Chicano/Latino Studies, B.A.
Chicano/Latino Studies is an interdisciplinary department organized to provide undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to examine the historical and contemporary experiences of Americans of Latino origin or ancestry. This diverse population includes people who trace their heritage to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and other Latin American and Caribbean nations. The curriculum is designed to provide an awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the language, history, culture, literature, sociology, anthropology, politics, social ecology, health, medicine, and creative (art, dance, drama, film, music) accomplishments of Chicano/Latino communities. The Department offers a B.A. degree in Chicano/Latino Studies, an undergraduate minor, and a graduate emphasis.
All students must meet the University Requirements.
All students must meet the School Requirements.
Departmental Requirements for the Major
| A. Complete the following five core courses: | |
| CHC/LAT 61 | Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies I |
| CHC/LAT 62 | Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies II |
| CHC/LAT 63 | Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies III |
| CHC/LAT 101 | Research in the Latino Community |
| CHC/LAT 102W | Chicano/Latino Research Seminar |
| B. Complete the following: | |
| SPANISH 2A | Intermediate Spanish (or equivalent) 1 |
| C. Complete one comparative ethnic studies course selected from African American Studies, Asian American Studies, or | |
| Multicultural Education in K-12 Schools 2 | |
| D. Select three upper-division electives, one from each of the following categories: | |
| Literature, Arts, and Media (CHC/LAT 110–129) | |
| History (CHC/LAT 130–139) | |
| Inequalities and Social Context (CHC/LAT 140–189) | |
| E. Select four additional elective courses, three of which must be upper-division, selected from CHC/LAT courses. 3 | |
| 1 | Students are encouraged to continue their Spanish language education through SPANISH 2C. |
| 2 | Course must focus on the study of African American or Asian American communities in the United States. |
| 3 | Electives may include Independent Study courses (CHC/LAT 199). Students may obtain credit for one of these three courses through participation in a study abroad program in Mexico. Students must consult with the Department office for additional information regarding this option. |
Residence Requirement for the Major: A minimum of five upper-division courses required for the major must be completed successfully at UCI. Courses taken through the UC Education Abroad Program will be counted toward satisfaction of the residence requirement.
Students are encouraged to pursue field research and write a substantial research paper on topics of their choice under the guidance of Chicano/Latino faculty members. Often, this project will grow out of issues examined in CHC/LAT 102W. Research projects typically involve a combination of library research and fieldwork in the Chicano/Latino community. Methods and analytical frameworks vary depending on the student and faculty advisors. Interested students should enroll in CHC/LAT 199.
The Honors Program in Chicano/Latino Studies is designed to allow undergraduates to pursue independent research and write an honors thesis on topics of their choice under the guidance of Chicano/Latino Studies faculty members. Research projects typically involve a combination of library research, data analysis, and field research. The program is open to all senior Chicano/Latino Studies majors with a grade point average of 3.3 or better overall, with 3.5 in Chicano/Latino Studies courses (at least five courses). Prior completion of or concurrent enrollment in CHC/LAT 101 is strongly recommended. Successful completion of the Honors Program and the honors thesis satisfies the upper-division writing requirement.
Although course work for the Honors Program does not start until the senior year, it is highly recommended that during the spring quarter of the junior year, students find a professor willing to serve as their research project advisor on the basis of a mutually acceptable abstract that indicates the goal and significance of their project. If extensive research is to be undertaken at this time, students should enroll in CHC/LAT 199.
During the fall quarter of the senior year, students enroll in CHC/LAT H190A and write a proposal describing their research question, the relevant background literature, and the method of data collection and analysis. Fieldwork for the project may begin during this quarter.
In the winter quarter of the senior year, students begin or continue their research by enrolling in CHC/LAT H190B. In the spring quarter of the senior year, students enroll in CHC/LAT H190C and complete a senior honors thesis.