Why Mexican American Studies?

In MAS courses, you will learn how to think critically about Mexican American history and politics; understand Mexican American history, culture, and society from a range of perspectives; and develop interdisciplinary skills that will assist you throughout your life.

What can you do with MAS?

MAS courses prepare students for jobs in the fields of healthcare, social work, education, law, criminal justice, and business, all fields that will have to provide more and more services to the burgeoning Mexican-American population.

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree can take advantage of SAC's existing articulation agreements with MAS programs at UTSA and OLLU.

In addition, MAS courses can lead to advanced degrees, including a Masters of Arts (M.A), Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.), Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

MAS & Other Pre-Majors

As the Mexican American and Latinx/Chicanx population in San Antonio continues to thrive from a numbers standpoint, it’s imperative that people who are working in fields that interact directly with this community have an understanding of their clientele. By coupling the MAS pre-major with other pre-majors (i.e. nursing, social work, education), you’ll have a better grasp of the Mexican American/Latinx culture and history. Being in-touch with the story, shared beliefs, values, and behaviors of Mexican American/Latinx culture, will help future members of the workforce appreciate the meaning which the community attributes to life experiences. In order to provide services in a way that is both relevant and meaningful to the Mexican American/Latinx population, these services need to be offered in a way that makes sense to them on a cultural level.

TEXAS STATISTICS

According to the U.S Census Bureau, the "Hispanic or Latino" population of Texas is up to 39.6%. Furthermore, San Antonio's "Hispanic or Latino" population is at 64.2%. Since such a large portion of the overall population is a group that typically doesn't get adequate medical care due to systemic and cultural barriers, the need for culturally and historically educated members of the medical workforce is higher than ever.

NURSING

When promoting health and wellness, it’s important to realize that influencing behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge all rests on the foundation of culture. Because of this, effective health promotion and wellness methods and practices should be filtered through the unique interpretations of the culture.

Applicable Courses

For those following the Nursing degree plan, you are required to select one course from the American History (60) core. Among the options, both Mexican American History I (HIST 2327) and II (HIST 2328) are valid and transferrable. Additionally, under the Additional Language, Philosophy and Culture (90) Core, Introduction to Mexican-American Studies (HUMA 1305) is available and will transfer as Texas Core Curriculum Component Area Option (90) Core, but will NOT be UTHSA degree applicable.

SOCIAL WORK

In the Pew Hispanic Center’s National Survey of Latinos, 52% of Latinos from 16 to 25 identify first by their family’s country of origin. Meanwhile, just 24% of this group identified as “American” first. The results of this survey shows that many in the Latinx/Chicanx community still don’t feel fully accepted by their host country. When it comes to social work, many in the field are perceived as lacking understanding and sympathy for Latinx/Chicanx culture. This perception and disconnect often leads to clients either ending services prematurely or refusing to bother reaching out to social services in the first place. Our Mexican American Studies courses will help you provide culturally competent services and establish a trusted relationship, not only with the people you're serving, but those you interact with everyday.

Applicable Courses (Transfers)

HUMA 1305 Introduction to Mexican-American Studies [OLLU, TXST, TXA&M University – Kingsville]

Select one course from American History (60) Core will transfer as [OLLU, TXA&M University–Kingsville History Core] (Includes MxAm HIST I & II)

ENGL 2351 Mexican American Literature will transfer as ENGL 2332 or ENGL 2370 [OLLU, TXST, TXA&M University – Kingsville, Literature Core]

HUMA 1311 - Mexican-American Fine Arts Appreciation [TXST, TXA&M University – Kingsville Creative Arts Core]

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse