Description & Requirements
A student can complete the major in Chicano Studies in the College of Letters and Science (A.B. degree) or in the Department of Ethnic Studies (A.B. degree). Students in each program are subject to the requirements of the respective College or department.
The Chicano Studies major offers an interdisciplinary curriculum of academic study that critically examines the historical and contemporary experiences of people of Mexican descent in the context of American society and institutions. Moreover, in light of continuous immigration from Mexico, and now Central America, the Chicano Studies major curriculum includes the study of particular aspects of Mexican history, culture and politics as they bear upon the Chicano community, past and present. Emphasis is given in the major to the student developing a broad knowledge of the Chicano experience. Thus, the major stresses the analysis of the interrelationships in the historical background, cultural patterns, and artistic expression of the Chicano community in order to acquire a well rounded, in-depth understanding of the contemporary interface between Chicanos and American society. In this connection, the major strives to incorporate various disciplines in its approach, such as political science, sociology, anthropology, history, literary criticism, and art. Through the interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum, the major is aimed at preparing students for incorporation into the world of work and for a wide range of advanced graduate work and/or professional training in various fields.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chicano Studies will be awarded upon fulfillment of the following requirements:
1. Completion of the general University requirements regarding senior residence. Subject A, American History and Institutions.
2. Completion of 120 units, at least 40 of which must be in upper division.
3. Maintenance of at least a C average in all courses undertaken at the University and a grade of C average in all courses in the major program.
Breadth Requirement-SpeciaI Studies
(For College of Letters and Science breadth requirements, see the college announcement.)
1. Demonstrate proficiency in Reading and Composition: Chicano Studies 1A and 1B or equivalents.
2. Completion of at least 6 units of courses in Ethnic Studies, Asian American Studies or Native American Studies.
3. Completion of one course in quantitative methods (e.g.. statistics, mathematics, computer science).
Lower Division. l. Completion of three core courses from Chicano Studies 20,40, 50, 70 or 80.
2. Demonstration of proficiency in Chicano Spanish through completion of 6A and 6B, Chicano Spanish (or by passing a proficiency examination given at the beginning of each semester).
3. Completion of at least 6 units of courses (may include upper division) outside the Ethnic Studies Department such as political science, social welfare, comparative literature, etc. (determined upon consultation with the Chicano Studies adviser)
Upper Division. 1. Completion of Chicano Studies l0l.
2. Completion of five additional upper division courses in Chicano Studies to include: (a) two courses from 141, 142, 143, 150A, 150B, or 161; (b) two courses from 145,155,170, 172,174, or 176; (c) one elective. It is recommended that majors take at least one upper division Chicano Studies course in Spanish.
3. One course in Ethnic Studies.
4. Four units of senior thesis work will be optional for all majors; 195.
Honors Program. The Chicano Studies Program provides a program leading to the A.B. degree with honors. A student must have junior standing; a 3.3 University GPA; and a 3.3 GPA in the major. The honors thesis will consist of a 6-unit research project. The faculty will establish criteria and grade the project. For more information, see the Chicano Studies adviser in 3410 Dwinelle.
Required courses: Five upper division courses.
(1) Chicano Studies 101. (2) One course from 141, 142, 143,150A, 1508, or 161. (3) One course from 145,155,170,172, 174, or 176 (4) Two Chicano Studies upper division electives.