Associate of Arts in Chicano Studies

Program Overview

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The Chicano Studies program at Cerritos College equips students with a critical understanding of Mexican American, Chicana/o, and Latina/o communities through courses in history, art, and social sciences. The program prepares students for transfer to four-year universities, workplace participation, and positive changemaking in various contexts. It offers a pathway to transfer to California State Universities and emphasizes social justice, equity, and inclusion.

Program Outline

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Program Extraction from "Chicano Studies at Cerritos College"

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Degree Overview:

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Mission:

The Mexican American, Chicana/o, Latina/o Studies Department aims to equip students with the tools to critically analyze and appreciate the social, historical, and cultural significance of these communities. The program prepares Chicano Studies majors for effective transfer to four-year universities, workplace participation, and positive changemaking in local, national, and global contexts.

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Program Focus:

The program explores intersectionality globally within Mexican American, Chicana/o, Latina/o communities, and racialized societies through courses in History, Art, Women's Studies, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Spanish, English, and Anthropology.

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Overall Objective:

Develop students' critical understanding and appreciation of the social, historical, and cultural significance of these communities.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

The program consists of a total of 64 units, divided into four semesters across two academic years.

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Course Schedule:

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Fall 2023:

• Major/General Education: SPAN 101 or 111 (5 units)
• Major/General Education: SPAN 245 (3 units)
• General Education: Written Communication (4 units)
• General Education: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (4 units)

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Spring 2024:

• Major: SPAN 102 or 112 (5 units)
• Major: ENGL 225 (3 units)
• Major: Major Course (3 units)
• General Education: Critical Thinking (3 units)
• General Education: Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (3 units)

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Fall 2024:

• Major: Major Course (3 units)
• General Education: Life Sciences (3 units)
• General Education: Oral Communication (3 units)
• General Education: U.S. History or Government (3 units)
• General Education: Ethnic Studies (3 units)

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Spring 2025:

• Major: ENGL 223 (3 units)
• General Education: Social Sciences (3 units)
• General Education: Physical Sciences (3 units)
• General Education: Laboratory Activity (1 unit)
• General Education: Arts (3 units)
• Elective: UC/CSU Transferable Course (3 units)

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Module Descriptions:

• SPAN 101/111: Introduces basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary.
• SPAN 245: Explores Chicano/Mexican American culture through literature, film, and music.
• ENGL 225: Focuses on Mexican literature translated into English.
• ENGL 223: Analyzes Chicana/Chicano literature.
• Other Major Courses: Students can choose from a variety of courses related to Chicano Studies, including history, sociology, and anthropology.

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Careers:

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Salary Range:

$41,000 to $165,000, with an average salary of $92,000.

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Growth:

Career opportunities in this field are expected to grow by 7.4% nationwide from 2019 to 2029.

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Potential Career Paths:

• Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
• Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

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Other:

• Students can earn a microcredential in Chicano Studies.
• The program offers a pathway to transfer to various California State Universities (CSUs).
• Students can make an appointment with a counselor to create a customized education plan.
• The program aims to develop students' critical thinking, communication, and research skills.
• The program emphasizes social justice, equity, and inclusion.