Chicana and Chicano Studies, B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences

(Major Code: 22131) (SIMS Code: 114905)

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 Chicana and Chicano studies courses can apply to the degree.

A minor is not required with this major.

The Major

Chicana and Chicano studies is an interdisciplinary field that takes as its focus of study Chicana/o-Mexicana/o, other Latina/o populations, the US-Mexico border/lands, and society at large. Through an academically rigorous program, the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies seeks to develop bachelors of art who have a general knowledge of the history, cultures, and social life of Chicana/o-Mexicana/o communities over time in comparative and global contexts. The program provides an in-depth understanding of the social, political, and economic inequalities and challenges faced by Chicana/o-Mexicana/o and other Latina/ o communities. Students will learn to critically interrogate assumptions about race/ethnicity, class, gender, citizenship, and sexuality, among other axes of power, as well as understand the influence of border/lands in marking the experiences of Chicana/ o-Mexicana/o communities and society at large.

The department was created in 1969, and has its origins in the Chicano Movement, which envisioned and fought for a world free of inequality. In this spirit, Chicana and Chicano studies majors will acquire the knowledge and skills to exercise responsible leadership, effectively engage diverse communities, and advocate for social justice and equality.

A degree in Chicana and Chicano studies provides an excellent and exciting foundation for embarking on a wide range of career paths. The major in Chicana and Chicano studies provides students with the skills necessary to work in diverse cultural settings, navigate bicultural community environments, critically examine problems, apply research and organizing strategies, and imagine creative solutions to social and cultural dilemmas. Our majors are prepared for graduate study and careers in Chicana/o and ethnic studies, education, government (federal, state, and local), journalism, law, and nonprofit and grassroots community organizations, to name just a few.

Advising

All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department advisor as soon as possible. Students are required to meet with their department advisor within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.

Impacted Program

The Chicana and Chicano studies major is an impacted program. To be admitted to the Chicana and Chicano studies major, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete preparation for the major;
2. Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.