Description & Requirements

The Department of Chicano Studies offers an interdisciplinary program that examines the diversity of the Chicano experience through the social and behavioral sciences and humanities. In seeking to understand the Chicano experience, the department offers instruction in significant periods of Mexican and southwestern U.S. history and probes the roots of a tradition beginning with the pre-Columbian cultures of Mexico and branching into many areas of contemporary U.S. society.

The academic objectives of the department are twofold: to meet the educational and cultural needs of students, and to foster understanding in the larger community of Chicano affairs and concerns. The department curriculum stresses the bicultural and bilingual nature of Chicano society, and the program provides an opportunity for students to plan and develop their course of study.

The major is recommended for those planning professional careers of special importance for the Chicano community, such as law, the health services, social services, and education. After completing specific prerequisites, students with a degree in Chicano Studies are eligible to pursue a California teaching credential. Interested students should discuss their plans as early as possible with the credential adviser in the Graduate School of Education.

There are several sources of information and academic advising within the Department of Chicano Studies. One of the faculty acts as general undergraduate adviser and answers specific questions about the major, transfer credits, course substitutions, course waivers, and other academic problems. The department also provides an information sheet for undergraduate majors and a listing of courses to be offered each quarter. A complete academic file is kept in the department office for each student in the Chicano Studies major. An up-to-date major requirement list and other handouts pertaining to the Chicano Studies major are also available.

Bachelor of Arts-Chicano Studies

Preparation for the major. Chicano Studies 1 A-B-C Chicano Studies 12, Spanish 6 (or equivalent by examination).

Upper-division major. Forty upper-division units emphasizing four sub-areas selected as follows. Up to twelve units may be taken outside the department:

A. History - Three courses (12 units), including two courses from Chicano Studies 168A-B (same as History 168A- B) and 130A; and one course from Chicano Studies 105,168Q,189; History 151A-B-C, 152A-B-C, 156A-B, 158.

B. Humanities - Three courses (12 units), including two courses from Chicano Studies 137,138, 139,140,141,143, 145,146,180,181,187, 188A-B-C, 190, 195; and one course from Chicano Studies 142; Religious Studies 114B; Art History 154C, 161D, 161E; Spanish 106, 108A-B-C, 109,127,136,138,178, 180.

C. Social Science - Three courses (12 units), including two courses from Chicano Studies 106,115, 120, 130B, 131, 144 (same as Sociology 144 ), 154F (same as Sociology 154F), 155R (same as Sociology 155R), 155W (same as Sociology 1 55W), 1 70A-B, 174, 175, 178, 197; and one course from Chicano Studies 147, 164,171, 194; Anthropology 133,134,135,137,141,148A, 175, 190; Political Science 132,134, 148A-B, 174; Sociology 128,129,134.

D. Research/Methods - One course (4 units), selected from Chicano Studies 102A-B, 110, 191D, 192,193,196.

A maximum of 4 units of Chicano Studies 191 AA-ZZ may be applied to Area A or B or C above, as appropriate, by petition. Upper-division courses from other academic departments may be accepted toward the major by petition to the department chair.