The Chicana and Chicano Studies department is interdisciplinary with a foundation in Chicano and Latino studies. The department mission promotes critical understanding of Chicano Hispano Mexicano communities through teaching, research, and community partnerships. The department accomplishes that mission by offering face-to-face and online environments in an undergraduate program with a major, a minor, and two certificate programs as well as a graduate certificate program. The curricula and community engagement efforts focus on (1) Chicana and Chicano cultural studies, (2) politics and social justice, and (3) the transnational US-Mexico experience. The curricula areas allow course offerings concerned with gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, arts and culture, political and social mobilization, immigration and citizenship, history and heritage, land grant studies, Chicana feminism and Queer theory. The three areas are addressed through a curricula taught in both English and Spanish and maintain a regional and transnational focus in New Mexico, the U.S. Southwest, and Mexico.
Students may take any of the Chicana and Chicano Studies courses as electives, or they may enroll in the Chicana and Chicano Studies minor or certificate programs through the College of Arts and Sciences Advisement Center. Additionally, students in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts or in the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies may design a special focus in Chicana and Chicano Studies for their majors.
Courses
CCS 310.
Immigration and Assimilation.
(3)
This is a course on the historical, political and sociological dynamics that shaped the Chicana/o experience in America. A main focus will be on immigration history and the "assimilation" process, especially Mexican immigration.
CCS 330 / 530.
Transnational Latina Feminisms.
(3)
This course examines transnational feminist theories, methodologies, and praxis. Students explore how globalization affects Latin American women in the western hemisphere and the possibilities that decolonizing struggles hold for social justice and human rights.
CCS 332.
Introduction to Chicana Studies.
(3)
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Chicana Studies. Includes historical and contemporary research on labor, political involvement, cultural studies and feminism.
CCS 336 / 536.
Chicana Feminisms.
(3)
Explores the history and development of Chicana Feminisms with special attention to how Chicana feminists voice their concerns and politics on a wide range of social dynamics that includes race, class, gender, sexuality, and language.
CCS 342.
Race, Culture, Gender, Class in New Mexico History.
(3)
Hispano and Native perspectives of NM history begin with colonialism, military history, politics, economics, but must also consider culture, gender and class to understand the resilience of people as actors in their own history.
CCS 348 / 548.
Literatura y Cultura Afromexicana.
(3)
This course explores the literature and culture of Mexico in regards to Mexican intellectuals that have delineated the presence and invisibility of Afro-Mexicans and the contributions of Afro-Mexicans.
Prerequisite: Spanish 301 or Spanish placement exam demonstrating a 300-level equivalent competency.
CCS 360 / 560.
Chicano Latino Civil Rights.
(3)
The seminar examines Chicano Civil Rights by exploring forms of collective social action on behalf of immigration rights/reform, education rights/reform, labor rights, treaty rights, legal justice, environmental justice, veteran's rights, and political representation.
CCS 362 / 562.
Chicana and Chicano Movement: El Movimiento Chicano.
(3)
The course examines the Chicana/o Movement beyond the 1960s Civil Rights era, exploring the precursors to the political movement, as well as the legacies of the Chicana/o movement and its effect on society and academia.
CCS 364 / 564.
Raza Genders and Sexualities.
(3)
The course focuses on critical thinking about race, class, gender, and sexuality. Course discussions will center on questions of identity and representation and the social construction of gender and sexuality in transnational Latina/o communities.
CCS 370.
Chicana and Chicano Cultural Studies.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
An exploration of a variety of contemporary forms of Chicana and Chicano cultural production and the ways in which these construct and transform individual experiences, everyday life, social relations and power.
CCS 372 / 572.
New Mexico Villages and Cultural Landscapes.
(3)
The course explores New Mexico's cultural heritage through an examination of cultural narratives and cultural landscapes and traditions, such as plazas, salas, resolanas, matanzas, and acequia culture from the past through the present day.
CCS 384.
Community-Based Learning in Chicana and Chicano Studies.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
This course offers students the opportunity to engage in community-based learning at a selected Community-Based Organization site of their choice. The course broadens student knowledge and understanding of global and local economic and social realities.
CCS 393.
Topics in Chicano Hispano Mexicano Studies.
(3, no limit Δ)
Special topics in Chicano Hispano Mexicano Studies are interdisciplinary in nature and draw from the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts. May be repeated as subject matter varies.
CCS 440 / 540.
Literary Analysis of the Mexican Revolution.
(3)
This course examines the origins and discursive discussions of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) and explores how the interpretations and memories of the Mexican Revolution shaped modern Mexico socially and culturally.
