COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Chicana/o - Latina/o Studies
COURSE NUMBER: CHST 1116.01, 02, 03 & 04
SECTION TIMES/DAYS: see PROWL for various dates and times
INSTRUCTOR: Faculty
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS : This course investigates the Mexicanheritage population in the United States, its indigenous origins in the Americas, and its relations
to other US Latinos. In terms of the latter topic, it examines the differences among people of
Latin American heritage and the social and material forces that created the myth of the Latino
constituency. The course addresses the complex historical, social, political, and material forces of
Mexican American experience and US-Mexico relations. It critically investigates nationalist
definitions of “Mexicans” and “Americans” as well as notions of race and belonging. In addition,
the course pays attention to the racial differences in the Americas and how this diversity informs
contemporary Afro-Latino communities in the United States. To identify systems of power and
privilege that affect Chicana/o and other Latino communities, the course examines the
colonialization of the New World, American imperialism in the Southwest and the Caribbean,
immigration in the twentieth century, and globalization.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Comprehend the general historical, social, economic, and political trends that affect the lives of
Chicana/os
2. Identify intellectual developments in Chicana/o Studies scholarship, including those regarding
Latino identity formation and Afro-Latino populations
3. Apply social science theories and methods to understand Chicana/os and their gender,
sexuality, racial, and class diversity
4. Write a coherent, concise, and nuanced essay using evidence to support a social science
argument
5. Understand the critical assessment of multicultural curriculum, particularly its emphasis on the
contributions approach, colorblindness, and similarity as the only pathways to tolerance,
acceptance, and belonging
6. Learn to find, use and evaluate scholarly and discipline-specific professional information and
resources for reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, and bias
7. Recognize the complementary goals of CHST and the LMU mission
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND: None
REQUIRED TEXTS: TBD
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
Participation & Attendance
Short Essay (7-10 pages, revised once)
Comparative Essay (4-6 pages)
Facilitation (Group Project)
Final cumulative exam
20%
20%
20%
15%
25%
CORE EQUIVALECIES
Satisfies Studies in American Diversity in Core Curriculum
Satisfies requirements for majors, minors and LBST
1
COURSE TITLE: Race in Contemporary Society
COURSE NUMBER: CHST 1998.02 / CHST 1998.01
SECTION TIMES/DAYS: TR 9:40-11:10 am
TR 2:20-3:530 pm
INSTRUCTOR: Faculty
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPLE TOPICS:
Together we will study contemporary challenges faced by communities of color in the United
States with an emphasis on cultural shifts and political action. Examined as case studies, we will
explore the following topics: new nativism & contemporary xenophobic discourse, the struggle
for clean water and environmental racism, and Black Lives Matters. Viewed holistically, these
topics will provide a contemporary snapshot of our current historical moment and empower
students to consider ways that they can transform society and create a more equitable world.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of all required coursework and active participation in lecture and
discussion, students should be able to:
1. Comprehend the general historical, social, economic, and political trends that affect the lives of
diverse people of color;
2. Recognize the gender, sexuality, racial, and class diversity of people of color in the United
States; 3. Understand intersectionality and recognize the broader context of interaction, conversation, and
com m unity form ation between racialized groups in the United States; PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND: None
REQUIRED TEXTS: TBD
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS:
Students are responsible for attending all class sessions and to contribute to discussions and
activities. Furthermore, be prepared for each class session by completing all assigned reading
prior to class. Tips on effectively preparing for class meetings will be shared in class.
COURSE TITLE: Chicana/o and Latina/o Literature
COURSE NUMBER: CHST 2206
SECTION TIMES/DAYS: MWF 12:40-1:40pm
INSTRUCTOR: Faculty
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
This class is an introduction to contemporary Chicana/o and Latina/o
Literature, emphasizing how the world we live in shapes how we read. While the
focus of this class is literary, we’ll also engage in historical and socially driven
analysis. While some of this literature moves between English and Spanish, no prior
knowledge of Spanish is required.
