Chicano and Latin American Studies

About the Department

Ramon Sanchez, Department Chair
Social Science Building, Room 226A
559.278.2848
socialsciences.fresnostate.edu/clas/

Chicano and Latin American Studies (CLAS) is an interdisciplinary department that has been successful in presenting a highly informed, active, and challenging view of the Chicanx/Latinx experience in the United States, Latin America, and U.S./Latin American relations. Chicano and Latin American Studies provides an opportunity for a pluralistic exchange of ideas in an interdisciplinary academic setting, where faculty, students, and visiting scholars can share experiences and create a dynamic, intellectual environment.

The Chicano and Latin American Studies Department is designed to meet the following objectives:

1. to promote an awareness of the historical and cultural roots of Chicanx/Latinx people in the United States
2. to enhance an understanding of Latin America
3. to cultivate an appreciation of ethnic and national differences among all people
4.  to critically analyze the Chicanx and the Latin American experience in terms of significant issues, theories, current problems, and solutions, and
5. to provide students with a set of important professional skills to be utilized as they interact creatively and constructively with Chicanx/Latinx communities and multicultural society at large.

The department emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of family life, history, politics, culture, and the arts of Chicano and Latin American communities. The courses reflect an integrated approach in providing students with greater knowledge and understanding of the social reality and diversity of Chicanxs and Latin Americans.

Interesting Classes You Might Take

• Music of Mexico and the Southwest
• Critical Thinking in Chicano and Latin American Studies
• Chicano Literature
• Cultural Change and the Latino

What You Can Learn

• The Latino population’s contribution to the development of a multicultural nation during the late twentieth century
• About Latin America and its nations, history, problems and realities
• Chicano artistic expression with attention to cultural continuity
• Analysis of the customs, values, belief systems, and their symbols

Los Danzantes de Aztlán. Los Danzantes de Aztlán is the premier Mexican Dance group founded in the department in 1970 by Professor Ernesto Martinez, a pioneer in Mexican folkloric dance in the Central Valley. The troupe has captivated audiences with its beautiful, authentic costumes and precise dance execution. Under the current direction of Dr. Victor M. Torres, the troupe has consistently earned top awards in national and international competitions. It is the only Mexican dance group in the entire San Joaquin Valley (Stockton to Bakersfield), and the only University organization in California to be invited to perform at the prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival on three occasions. The group also plays an important role in student recruitment as it inspires young dancers to attend Fresno State and participate with Los Danzantes de Aztlán. The troupe achieves this via its many events, such as the High School Folklorico Summit and the Cal State University Folklorico Show. Due to its professionalism, its exemplary role as a cultural bridge between the University and the community, and its vital artistic and educational contributions to the university and to the region, Los Danzantes de Aztlán has been designated as an official ambassador of the University. Los Danzantes de Aztlán is the only organization of its kind in the entire CSU system to have this distinction.

Career Opportunities

Chicanxs and Latinxs are the largest ethnic group in California. This segment of our population will have a major impact on our society, as its presence translates into an increasing economic and political influence. Crucial social, economic, and political decisions will be made that affect this group and the nation at large. The growth of Latinx-owned businesses, Spanish language media networks, and political organizations are all indicators of the importance of the Spanish-speaking people in the U.S. economy.

Chicano Studies majors are trained to analyze social issues, to think critically, and to conduct research. All majors receive applied as well as theoretical training with a school or community agency to observe firsthand the social issues and theories which they study. These skills are useful in professional life and are valued in the public and private sectors.

Students of non-Latinx origin find that Chicano and Latin American Studies courses are personally rewarding because they enable them to understand and relate to persons of different social and cultural backgrounds. Chicanx and Latinx students find these courses highly conducive to strengthening their sense of identity and pride in their heritage.

Students who graduate with a B.A. in Chicano Studies or Latin American Studies, or who minor in Chicano/Latino Studies and Latin American Studies work in such fields as education, public administration, psychology, marketing, journalism, social services, and throughout the public and private sectors. Physicians, educators, lawyers, counselors, civil service employees, and other professionals have found that training in Chicano and Latin American studies improves their abilities to serve their clients and enhance their employment and advancement opportunities.

Students with a B.A. in Chicano Studies can enter master’s or doctoral programs in the humanities and social sciences and in professional schools in such areas as Chicanx studies, ethnic studies, anthropology, political science, history, public administration, Latinx literature, multimedia, social work, and education. Also, students are encouraged to pursue double majors and minors; one in Chicano Studies and the second in a professional area of their preference. Students with questions related to their future careers or seeking advising assistance should consult with the major and minor advisors of the Chicano and Latin American Studies Department.

What You Can Do

Pursue a career in:

• U.S.-Mexico Relations
• Teaching and Education
• Social Work and Counseling
• Law
• Government work

Programs

• Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Studies in Secondary Schooling, Certificate of Special Study

• Chicano Studies, B.A.
• Latin American Studies, B.A.

• Chicano/Latino Studies, Minor
• Latin American Studies, Minor