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Mexican American Studies
In the College of Arts and Letters
Office: Adams Humanities 3160
Telephone: (619) 594-6452
Chair: Rodriguez
Professors: Griswold del Castillo, Herzog, Rodriguez, Villarino
Associate Professor: Ortiz
Assistant Professor: Del Castillo
Major in Mexican American studies with the B.A. degree in liberal arts and sciences.
Minor in Mexican American studies.
Minor in United States-Mexican border studies.
Certificate in United States-Mexico border studies.
Recognized for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service, Mexican American studies provides timely, interdisciplinary education regarding the nation's fast-growing ethnic group, the Chicano/Latino, and the interplay of culture, politics, economics and society in the dynamic U.S.-Mexican border region. The Department of Mexican American Studies also endeavors to contribute to the development of knowledge about the Chicano/Latino populations and the border region through original scholarship on the part of its faculty and students. The department recognizes women and gender based issues as integral to a Chicano studies program. In 1993, the department inaugurated the Magadalena Mora Award to be awarded to the winner of the outstanding history essay in Mexicana/Chicana women at the undergraduate level.
Mexican American studies majors may choose one of two areas: Humanities, which includes courses designed to increase the student's awareness of the Chicano culture, as well as intellectual, aesthetic, literary, historical, ethical, and human values; and Social Science, including courses which analyze social institutions and how they affect the individual and also emphasize contemporary Mexican American issues as they relate to the larger society. Areas of study include political science, anthropology, economics, sociology, and history.
Bilingual/bicultural graduates are sought after more than ever before. A student with a major or minor in Mexican American studies has a good possibility of securing a position and advancing. Although employment opportunities in regular classroom teaching and other careers have remained fairly constant, the number of positions for bilingual/bicultural graduates has continued to increase.
Mexican American studies is also an excellent major as preparation for postgraduate study in various professional schools. For example, students can continue their studies for advanced degrees in law, with positions specializing in minority or barrio problems; social work, as a medical or psychiatric social worker in a minority community; public administration; librarianship; and business administration, with careers in accounting, marketing, bank management, and insurance.
All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department adviser as soon as possible; they are required to meet with their department adviser within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.
All candidates for a degree in liberal arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." No more than 48 units in Mexican American studies courses can apply to the degree.
A double major is strongly recommended for students majoring in Mexican American studies.
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Mexican American Studies 100 and 110. (6 units)
Foreign Language Requirement. Competency (equivalent to that which is normally attained through three consecutive courses of college study) is required in one foreign language as part of the preparation for the major. Students are encouraged to satisfy this language requirement in Spanish. Refer to section of catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 24 upper division units to include Mexican American Studies 301 and 21 units selected from one area of specialization: (social sciences) Mexican American Studies 303, 306, 320, 324, 350A-350B, 355, 480, 498; or (humanities) Mexican American Studies 310, 314A, 314B, 324, 335, 357, 375, 376, 380, 396W, 464, 597; or (border studies) Mexican American Studies 306, 355, 375, 380, 498, Economics 565, History 551B, Political Science 568. Up to six units, with appropriate content, can be applied to each area of specialization from Mexican American Studies 496, 499, and 596.
The minor in Mexican American studies consists of a minimum of 18 units in Mexican American studies to include Mexican American Studies 100, 110, and 12 units of upper division courses selected from one area of specialization (social sciences) Mexican American Studies 301, 303, 306, 320, 324, 350A-350B, 355, 498; or (humanities) Mexican American Studies 310, 314A, 314B, 335, 357, 375, 376, 380, 396W, 464, 597; or (border studies) Mexican American Studies 306, 355, 375, 380, 498, Economics 565, History 551B, Political Science 568. Up to six units, with appropriate content, can be applied to each area of specialization from Mexican American Studies 496, 499, and 596.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
The minor in United States-Mexican Border Studies consists of a minimum of 22 units, 12 units of which must be in upper division courses to include Mexican American Studies 355, Spanish 201, and six units selected from Mexican American Studies 306, 310, 357, 375, 376, 380, 597.
The following additional nine units must be taken to complete the minor:
International Economic/Business: Three units selected from Economics 360, 365, 458, 565; Finance 329; Marketing 376.
