ETHNC 120:E - Introduction to the Chicano Movement: Culture, Politics, and Thought

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: This course will explore the economic, pollical, and cultural factors the lead to the creation of Chicana/o/@ identity and the political movement by the same name. We will explore ways in which Chicano identity becomes a way for Mexican American and others to resist oppression but also a means of creating coalitions and growing political power in order the make real world change. We will explore cultural expression by Chicanos from the early part of the 20th century up to the last ten years as we situate those examples of culture within a historical and economic perspective. Students will be asked to read historical, creative, and theoretical writing and take part in discussion about challenging topics related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, national identity, and power. We will look at several topics over the quarter while analyzing them through a range of critical perspectives including but not limited to historical-materialist, intersectional, women of color feminist, and queer of color.

Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 with a C or higher or concurrent enrollment.
Distribution Requirements:

Social Sciences Distribution Requirement

Equity Degree Requirement:

Fulfills Equity Foundation Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Explain the historical and contemporary development of the Chicano/a community.
Explain the history, literature, political movements, education and related areas of the Chicano people.
Outline the economic, social, political and cultural experiences of Mexican-Americans, with a focus on past and contemporary issues of race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
Critically reflect on the ongoing development of Chicano identity and consciousness through an analytical lens of difference, power, and privilege.
Critically reflect on systems of power, how they interact with individuals, and the roles of individuals in, outside, and who resist such systems.

Course Contents

Chicana/o identity and subjectivity
The emergence of Chicana/o political and cultural consciousness
Chicana/o political and cultural history
Decolonial and revolutionary thought
Chicana/o cultural production
Labor history
Intersectionality

Instructional Units: 5