Program Overview

Chicano and Latino Studies, BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Chicano and Latino Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the historical, political, social, educational, economic, and cultural developments that affect Latino communities in the United States. The CALS BA provides an excellent background for students preparing for careers in education, social services, law, business, counseling, civic leadership, and community organizing.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Develop the ability to conduct empirical research using qualitative methods, to develop a research plan by focusing on the mechanics of research design.
• Become conversant with contemporary social theories (Marxism, postcolonialism, feminism, critical race theory) that explain the relationship of Latinos, as individuals and as a group, to social institutions and public policy in the United States.
• Understand the history of Latinos in relation to the development of the United States, and to the continuing racialization of this population in the United States.
• Understand the importance of race as a category of social stratification and oppression, and the importance that differences in national origin, mode of immigration, citizenship, skin color, gender and sexuality have in shaping experiences and tension with the Latino population.
• Explore the contributions Latinos have made to American artistic and cultural production, and to social, labor, cultural, and political activism.
• Understand Latino histories in the U.S. with attention to distinct periods and regions, and how Latin American immigration has affected the United States socially, economically, culturally and politically.

CALS Core Requirements (20 Units)

• CALS 350 - Latino Cultural Studies Unit(s): 4
• CALS 442 - Race, Class, and Gender Among Latinos Unit(s): 4
• CALS 445 - Chicano/Latino History Unit(s): 4
• CALS 458 - CALS Research and Methodology Unit(s): 4
• CALS 474 - Major Authors in Chicano and Latino Literature Unit(s): 4

CALS CORE Electives (4 Units)

• CALS 400 - Selected Topics in Chicano Studies Unit(s): 1-4
• CALS 405 - The Chicano/Latino Family Unit(s): 3-4
• CALS 410 - Latinx Feminisms Unit(s): 4
• CALS 450 - Chicano/Latino Children’s Literature Unit(s): 3-4
• CALS 456 - Sociology of Education/Latinos and Education Unit(s): 4
• CALS 480 - Latin American Migration to the United States Unit(s): 4
• CALS 495 - Special Studies Unit(s): 1-4
• CALS 499 - Internship Unit(s): 1-4

CALS Electives (12 Units)

• CALS 165A - Humanities Learning Community Unit(s): 4
• CALS 165B - Humanities Learning Community Unit(s): 4
• CALS 219 - The Latino Experience Unit(s): 3
• CALS 220 - Latina/o Arts and Humanities Unit(s): 4
• CALS 273 - Latinos and Performance: Critical and Creative Readings Unit(s): 4
• CALS 301 - CALS Leadership and Mentoring Unit(s): 1
• CALS 314 - Literature in Translation Unit(s): 4
• CALS 332 - Latinas/os and Globalization Unit(s): 3
• CALS 339 - Latinos and the U.S. Labor Market Unit(s): 3
• CALS 351 - Latina/o Humanisms Unit(s): 3
• CALS 352 - Chicano/Latino Philosophy Unit(s): 3
• CALS 365 - Chicano/Latino Theatre Unit(s): 2
• CALS 368 - Chicano/Latino Music Unit(s): 4
• CALS 374 - Latino Literature Unit(s): 4
• CALS 393 - Chicano/Latino Cinema Unit(s): 4
• CALS 403 - Chicano/Latino Youth and Adolescents Unit(s): 3-4
• CALS 395 - Community Involvement Program (CIP Unit(s): 1-4
• CALS 398 - MEChA Unit(s): 1-2
• CALS 426 - Chicano/Latino Sociolinguistic Unit(s): 4
• CALS 479 - Chicano/Latino Art History Unit(s): 4

Capstone Project

All CALS majors complete a Capstone project during their senior year in one of the following classes:

• CALS 405 - The Chicano/Latino Family Unit(s): 3-4
• CALS 410 - Latinx Feminisms Unit(s): 4
• CALS 426 - Chicano/Latino Sociolinguistic Unit(s): 4
• CALS 445 - Chicano/Latino History Unit(s): 4
• CALS 450 - Chicano/Latino Children’s Literature Unit(s): 3-4
• CALS 458 - CALS Research and Methodology Unit(s): 4
• CALS 474 - Major Authors in Chicano and Latino Literature Unit(s): 4
• CALS 480 - Latin American Migration to the United States Unit(s): 4

Total Units

• GE units: 48
• Major Core units: 20
• CALS Core Elective units: 4
• CALS Elective units: 12
• University Elective units: 36
• Total units required for graduation: 120

Program Roadmaps

• Chicano and Latino Studies, BA, Sample Four-Year Plan
• Chicano and Latino Studies, BA, Sample Two-Year Plan
• Chicano and Latino Studies, Teacher Preparation Track, Multiple Subjects Program, BA, Sample Four-Year Program
• Chicano and Latino Studies, Teacher Preparation Track, Multiple Subjects Program, BA, Sample Two-Year Program