Regional Geography/History and Politics/Society: Six units selected from Communication 591; Geography 323; History 538, 549, 551, 555; Political Science 481, 555, 568; Social Work 350; Sociology 335, 350, 351, 355, 555.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
The United States-Mexico Border Studies Certificate program is an interdisciplinary program integrating border studies courses from academic units throughout the campus. The objective of the program is to train students from diverse academic backgrounds within a multidisciplinary border studies curriculum that provides direct experience in border institutions and policy issues in both the public and private sectors. The program requires 21 units and a level of Spanish proficiency, 3 on a scale of 5, as indicated on the Foreign Service Language Examination. Students must apply for admission to the program before the completion of nine certificate units and are required to plan their program with an adviser. Contact the Department of Mexican American Studies.
Required courses: Mexican American Studies 355 and three units of an internship, either Mexican American Studies 498 or an internship from the student's major if it is carried out as a border-oriented internship.
Fifteen units selected from the following areas, at least three units from each area. In addition to the courses listed and with the approval of the adviser, students may take border-related courses from other areas, but no more than six units can be from a single department. Courses in the certificate may not be counted toward the minor.
Evolution of Social and Environmental Regions: Mexican American Studies 375; Geography 496; History 551B.
Political and Economic Systems: Mexican American Studies 306; Economics 458, 496, 565; Political Science 568.
Cultural and Social Institutions: Mexican American Studies 376; Education 451.
Special Problems/Human Services: Mexican American Studies 496, Border Research Topics; Political Science 390, Dynamics of Modern International Crises.
100. The Mexican American Heritage (3)
Cultural achievements and thought of Spanish speaking peoples of North America; development of aesthetic and ethical values. North American intellectual history and influence of philosophical orientations of native and Mestizo peoples. Implications for social change.
110. Introduction to Mexican American Studies (3)
Introduction to the culture and the civilization of the Mexican American. History; Mexican and US roots; the new identity. (Formerly numbered Mexican American Studies 110A.)
111A. Oral Communication (3)
Training in the process of oral (speech) expression: addressing the barrio; formal delivery.
Mexican American Studies 111A is equivalent to Communication 103. Not open to students with credit in Africana Studies 140 or Communication 103 or 204.
111B. Written Communication (3)
Prerequisites: Satisfaction of the English Placement Test and Writing Competency requirements. (See Graduation Requirements section of catalog.) Proof of completion of prerequisites required:
Copy of EPT or competency scores or verification of exemption; or
proof of Cr in Rhetoric and Writing Studies 92A or 92B or 97A or 97B.
Training for students from Mexican American backgrounds in the process of written expression. English grammar and composition; the essay, the term paper. Mexican American Studies 111B is equivalent to Rhetoric and Writing Studies 100. Not open to students with credit in Rhetoric and Writing Studies 100 or higher- numbered composition or creative writing course or Africana Studies 120 or Linguistics 100.
120A-120B. The Mexican American Role in the American
Political System (3-3)
Semester I: Relationship between the Mexican American community and the American political system. Semester II: The Mexican American in relation to his city, county, and state institutions in California. This year course satisfies the graduation requirement in American Institutions.
141A-141B. History of the United States (3-3)
Spanish, Mexican, and Chicano influences on US history. Semester I: Comparative development of US and Mexico to 1865. Semester II: Mexican Americans in US history; US and Mexican national histories compared from 1865 to the present. This year course satisfies the graduation requirement in American Institutions.
296. Experimental Topics (1-4)
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
301. Political Economy of the Chicano People (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.B., Social and Behavioral Sciences required for
nonmajors. Recommended: Mexican American Studies 110.
Political and economic roots of the oppression and exploitation of the Chicano from historical, institutional and theoretical points of view. Parallels between the experience of the Chicano and other Hispanic groups.
303. Mexican American Community Studies (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.B., Social and Behavioral Sciences required for
nonmajors. Recommended: Mexican American Studies 110.
Mexican American communities from a comparative perspective. Systematic inquiry into methods and issues in community studies. Contemporary social, institutional, and political affairs.
306. Mexican Immigration (3)
Immigration from Mexico in the context of US immigration history and policies. Comparative study of political, economic, and cultural factors. Undocumented immigration and current US law.
310. Mexican and Chicano Music (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
Music of Mexico and the Southwest including folk dances appropriate for children and adults. Emphasis on the corrido, its history and development in Mexico and the US. Course will be taught bilingually.
314A. Rondalla I (3)
Six hours of activity.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing; Mexican American Studies
301 and consent of instructor.
Music of pre-Columbian and various Mexican romantic historical genres, i.e. corridos (ballads), musica Jarocha (music of Veracruz), boleros (romantic music), musica Nortena (music of Northern Mexico). Emphasis on cultural context, style, and techniques.
314B. Rondalla II (3)
Six hours per week.
Prerequisite: Mexican American Studies 314A.
