Chicanx and Latinx Studies Program
Welcome to Chicanx and Latinx Studies!
The Bachelor of Arts in Chicanx and Latinx Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the historical, political, social, educational, economic, and cultural developments that affect Latinx 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. We also offer a minor in Chicanx and Latinx studies.
Learning Outcomes
Students pursing a program of study in the Chicanx & Latinx Studies program will achieve the following 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, post-colonialism, 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.
The CALS Major
The Department of Chicano and Latino Studies (CALS) offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum that centers on the experiences of Chicanos and Latinos in many areas of contemporary American society, including politics, education, literature, the arts, and religion. The focus is on gaining greater insight into the relationship between historical, social, political, and ideological circumstances and Latina/o cultures and identities. The flexibility of major requirements makes the CALS major ideally suited for students interested in pursuing a double major.
The overall curriculum provides majors with a solid basis in theoretical and applied analysis covering qualitative and critical methods of study. Students develop the necessary skills to understand the key role Chicanos will increasingly play in the future, given the rapidly changing demographics of the nation.
The department also offers a teacher preparation track designed to prepare students for courses and state exams that are part of the teaching credential certification process for elementary school teachers.
Future Careers
Students in the major embark on a variety of career paths after graduation. CALS graduates are optimally prepared for work in both the public and private sectors. They are broadly trained, culturally astute professionals who are able to work with diverse populations and who can take on the challenges of many different careers. Students are encouraged to consider their future careers while still in the program and to choose electives in accordance with their plans. Students in the teacher-preparation track have been optimally prepared to pursue the coursework and testing necessary to obtain a multiple subjects teaching credential in California. Majors in the interdisciplinary studies track who focus on the study of language and culture often pursue careers in teaching, migrant and bilingual education, publishing, cultural centers or graduate study in art, literature, cultural studies, or ethnic studies. Students who choose a social studies emphasis will acquire a solid basis of knowledge for work in human resources, community development, public service or advocacy work, as well as further study in health services, social welfare, psychology, sociology and political sciences.
How to pursue interest in the major
Freshman Students
Enroll in CALS 219 - The Latino Experience, or in the CALS Learning Community.
Transfer or Junior-level Students
Students who are considering the major are encouraged to enroll in CALS 351, CALS 368, CALS 393 or CALS 426 during their first semester at SSU. These courses offer an excellent introduction to the major and its interdisciplinary approach while fulfilling the upper-division and ethnic studies GE requirement.
Programs
- Chicano and Latino Studies Minor
- Chicano and Latino Studies, BA
- 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
- Chicano and Latino Studies, Teacher-Preparation Track, Multiple Subjects Program
CALS Courses
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