Description & Requirements

The minor in Latin American/Chicano Studies is an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide for an awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of Latin American and Chicano issues in the areas of language, history, culture, literary studies, sociology, anthropology, political science, social ecology, health, folk medicine, and creative (art, dance, drama, music) accomplishments. Its goal is to promote not only knowledge of two important population groups, but also interracial, interethnic, intercultural, and international understanding. The minor is housed in the School of Humanities and is open to all UCI students.

There are two tracks in the minor. Students choose either the Latin American track or the Chicano track. Eight courses are required. In addition, students must fulfill a language requirement of two years of college-level Spanish or Portuguese (or equivalent).

Requirements for the Chicano Track:

Spanish 2A-B-C (Intermediate Spanish) or Portuguese 140A-B through 145 (three courses, exclusive of those used to meet the minor requirements), or equivalent knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese.

One course in Chicano history or culture selected from: Spanish 110C (Hispanic Civilization, when topic is on Chicano history or culture), 134 (Chicano Culture); History 198 (Directed Group Study, when topic is on Chicano history).

One course in Mexican history selected from: History 161A (Indian and Colonial Societies), 161B (Nineteenth Century), 161C (The Mexican Revolution-Twentieth Century).

One course in Chicano literature: Spanish 133A-B (Chicano Literature).

One course in Mexican literature: Spanish 186 (Selected Topics in Latin American Literature, when topic is on Mexican literature).

Three courses in topics related to Chicano Studies chosen from outside the School of Humanities, selected from: Comparative Culture 140D (Chicano Culture); Political Science 126A (Mexican-Americans and Politics); Social Ecology E143 (Social Ecology of the Borderlands).

One seminar course on a topic related to Chicano Studies selected from: History 190 (Colloquium); Spanish 190 (Individual Study); Biological Sciences 197A-B-C (Special Study in Biological Sciences); a Special Topics course in Anthropology, Political Science, or Sociology.

Residence Requirement for the Minor (both tracks): Four upper- division courses must be successfully completed at UCI.