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Welcome to Chicana and Chicano Studies

In Chicana/o Studies our curriculum focuses on our connection to our ancestral roots. We have the firm belief that who we are today is deep seeded in our historical and cultural background.& This painting is a perfect visual representation of our discipline. The ancestors handing the roots to the female subject, which then embody her being. "You will never know where you are going, if you don't know where you come from."

Chicana/o studies is an academic interdisciplinary area of study that focuses on Chicana/o history, culture, politics and the arts. Chicana/o Studies developed in the 1960's during the Civil Rights Movement to empower Chicanas/os through education, political representation, cultural awareness, identity, and civil rights. El Plan de Santa Barbara is the manifesto of Chicana/o studies, drafted in 1969 and presented at the University of California, Santa Barbara by M.E.Ch.A students. It serves as the blueprint, for the inception of a Chicana/o studies curriculum within colleges and universities throughout the nation. The document lays out a plan for organizing Chicana/o programs; recruitment and admissions, support programs, curriculum, political action, and outlines the degrees offered. Today most major universities in the Southwestern U.S. offer B.A., M.A. and Ph.D in Chicana/o Studies. MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlan) de Pierce College, 2016 - 2017 was pivotal in the formation of the Chicana/o studies program at LA Pierce College! Si Se Puede

Chicana and Chicano Studies Course Descriptions

Chicana/o Studies 002: The Mexican-American in Contemporary Society: Students examine current U.S. cultural and social issues relevant to the Chicano Community, advances in political organization and efficacy, and social problems remaining unresolved in Chicano communities in the United States with an emphasis on California and the Southwestern United States.

Chicana/o Studies 004: Introduction to Chicana/o Studies: This course surveys the origins of Chicano/o Studies in relation to contemporary Chicano Culture. It examines race, ethnicity, culture in relation to Chicana/o communities and their social justice movements and struggles. Analysis placed on the development of the field and theories of racialization and intersectionality. The course provides a basis for better understanding of the socio-economic and cultural conditions among Chicanas/os and other minority groups through historical consideration of the creation and development of Ethnic Studies programs in the United States. A cultural politics approach examines a range of expressive arts such as muralism, film, literature, music, theater, dance and celebrations. Intended for students interested in history, Chicano and Ethnic Studies, or other social issues.

Chicana/o Studies 007: The Mexican-American in the History of the United States I : Examines historical development of the United States from the period of exploration to the close of the Civil War with special emphasis on Mexican-Americans. Chicano, Mexican, and Indigenous resistance, decolonization, and cultural survival are analyzed. The course introduces concepts such as regions, both internal and external, major and ethnic social groups, the American experience and its derivation from other cultures, race and racism, white supremacy, settler colonialism, and historical trauma cultures, politics, economics, social movements, and geography in the United States. This course will cover intersectionality of race and racism as it relates to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in communities.

Chicana/o Studies 008: The Mexican-American in the History of the United States II: Students study the historical evolution of the Chicano in nineteenth and twentieth century America. Discussion centers on the participation, contributions, experiences of and by the Chicano community. Major areas include the historical socio-political, economic and educational struggles of Mexican-Americans since the mid 19th century. Topics include the Mexican American Southwest, the Post War conflict, American Expansionism, Westward Movements, U.S. Treaties of Cahuenga & Guadalupe Hidalgo, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Mexican Revolution, immigration, the Great Depression, Desegregation struggle, American Nativism, Mexican Repatriation and Deportations, WWII, Zoot-Suit Riots, Acculturation period, Bracero Program, Mexican American Labor Movement, Chicano Movement, and the Post Civil Rights Era. IChicana/o Studies 57: Chicanas and Chicanos in Filmntended for students interested in Chicano and Ethnic Studies or other social issues.

Chicana/o Studies 020: The Mexican American in California: Students survey the political, economic, social, cultural and intellectual history of Mexicans on the Pacific Coast from Pre-Columbian times, through the Spanish Colonial era, the Mexican period, and to the Euro-American presence. Special emphasis will be placed on California.

Chicana/o Studies 037: Chicano Literature: This course is an introduction to the literary, social, and cultural aspects of the novel, short story, essay, poetry, and drama written by Mexican-Americans. Students examine the progression of a people and culture artistically expressed by Mexican-American writers who seek to understand themselves and the world around them.

Chicana/o Studies 047: The Mexican-American Woman in Society: This course provides students with a basic understanding of the Chicana in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on establishing a framework from which to view the historical development and treatment of women in modern society. Includes an analysis of selected Latina issues currently affecting Chicana women.

Chicana/o Studies 054: Mexican-American Arts in American Culture: Students explore Mexican and Chicana/o arts from the Pre-Cuauhtemoc period to the contemporary era with a focus on social, political and economic structures. Particular emphasis is given to the identification and the discussion of their contributions to the contemporary culture of the United States. This course covers major historical periods of Mexican and Chicana/o history and visual culture.

Chicana/o Studies 057: Chicanos and Chicanas in Film: This course examines how film industry has depicted Chicanas and Chicanos through the medium of film from the early twentieth century to present day. Students analyze and interpret the techniques, contents, and historical context of relevant films. Analysis of the image of the Chicana and Chicano as presented in films and documentaries are summarized and interpreted by students.

Chicana/o Studies 80: Chicano Politics: Students examine U.S. history and political issues relevant to the Chicano community; the strategies of Chicano political activism in the United States; social change movements, issues, and problems that are relevant to the Chicano Community.

Chicana/o Studies Faculty

Angelita Rovero
roveroa@piercecollege.edu 

Lucila Chavez                                                                                                                                   chavezl@piercecollege.edu

Tony Sandoval                                                                                                                              sandovtl@piercecollege.edu                        

Adjunct Faculty

Anthony Fernandez                                                                                                                       fernanaj@piercecollege.edu

Arturo Zepeda                                                                                                                            zepedaa2@piercecollege.edu

Stephanie Lemus                                                                                                                                     lemuss@laccd.edu