. Analysis of the Chicana/o press and the role of Chicanas/os in the mass media. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, E Lifelong Learning.) (ES) (WI)

Selected topics in Chicana/o Studies with course content to be determined.

General survey of civilized life in Mexico and Central America prior to 1519. Examines the Meso-American variant of world civilization and directs special attention to the societies of central Mexico during the 13th-16th centuries. Available for graduate credit. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES) *Not available for General Education credit.

Analysis of the portrayal of Chicanas and Chicanos in the media, including newspapers, magazines, television, film and advertising. Examination of sources and techniques of reporting events in the barrio is also studied. Field study included and designed for the non-professional student. Available for graduate credit. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES) *Not available for General …

Prerequisite: Introductory course in Chicana/o Studies or ART 124A. Recommended: Previous art/drawing experience. Through the medium of painting/art practice, introduction to Mexican and Chicana/o world views and aesthetics. Painting assignments provide experience working in various media, including a choice of oils, acrylic and/or watercolor, with styles/approaches to subject matter ranging from representational to expressive and …

Prepares teacher candidates to examine principles of educational equity, diversity and the implementation of curriculum content and school practices for elementary/secondary students. Focuses on the history and culture of a specific ethnic experience and a comparative analysis is made with other ethnic groups in California. Engages students to examine, critique and reflect on their personal …

Examines and studies Chicanas/os in relation to the U.S. economy. Study of the development of the capitalist state and its relationship to the U.S society. Includes analysis of labor history in the U.S with a specific emphasis on Chicano labor history. Available for graduate credit.

Review of the cognitive, affective and psychomotor development of Chicana/o and Latina/o children. Examines patterns of school adjustment and achievement of Chicana/o and Latina/o children and other language minority students. Explores the sociocultural and linguistic aspects of learning and current theoretical frameworks and standards of implementation related to programs for language-minority students. Available for Section …

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Explores patterns of selection, innovation and recreation of ethnic and gender identity and theories of adolescent formation among Chicana/o and other Latina/o adolescents. Fieldwork/observation and regular written assignments required. For prospective elementary and secondary school teachers. Available for Section A of the Multicultural Requirement for credential candidates. Available …

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Overview of social, cultural and educational factors that impact the psychological development of Chicana/o and other Latina/o children. Studies the nature of psychological issues associated with the immigrant and acculturation process and the role of the teacher, counselor and family in dealing with these issues. Primarily for prospective …

An introduction to the study of language acquisition, specifically focusing on the linguistic factors that influence language development among Chicanas/os and other language-minority children. The course provides an introduction to the structure and function of language and to theories of first and second language acquisition. We will relate these theories to monolingual language acquisition as …

Prerequisite: CHS 270. Review of research on issues and problems affecting Chicano students adapting to the schools and the teacher’s response to them. Includes observation of school facilities and classroom techniques. Available for graduate credit. Academic Internship course. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES) *Not available for General Education credit.

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. History of the Mexican people in the U.S. presented in the context of American history and government. Examines American institutions and ideals as developed by the framers of the U.S. and California constitutions and how they have affected the role of the Mexican American in U.S. society. Available …

Explores the ways in which public historical places gain their meaning and how this has shaped public narratives and imaginaries. The roles of Chicanos/as/xs as creators and consumers of public historical narratives are examined through the theoretical application of a Palimpsest—multiple historical narratives that at once affirm contemporary meanings while simultaneously erasing previous ones. Available …

Study of contemporary political, social and cultural theories and their relationship to the Chicana/o experience in the U.S. Emphasis on theories developed by Chicanas and Chicanos. Questions on the role of praxis, democracy and the transformation of society are also examined. Available for graduate credit. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES) *Not available for General …

Critical study of Chicana/o issues, organizations, political models, participation, behavior and the electoral process in the U.S. Includes an examination of race, gender and class dynamics and their relationship to Chicana/o Politics. Available for graduate credit. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES) *Not available for General Education credit.

This course will provide students with the knowledge to understand how built environments, ecological degradation, water privatization and land confiscation have structured racial inequality in the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will read about the contingent relationships between race, class and economic development that have made Chicana/o, Latina/o, Asian American, African American and Native American …

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the processes, effects and possible causes of social and cultural differences and conflict among Chicanos. Includes a study of preventive measures and plans to ameliorate the situation. Intended primarily for elementary and secondary school teachers. Available for Section B of the Multicultural requirement for credential candidates. Available …

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the interaction between the Chicano Community and the educational and social institutions of the dominant society. Topics such as institutional racism, segregation and abuse of authority are analyzed along with a focus on the Chicano community’s organized attempts to advocate for their values and interests. Intended …

Preparatory: Completion of a lower division literature course or CHS 380. Critical analysis of themes and meanings of U.S.-based Chicana/o-Latina/o children’s literature using contemporary literary and cultural theory tools. Students explore and practice the use of Chicana/o-Latina/o children’s literature in school communities to promote cultural awareness and humanization among children and families. Course requires fieldwork in …

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines the origin and current features of informal spoken Spanish in the Southwestern U.S. Includes an analysis of common colloquial forms, slang, profanity and code-switching. Addresses English usage among Chicanas/os. Available for Section C of the Multicultural requirement for credential candidates. Available for graduate credit.