CCS 450 / 650.
Cracking Chicana and Chicano Communication Codes.
(3)
Seminar explores how the interrelationship of Chicana/o cultures and communication inform, shape, and modify communal practices, identities, and social relations across contexts. Course includes fieldwork, interviewing, and other research approaches and processes.
CCS 455 / 555.
Chicanas and Chicanos in Education.
(3)
This course provides an overview of Chicana/o educational experiences with the United States school system. Students will analyze historical and institutional developments that shape educational experiences of Chicanas/os through texts, theories, and methodologies.
CCS 460.
Chicanos and Latinos in a Global Society.
(3)
The course examines current theories and debates about globalization from a critical perspective. An emphasis will be placed on the study of Chicano and Latino communities in the U.S. as influenced by globalization.
CCS 464 / 664.
Presencia Africana en Mexico.
(3)
This course explores the African presence in Mexico in four periods: the Colonial Period, the Independence movement, the Modern Period, and representations of people of African descent in contemporary Mexico.
Prerequisite: Spanish placement exam demonstrating a 400 level equivalence competency.
CCS 480.
New Approaches in Chicana and Chicano Studies.
(3)
The course focuses on examining the various theories and methods utilized by Chicana/o scholars during the evolution of Chicana/o Studies. The class also presents theories and methods that inform writings in Chicana/o studies.
CCS 486.
Writers in the Community.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
This course places students into diverse community settings to work alongside students of all ages, needs, interests and abilities. Workshops will be offered in schools, community centers, homeless shelters, healthcare facilities, and other venues.
CCS 490.
Advanced Seminar in Chicana and Chicano Studies.
(3)
Advanced seminar emphasizing synthesis of previous courses, research skills, theories and service learning in Chicana and Chicano Studies. Designed as a capstone seminar for the undergraduate program.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
CCS 493.
Special Topics.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
The content of this course varies by semester but will provide an in-depth analysis of special topics related to Chicana and Chicano Studies. For course content, consult the Schedule of Classes.
CCS 495.
Undergraduate Problems.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
CCS 506.
Curanderismo: Mexican Traditional Medicine.
(3)
This course will explore how our ancestors used traditional healing methods to cure and help diminish various ailments, shaped our cultural diversity of yesterday and today, and what the future of this medicine might be.
CCS 507.
Southwest and Mexican Curanderismo.
(3)
Examines the history of Curanderismo (the art of Mexican traditional Healing) in the Southwest and Mexico. Students will explore an integrative approach to medicine that incorporate Curanderismo with various traditional and holistic health techniques.
CCS 508.
Global Curanderismo.
(3)
This course explores global perspectives of traditional healing in order to illustrate the powerful cultural influences that Curanderismo has ingrained in the Americas connected to diasporic populations from across the globe.
CCS 520.
Cine Chicano y Mundial.
(3)
This course explores film depictions of Chicana/o society in relation to diverse cultures of the world and their cosmovision as expressed in films. Course themes include gender, race, politics and immigration.
CCS 530 / 330.
Transnational Latina Feminisms.
(3)
This course examines transnational feminist theories, methodologies, and praxis. Students explore how globalization affects Latin American women in the western hemisphere and the possibilities that decolonizing struggles hold for social justice and human rights.
CCS 536 / 336.
Chicana Feminisms.
(3)
Explores the history and development of Chicana Feminisms with special attention to how Chicana feminists voice their concerns and politics on a wide range of social dynamics that includes race, class, gender, sexuality, and language.
CCS 540 / 440.
Literary Analysis of the Mexican Revolution.
(3)
This course examines the origins and discursive discussions of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) and explores how the interpretations and memories of the Mexican Revolution shaped modern Mexico socially and culturally.
CCS 548 / 348.
Literatura y Cultura Afromexicana.
(3)
This course explores the literature and culture of Mexico in regards to Mexican intellectuals that have delineated the presence and invisibility of Afro-Mexicans and the contributions of Afro-Mexicans.
CCS 551.
Cultural Expressions in Chicana and Chicano Studies.
(3)
This course engages students in exploring how discourse, rhetoric, and imagery are used in addressing key humanities thematics and topics in the field.
CCS 552.
Research Methods and Data Analysis.
(3)
This course prepares students to survey a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches, the utility of different approaches depending on theoretical perspective, and the debates in and outside the field.
CCS 555 / 455.
Chicanas and Chicanos in Education.
(3)
This course provides an overview of Chicana/o educational experiences with the United States school system. Students will analyze historical and institutional developments that shape educational experiences of Chicanas/os through texts, theories, and methodologies.
