Chicano Studies
What is Chicano Studies?
This curriculum examines Chicano ethnic experiences in America from historical, social, cultural, political and economical perspectives. Study of Chicanos enables the student to better understand the rich heritage of the American Southwest as well as provides a baseline for further study of other ethnic groups.
Chicano Studies is a multi-disciplinary and comparative academic approach that explores issues of politics, economics, education, culture, language, diversity, arts, history, health and community improvement and advocacy in United States Chicano/a communities.
The Ohlone College Chicano Studies Department prepares students to transfer to four year colleges and universities with the necessary academic skills to be successful. Students who take Chicano Studies learn about Chicano/a identities and learn a variety of cultural proficiencies to lead and serve Chicano/a communities in the United States.
10 reasons to take Chicano Studies classes:
- 10. All Chicano Studies Courses are UC and CSU transferable
- 9. All Chicano Studies courses complement Ohlone College Puente Project courses and activities
- 8. Learn about the history of Chicano/Latinos in the U.S.
- 7. Learn about Chicano/Latino culture in the U.S.
- 6. Read and discuss Chicano/Latino writers
- 5. Design and develop research projects in the Chicano/Latino community
- 4. Participate in local community service activities
- 3. Increase cultural awareness of Mexican and other Latino communities in the U.S.
- 2. Learn about social, political, and economic immigration issues the U.S.-Mexican Border
- 1. Learn how to transfer, enter the career field, and make a difference!
The terms “Chicano” and “Chicana” are defined based on the historical and current relationship between the United States and Mexico. Between 1965 and 1975, men and women college and university students re-appropriated the term “Chicano” from a pejorative term for Mexican American people to a positive term Chicano, which connotes self-determination, cultural teaching and learning, educational success, and social and economic justice. Women or rather Las Mujeres expanded the term and added the “a” to include the significant contributions made by Las Mujeres—Chicanas!
Today, the Chicano/a community is home to many different cultural and linguistic people, including Mexican Americans, Mexicans, Salvadorians, Guatemalans, Nicaraguans, and other groups with Central American origins. Although Chicano and Chicana Studies courses focus on the Chicano/a experience in relation to Mexican Americans, other Chicano/a and Latino/a cultural and linguistic subgroups are certainly included. The Chicano/a and Latino/a community is culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse. However, the unifying social glue sort-to-speak is the continuous struggle of La Raza (the people) to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.
For more information, contact Professor Mark Salinas at (510) 979-7486 or msalinas@ohlone.edu.
Career Opportunities
Please visit the Counseling Department and Student Success Center for information.
Transfer Information
Please visit the Counseling Department and Transfer Center for information.
Faculty
Full-time
Courses
- CHS-101/SOC-106 Chicano Culture I
- CHS-102/HIST-112 Chicano History
- CHS-106A Chicano Literature
- CHS-109 Barrio Fieldwork
- CHS-112 Contemporary Issues of Chicanas
Division
Humanities, Social Sciences, and Mathematics Division.
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