Mission Statement
The Department of Chicano Studies at California State University, Los Angeles offers a dynamic, innovative program that emphasizes an interdisciplinary, comparative, and global approach to understanding the historical experiences and contemporary social status of Mexican-origin populations in the United States. As an interdisciplinary program, it seeks to bridge traditional barriers between the social sciences and humanities to achieve an integrated educational experience. A recognition of the international forces that influence the lives and opportunities of the Mexican-origin populations in the U.S. calls for a global perspective. Additionally, the diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural landscape of the U.S. requires that students understand Chicana/o experiences comparatively. This layered framework, which also addresses the geographic, racial, cultural, gender, and class diversity of Chicana/o communities, is underscored by a problem-solving orientation to research and critical thinking. Such an approach enables a deeper analysis of social justice issues affecting Chicanas/os, Latinas/os, and other racial, ethnic, and cultural groups in the U.S. in order to more effectively pursue social change. Curriculum The comprehensive, interdisciplinary and rigorous curriculum in Chicana/o Studies provides a strong intellectual and critical foundation for success. Critical thinking and effective oral and written communication skills are integrated across the curriculum which incorporates the arts and literature, cultural studies, history, the social sciences, and policy studies.
Students are exposed to an array of theories, methodologies, technologies, and research approaches within the field. Additionally, students receive an education that prepares them to become effective professionals in a multicultural society and global context. Students therefore graduate with preparation for a variety of post-graduate and employment options including: teaching and administration; post-graduate fields such as education, law, journalism, business, public administration; employment in community organizations, social and public sectors, private sector; doctoral study, particularly in the social and behavioral sciences and the humanities.
The Department offers the Bachelor of Arts in Mexican American Studies, Minor in Chicano Studies, and Master of Arts in Mexican American Studies. The Bachelor of Arts has three options: Option I, the General Program--intended for students interested in a liberal arts education; Option II, the Multiple Subject Elementary Preparation, designed for students pursuing Multiple Subject Teacher Preparation. Option III, the Blended Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation is designed for students seeking to complete the B.A. in Mexican American Studies as well as teacher preparation. New Option IV: Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Directed Electives Option is designed for transfer students and students at CSULA who decide after completing a substantial portion of the regular general education to seek an elementary teaching credential. The Minor enables students majoring in other fields to enhance their degree programs with an emphasis in Chicano Studies. The Master of Arts provides training leading to advanced studies toward the Ph.D.; teaching in community colleges, secondary, or elementary schools; work as professionals in private agencies or government service.