Before we begin, let's understand why the discipline of Chicano, Chicana, and Chicanx Studies is relevant and vital to the history of the United States and the existence of a whole community of Americans marginalized by the limited view (-the Master Narrative) of what is means to be an American.
(These words were inspired by Dr. Rodolfo Rudy Acuña)
Words have meanings, meanings that are supposed to be linked to reality. In creating a historical narrative, the meanings should be clear and best describe the reality of the times. Meanings can be obscured for political purposes; we often call this doublespeak: we say one thing and mean another.
The Chicano, Chicana,and Chicanx Public Scholar argues that the word Chicana/o best describes the area of studies called Chicana/o Studies, and it expresses the idealism that we as a community should be striving for. The Mexican American generation proactively fought for our civil rights, demanding equality under the law as Americans.
The Chicano, Chicana,and Chicanx Movement demanded equality as human beings and asserted the right to call themselves what they pleased. It was under the Chicano, Chicana,and Chicanx watch that entitlements were dramatically broadened and larger numbers of people of Mexican origin entered colleges and universities. They demanded their rights and did not see education as a privilege. Therefore, the discipline of Chicano, Chicana,and Chicanx Studies promotes the equality of the sexes and underscores that gender discrimination damages our humanity as much as racism does.
The term Chicana/o evolved to the reality of the immigrant population that now rivaled the second generation in numbers. The Chicano and Chicana Generations has widened the entitlements of all immigrants. Many continued to link their struggle for equality and to their new reality in the United States. At the same time, the arrival of millions of Mexicans and Latin Americans dramatically expanded the “Latino market.”
The term Chicanx was born out of linguistic limitations to a complete population that embraces gender fluidity, gender transcendence, gender non-conformists and/or gender expansiveness. They include all those who identify and don't identify within the gender spectrum.
All in all, Chicanos, Chicanas, and Chicanx are part of the American landscape making them AMERICANS and part of the US Historical Narrative! Yet the Master Narrative marginalizes the experience in which you are about to embark in.
How Much Reading? Every week, online readings and videos via Canvas are carefully selected to ensure the essential question can be answered. The readings may be challenging, yet effective time management is part of the college experience.
Is there a lot of writing? There is a lot of thinking, planning and desiging projects. In fact, there are NO 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAYS in this class. Yet there will be creative projects requiring writing.
How Much Weekly Work? Sometimes reading is hard, so weekly class discussions are designed to enhance the understanding of the content. In addition, visual resources such as documentaries and films will be viewed to add another layer of understanding.
What is the grade scale? While there is STILL an earned grade submitted, there are NO GRADES during the class session. Feedback and guidance are part of the learning process. Students receive 2nd, 3rd and even 4th chances until the assignment criteria is met. In the end, students "grade" their performance as a final activity. Earned grades are justified through a self evaluation based on performance evidence. Further information on our learning environment can be found in our UnGrading In Ethnic Studies 120
"I used to be ashamed by the way that I grew up. I tried to lie my way through better times, but when you think that honesty and truth is really your best weapon you embrace it and put it behind you. In the end, it drives you and motivates you to do good work. No one should be ashamed about where they come from as long as you desire to be a compassionate and decent person."
George Lopez, Comedian