Study of the basic structures of the Nahuatl language as it is reflected in written manuscripts. Phonology, syntax and lexicon of Classic Nahuatl is examined with the purpose of enabling the student to translate passages from primary sources. Available for graduate credit. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (ES) *Not available for General Education credit.

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Preparatory: Senior or graduate status or permission from instructor. In-depth study of a selected theme or issue in Chicana/o Studies. Topics will change from semester to semester and be restricted in scope and aimed at gaining depth on a particular issue. Critical writing and reading required. Offered for …

Selected topics in Chicana/o Studies with course content to be determined. Available for graduate credit.

Prerequisite: Senior standing or instructor consent. Integrative seminar serving as a capstone to the interdepartmental major in Chicana/o Studies. Intensive study of selected topics relating to the Chicana/o and the preparation of papers by members of the class.

Independent Study

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Investigation of the various disciplines that comprise Chicana/o Studies (e.g., history, literature, etc.). Study of methods and techniques of research used in the various disciplines and their application to Chicana/o Studies are included.

Prerequisite: CHS 500. Seminar in the methods of analysis and writing of the social sciences. Review of the major works written by social scientists on the Chicana/o, with a critical evaluation of the racial, cultural and environmental models used to study the Chicana/o. Students survey and evaluate social science research as well as participate in a …

Prerequisite: CHS 500. Seminar in the humanities, comparing the Western European tradition with that of Meso-America. Study of theories of aesthetics and philosophies from both perspectives and their influence on current Chicana/o thought, literature and folklore. Emphasis on the various approaches to literary analysis of the different literary genres.

Study of the music, drama and graphic arts produced by Chicanas/os as an expression of the Chicana/o experience in the U.S. Emphasizes Chicana/o artistic expression that has its roots and inspiration in Mexican art forms, often combined with U.S. or European influences.

Prerequisite: Graduate status or permission from instructor. The course examines the mytho-historical influences, “altar-native” spiritualities, oppositional politics, hybrid realities and complex “transforming” identities that inform Chicana visual expression/creative production and cultural activism. Visual art studied includes painting, printmaking, mixed-media, altares/nichos, muralism, photography, installation, video and other diverse forms where relevant to Chicana art.

Advanced field study. Students are exposed to rigorous analysis of behavioral studies of the Chicano community and techniques in fieldwork.

Evaluation of the American educational system. Emphasizes school organizational structure, administrative theory and application, multicultural curriculum and instruction, parent involvement and community relations. Designed to give graduate students an opportunity to explore strategies for promoting change in our educational institutions to benefit Chicana/o and other language-minority students.

Prerequisite: Graduate status. This course introduces students to quantitative and qualitative methods and methodology. It provides an intensive exploration of research tools and techniques relevant to Chicano/a Studies. The course provides a basic introduction to research methods and tools. Students will complete a research proposal that will include a literature review, statement of research problem …

Advanced Chicana/o Studies theoretical models and pedagogical approaches to the teaching of Chicana/o Studies in secondary and post-secondary education environments are addressed. Students will gain greater knowledge of the epistemology, content and cultural knowledge, and praxis needed to establish classrooms that are community responsive and social justice oriented.

Critical examination of the origin and development of Chicana feminism(s) from an interdisciplinary perspective and review of the ways Chicana feminist thought, visions of social justice, and the construction of knowledge may inform research.

Introduction to issues of identity in popular Chicana/o performance. The course explores current theories of identity formation and uses performance methodologies to create solo and group performances that reflect contemporary issues in the Chicana/o Community.

Prerequisite: CHS 417 or equivalent. This advanced study course is designed for educators enrolled in the Ethnic Studies Certificate with a focus on Chicana/o Studies. Students in this course identify, analyze, and discuss the impact of the structural, cultural, and political aspects of education on the Chicana/o. This course is an in-depth examination of theoretical, …

Prerequisite: CHS 508. This course focuses on literary criticism, theory, and its application to the teaching of Chicanx/Latinx literature in secondary and community college settings. Students in this course will read, analyze, and discuss/apply pedagogical practices associated with classical and contemporary Chicanx/Latinx literary works.

Prerequisite: SPAN 104 or instructor consent. Study and text analysis of selected novels that describe the revolutionary struggle during the years 1910-1915 and the profound changes that the revolution produced in Mexican society. Emphasis on the novelists’ disillusion with many of the revolutionary governments. Conducted in Spanish. (Cross-listed with SPAN 484.)

Prerequisite: SPAN 104 or instructor consent. Study of the recent trends in the Mexican novel through the reading of selected works by the best-known contemporary Mexican male and female novelists. Conducted in Spanish. (Cross-listed with SPAN 587.)

Experimental Topics

In-depth study of a selected theme or issue in Chicana/o Studies. Topics will change from semester to semester and be restricted in scope and aimed at gaining depth on a particular issue in Chicana/o Studies.

Prerequisite: Graduate status. Investigation of a significant problem in Chicana/o Studies. Project selected in conference with graduate faculty sponsor prior to enrollment.

Prerequisites: Classified graduate status; Instructor consent. Enrollment is required in the semester in which the comprehensive exam is taken.

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status; Instructor consent. Enrollment is required in the semester in which the thesis or project is completed.