This class will explore historical and socio-political context of Chicana/o and
Latina/o literature as well as the basics of literary analysis. We will practice close
reading and develop critical analyses that explore the relationship between literary
form and thematic content. By the end of the semester, you’ll be able to use your
close reading skills to develop a literary analysis that engages both textual and
contextual concerns.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Be familiar with the role of literature in Chicana/o and Latina/o social and cultural
movements.
Develop a literary analysis based on close reading of a literary text.
Develop their own critical positions in a sustained piece of writing.
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND: None
REQUIRED TEXTS: TBD
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
Students are responsible for participating actively in small groups and in class
discussion, keep a regular reading journal, and write several short pieces of writing
and a long final essay.
COURSE TITLE: Chicana/o History
COURSE NUMBER: CHST 3360.01
SECTION TIMES/DAYS: M 4:20-7:20pm
INSTRUCTOR: Faculty
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
A survey of Native America, Mexican America, and the recent past (Chicana/o Civil
Rights Movement) with a focus on race, ethnicity, sexuality, and class.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will understand and value the significance of indigenous societies in a Mexican
and Chicana/o context
Students will be able to write a book critique and explain the significance of a
monograph, its themes or ideas in the context of its historical significance
Students will learn to group historical information around the topics of race, ethnicity,
class, gender, and sexuality and elucidate it clearly on two examinations, a midterm and a
final
Students will develop an understanding of the complexity of the term, Chicana/o
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies or any other ethnic studies survey useful
REQUIRED TEXTS
(List is subject to revision)
R. Acuña, Occupied America
M. Leon-Portilla, The Broken Spears
L. Heidenreich, This Land was Mexican Once
R. Anaya, Bless Me, Ultima
G. Sánchez, Becoming Mexican American
E. Pérez, The Decolonial Imaginary
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
One-page reaction analysis (and re-writing), due weekly
One book critique, comparative
One oral presentation, powerpoint or Prezi, printed copy turned in
One final essay, draft due 10 days before semester ends and final re-write due as
indicated
COURSE TITLE: The Politics of Latino Identity: From Hispanic to Latinx
COURSE NUMBER: CHST 3998.02/SOCL 3998.02
SECTION TIMES/DAYS: T/Th 2:40-4:10pm
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Sylvia Zamora
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
As of 2017, the Latino population in the United States has reached a high of over 56
million, or 17% of the total U.S. population. It is estimated that by 2060, the Latino
population will make up at least 31 percent of the total U.S. population. This course takes
a sociological look at Latino identity formation in the United States. Through the close
reading of required texts and detailed classroom discussions, we will engage with
questions such as “How did Latino identity develop in the U.S.?” “How do Latinos
express and create identities that are personal and thus reflective of their unique
experiences?” and “How are Latinos shaping what it means to be ‘American’ today?”
Students will examine topics such as immigration, assimilation, resistance and social
movements, urbanization, racism and learn how specific factors intersect to shape Latino
identities, including but not limited to discrimination, language, national origin, region,
legal status, skin color and phenotype, gender and sexuality. This course also makes use
of documentary film, current events, and student presentations to achieve the learning
outcomes.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the course you will be able to do the following: assess the impact and
important roles Latinos have played in the formation of U.S. society, analyze and critique
existing social structures to understand how they shape various forms of identity and
social inequality, and define core concepts such as racialization, intersectionality,
hegemony, and agency. Finally, you will be able to identify specific policies, practices,
and processes that differentially shape the experiences of Latinos in the U.S., and give
clear, well-organized oral presentations in a classroom setting.
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
Students should have taken at least one introductory-level sociology class.
REQUIRED TEXTS: You will be expected to purchase 1-2 assigned books and print
out and bring to class all of the remaining articles/book chapters.
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
Engaged participation in rigorous class discussions, response papers, research paper, and
class presentation.