COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Chicana and Chicano Studies is a 120-unit interdisciplinary degree designed to provide students with a strong foundation in Chicanx-Latinx history, culture, theory, and social analysis, while also developing practical skills in research, writing, and community engagement. The program requires a combination of lower-division general education, upper-division general education, GWAR writing requirements, major coursework, and a significant number of university electives or a minor, allowing students flexibility to tailor their academic experience. Within the major, students complete 43 units of specialized coursework beginning with introductory classes such as Introduction to Chicana and Chicano Studies and Chicana/o Theater, which introduce cultural expression and social justice themes. The upper-division core further develops critical understanding through courses in research methods, theory, contemporary issues, service learning, and a capstone experience that integrates academic learning with applied analysis. A distinctive feature of the program is its three-area specialization structure, where students distribute coursework across Cultural and Creative Expression, Institutions and Community Engagement, and Transnationalism and Global Relations, allowing them to explore literature, art, education, criminal justice, migration, political economy, and global Chicanx experiences in depth. This structure ensures both breadth and depth in understanding the diverse dimensions of Chicanx communities. Students also gain exposure to experiential and community-based learning through service-oriented courses and applied research opportunities. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and social justice perspectives, preparing graduates for careers in education, public service, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, media, and community development, as well as for graduate study in ethnic studies and related fields. Overall, the degree combines academic rigor with community engagement and interdisciplinary learning to prepare students to analyze and address complex social issues affecting Chicanx and Latinx populations.