Development of intermediate skills in Rondalla music, instruments, and their use. Three-voice harmony, guitar, requinto, and guitarron.
320. Mexican American Life Styles (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.B., Social and Behavioral Sciences required for nonmajors.
Social relations and cultural evolution in the Mexican American community, female-male relationships, and family. Influence of Spanish-Mexican feudal cultural heritage and US industrial-capitalist society. Comparative cross-cultural social science methodology. Includes interview techniques.
324. Gramatica Cantada (Pedagodia, Musica y Cultura) (3)
Methods and materials of Spanish instruction through music of Mexico and the Southwest.
335. Mexican American Literature (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities required for nonmajors.
Ideas, forms, history of significant Mexican American prose, poetry and other literary genres.
340. Mexican Women in Historical Perspective: Pre-Columbian
to 1848 (3)
Prerequisites recommended: Mexican American Studies 111B and
upper division standing.
US-Mexican history or Mexican women from Pre-Columbian Mexican era to annexation of Mexico's northern territories by US. Theoretical and methodological issues appraised as are gender-based norms, class and racial distinctions, and significance of female historical figures to Mexican identity.
350A-350B. Chicano History (3-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities required for nonmajors.
Semester I: Review of indigenous origins; Hispanic institutions and northward expansion; the Mexican Republic. Semester II: Early US encroachment and the Mexican American War; Chicano influences and contributions; the multilingual and multicultural Southwest.
355. The United States-Mexico International Border (3) I
Prerequisites: Upper division standing; and completion of the General Education requirement in Foundations II.B., Social and Behavioral
Sciences required for nonmajors.
History, culture, economics, and politics of US/Mexico border region. Theories and policy issues surrounding development of region; local regional problems and major agencies, institutions, organizations addressing these problems.
357. US/Mexico Border: Urbanism and Architecture (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.B., Social and Behavioral Sciences required for
nonmajors. Recommended: Mexican American Studies 355.
Study of international border architecture by surveying urban design and architecture traditions in Mexico and the United States. Focus on pre-colonial and colonial urban design, nineteenth century traditions, modern architecture, economic forces shaping urban design, Hispanic architecture in the US sunbelt.
375. US/Mexico Border History (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities required for nonmajors. Recommended:
Mexican American Studies 110.
Historical problems and movements in the US/Mexico border region, in particular those impacting Spanish-speaking populations on both sides of the border. Contemporary border issues from a historical perspective.
376. Mexican American Culture and Thought (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities required for nonmajors.
Intellectual history of the Mexican American as a synthesis of different cultural traditions and perspectives. Philosophical concepts from pre-Cortesian times to the present.
380. US/Mexico Borderlands Folklore (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities required for nonmajors. Recommended:
Mexican American Studies 110.
Border folklore; myths, rituals, legends, sayings, and songs of Chicanos and Mexicanos in the US.
396W. Chicano Prose: Creative Writing (3)
Prerequisite: Satisfies University Upper Division Writing requirement for students who have completed 60 units, fulfilled the Writing
Competency requirement, and completed the General Education
requirement in Written Communication. Proof of completion of prerequisites required: Test scores or verification of exemption; copy of
transcript.
A writing workshop. Mutual criticism. Exploration of new form and content in Mexican American prose. Maximum credit six units.
464. Literature for the Chicano Bilingual Student (3)
Chicano literature for the preschool, elementary, and junior high bilingual Chicano student.
480. The Mexican American and the Schools (3)
Prerequisite recommended: Mexican American Studies 110.
The Mexican American child's experience in the school system from preschool through high school with emphasis on social, intellectual and emotional growth and development.
496. Selected Topics in Mexican American Studies (1-3)
Intensive exploration of selected topics in the area of Mexican American studies. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit six units.
498. Internship in US-Mexico Border (3)
Nine to twelve hours per week plus four class meetings.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing, Mexican American Studies
355, and consent of instructor.
Internship in public or private sector institution, agency, or organization engaged in US-Mexico binational relations or border-related issues. Meets requirements for United States-Mexico Border Studies certificate program.
499. Special Study (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual study. Maximum credit six units.
504. Immigration: A Literary Analysis (3)
Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Literary analysis of themes of immigration, the borderlands, and ethnicity.
596. Topics in Mexican American Studies (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Advanced topics in Mexican American studies. See Class Schedule for specific content. May be repeated with new content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
597. US/Mexico Border: Urban and Regional Development (3)
Prerequisite: Mexican American Studies 355.
US/Mexico border region as seen through the lens of city and regional planning and geography.
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