Major and minor
The Chicana/Chicano Studies major focuses on providing a unique opportunity to understand the Chicanx/Latinx experience through an analysis of class, race-ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and cultural expression within the historical and contemporary experiences of Chicanx/Latinx people in the Americas.The program covers various interdisciplinary aspects of the Chicanx/Latinx experience: from the history and socio-political contexts of the U.S.-Mexico border, to expressive arts such as cinema and music, and ongoing acts of social change and development to areas such as education and healthcare. The major provides an opportunity to link these concepts with other disciplines and careers, with students equipped with the ability to discuss issues relevant to the Chicanx/Latinx community.
Real World Outcomes
Chicana/o Studies majors have gone on to a variety of exciting opportunities. The Cultural Studies emphasis prepares students for professional work in cross-cultural education, cultural/art centers, artistic expression and communication. The Social/Policy Studies emphasis orients students towards careers in human service delivery, community development, legal services assistance, health services, social welfare and education. Many students go on to advanced professional studies or graduate students in related fields. Program alumni include a college president, a member of the California Legislature, teachers, librarians and social workers.
Requirements
After completing survey courses at the lower division levels, Chicana/Chicano Studies majors choose to specialize in either of two areas: the Cultural Studies emphasis integrates literature, culture, and artistic expression; the Social/Policy Studies track emphasizes social theory, research methods, area studies in community and health issues. Students are expected to read, write and speak Spanish at a level suitable for future study and work involving Chicanx and Latinx perspectives.
