Program Overview
The Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a comprehensive analysis of Mexican- and Latin-American-origin people, cultures, and collectivities in the United States. The program cultivates students' understanding of these communities, their experiences, and their significance in American society, preparing them for careers in education, social service, communications, and other fields. Through a range of teaching methods and assessment strategies, the program fosters critical thinking, research, writing, and civic engagement skills. Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to social change and advancements in their respective fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies (CLS) program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of Mexican- and Latin-American-origin people, cultures, and collectivities within the United States. The CLS major and certificate provide students with a deep understanding of these communities, their experiences, and their significance in American society. The program cultivates students' capacities for civic and community engagement, as well as research, writing, and analytical skills.
Objectives:
- Analyze core concepts, key social and political issues, and artistic and cultural expressions related to Chicana/o and Latina/o life in the United States.
- Comprehend the histories of Chicanas/os and Latinas/os in the United States and their implications for contemporary issues of racialization, social stratification, colonialism, and oppression.
- Identify and evaluate the commonalities and differences among Chicanas/os and Latinas/os along lines of class, gender, race, sexuality, citizenship, and national origin, and assess the concept of Latinidad as a pan-ethnic category in the United States.
- Analyze the relationships between Chicanas/os and Latinas/os in the United States and their countries of heritage from a transnational and transborder perspective.
- Apply ideas and knowledge from Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies to concrete problems and issues through service-learning and community-based research, guided by principles of dialogue, reciprocal exchange, ethical responsibility, and social justice.
Outline:
Program Content and Structure:
The CLS major consists of a minimum of 30 credits, comprising a core curriculum and elective courses in various areas of study:
Core Curriculum:
- Introductory Course in Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies
- Cultures and Histories
- Individuals, Peoples, Societies
- Serving Chicanx and Latinx Communities
Elective Courses:
- Race, Ethnicity, and Media
- Politics in Multi-Cultural Societies
- Chicana and Latina History
- The U.S. & Latin America from the Colonial Era to the Present: A Critical Survey
- Intersectionalities, Self-Awareness, and Social Actions for Social Change
- Race and the Developing Child
- Chicana/o and Latina/o Literatures
- Labor in the Americas: US & Mexico in Comparative & Historical Perspective
- Survey of Latino and Latina Popular Culture
- US Latino Literature
- Topics in Latinx Culture
- Latinx Digital Publics
- Mexican-American Politics
- Latinx Feminisms: Women's Lives, Work, and Activism
- Racial Formation and Whiteness
- Latino History and Politics
- Ethnicity, Race, and Justice
Course Schedule:
- Sample Four-Year Plan: This plan provides a suggested course sequence for students completing the major in four years.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program employs a range of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Exams and Quizzes
- Research Papers and Projects
- Presentations
- Class Participation
- Service-Learning and Community Engagement
Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed on their:
- Knowledge and understanding of core concepts in Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies
- Ability to analyze and interpret historical and contemporary issues
- Skills in critical thinking, research, writing, and communication
- Capacity for civic and community engagement and social justice advocacy
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures and Discussions
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Guest Lectures
- Field Trips
- Service-Learning
Faculty:
The CLS program is taught by highly qualified and experienced faculty with expertise in various disciplines related to Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies, including history, sociology, political science, literature, cultural studies, and education. Faculty profiles and research interests can be found on the department website.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the CLS program are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of fields, including:
- Education (K-12 and higher education)
- Social Service
- Communications and Media
- Publishing
- Business
- Journalism
- Agriculture
- Engineering
- Arts and Culture
- Construction
- Health Professions
Opportunities and Outcomes:
The program provides students with opportunities to:
- Network with professionals in various fields
- Build leadership skills
- Engage in internships and service-learning projects
- Attend conferences and workshops
- Prepare for graduate studies in related disciplines CLS graduates have a strong track record of success in their careers and graduate school programs, contributing to social change and advancements in their respective fields.