CCS 560 / 360.
Chicano Latino Civil Rights.
(3)
The seminar examines Chicano Civil Rights by exploring forms of collective social action on behalf of immigration rights/reform, education rights/reform, labor rights, treaty rights, legal justice, environmental justice, veteran's rights, and political representation.
CCS 562 / 362.
Chicana and Chicano Movement: El Movimiento Chicano.
(3)
The course examines the Chicana/o Movement beyond the 1960s Civil Rights era, exploring the precursors to the political movement, as well as the legacies of the Chicana/o movement and its effect on society and academia.
CCS 564 / 364.
Raza Genders and Sexualities.
(3)
The course focuses on critical thinking about race, class, gender, and sexuality. Course discussions will center on questions of identity and representation and the social construction of gender and sexuality in transnational Latina/o communities.
CCS 572 / 372.
New Mexico Villages and Cultural Landscapes.
(3)
The course explores New Mexico's cultural heritage through an examination of cultural narratives and cultural landscapes and traditions, such as plazas, salas, resolanas, matanzas, and acequia culture from the past through the present day.
CCS 574 [574 / 374].
New Mexico's Literary Landscapes and Beyond.
(3)
The course explores Chicano/a letters and the spoken word tradition in New Mexico and beyond. The course examines poetic traditions through a variety of forms including poetry, storytelling, singing/songwriting, and spoken word artistry.
CCS 580.
New Approaches in Chicana and Chicano Studies.
(3)
The course focuses on examining the various theories and methods utilized by Chicana/o scholars during the evolution of Chicana/o Studies. The class also presents theories and methods that inform writings in Chicana/o studies.
CCS 586.
Chicanos and Latinos in a Global Society.
(3)
The course examines current theories and debates about globalization from a critical perspective. An emphasis will be placed on the study of Chicano and Latino communities in the U.S. as influenced by globalization.
CCS 590.
Advanced Seminar in Chicana and Chicano Studies.
(3)
Advanced seminar emphasizing synthesis of previous courses, research skills, theories and service learning in Chicana and Chicano Studies. Designed as a capstone seminar for the graduate program.
CCS 593.
Special Topics.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
The content of this course varies by semester but will provide an in-depth analysis of special topics related to Chicana and Chicano Studies. For course content, consult the Schedule of Classes.
CCS 597.
Individual Study.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Provides graduate students with the opportunity to work one-on-one with an instructor to facilitate an intensive study of a subject or the completion of a project.
CCS 599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CCS 620.
Practicum.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
Intended to support community-engaged learning and/or project-based learning in the departmental graduate program, and to enhance academic knowledge and provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience in a chosen community based or professional field.
CCS 650 / 450.
Cracking Chicana and Chicano Communication Codes.
(3)
Seminar explores how the interrelationship of Chicana/o cultures and communication inform, shape, and modify communal practices, identities, and social relations across contexts. Course includes fieldwork, interviewing, and other research approaches and processes.
CCS 664 / 464.
Presencia Africana en Mexico.
(3)
This course explores the African presence in Mexico in four periods: the Colonial Period, the Independence movement, the Modern Period, and representations of people of African descent in contemporary Mexico.
CCS 670.
Culture and Communication.
(3)
Graduate seminar examines the interrelations of culture-rich language use and social interactions across communal, ethnic, and national boundaries. Course includes fieldwork, interviewing, and other research approaches and processes.
CCS 697.
Individual Study.
(1-3 to a maximum of 15 Δ)
Provides graduate students with the opportunity to work one-on-one with an instructor to facilitate an intensive study of a subject or the completion of a project.
CCS 699.
Dissertation.
(3-12, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CCST 1110.
Introduction to Comparative Global and Ethnic Societies.
(3)
The course explores historical and contemporary social forces that impact ethnic communities across the Americas. Students will examine social and economic dynamics of Indigenous, Latino, Asian-Pacific, Africana communities and women’s experiences in these societies.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
CCST 1125.
Chicana-o Latina-o Musical Cultures and Expressions.
(3)
The course explores diverse musical expressions of Chicana/o and Latina/o peoples in the present geographical boundaries of the United States. The course emphasizes the intercultural dynamics in the formation of Chicano and Latino music, which incorporates American, Latin American, African, Native American, and European roots.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.
CCST 1996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
CCST 2110.
Introduction to Chicana and Chicano Studies.
(3)
Introductory survey of the Mexican American experience in the United States, with special reference to New Mexico. Exploration of historical, political, social, and cultural dimensions.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 5: Humanities.
CCST 2996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
