Chicano and Latino Studies

Department Office
Nichols Hall 214
(707) 664-2486
www.sonoma.edu/cals/

Department Chair
Daniel Melero Malpica

Administrative Coordinator
Linnea Mullins

Faculty

Patricia Kim-Rajal, Cultural Studies/Gender/Globalization

Ronald López, History/Politics

Daniel Melero Malpica, Sociology/Immigration/Labor

The CALS Major

The Department of Chicano and Latino Studies (CALS) offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum that centers on the experiences of Chicanos and Latinos in many areas of contemporary American society, including politics, education, literature, the arts, and religion. The focus is on gaining greater insight into the relationship between historical, social, political, and ideological circumstances and Latina/o cultures and identities. The major considers the historical and contemporary experiences of Chicanos and Latinos in the United States. Students are free to choose, based on their interests and future career plans, a particular area of emphasis in which to complete their major electives. The flexibility of major requirements makes the CALS major ideally suited for students interested in pursuing a double major.

The overall curriculum provides majors with a solid basis in theoretical and applied analysis covering qualitative and critical methods of study. Students develop the necessary skills to understand the key role Chicanos will increasingly play in the future, given the rapidly changing demographics of the nation.

The department also offers a teacher preparation track designed to prepare students for courses and state exams that are part of the teaching credential certification process for elementary school teachers.

Future Careers

Students in the major embark on a variety of career paths after graduation. CALS graduates are optimally prepared for work in both the public and private sectors. They are broadly trained, culturally astute professionals who are able to work with diverse populations and who can take on the challenges of many different careers. Students are encouraged to consider their future careers while still in the program and to choose electives in accordance with their plans. Students in the teacher-preparation track have been optimally prepared to pursue the coursework and testing necessary to obtain a multiple subjects teaching credential in California. Majors in the interdisciplinary studies track who focus on the study of language and culture often pursue careers in teaching, migrant and bilingual education, publishing, cultural centers or graduate study in art, literature, cultural studies, or ethnic studies. Students who choose a social studies emphasis will acquire a solid basis of knowledge for work in human resources, community development, public service or advocacy work, as well as further study in health services, social welfare, psychology, sociology and political sciences.

How to pursue interest in the major

Freshman Students

Enroll in CALS 219 - The Latino Experience , or in the CALS Learning Community.

Transfer or Junior-level Students

Students who are considering the major are encouraged to enroll in CALS 339 , CALS 432 or CALS 451 during their first semester at SSU. These courses offer an excellent introduction to the major and its interdisciplinary approach while fulfilling the upper-division and ethnic studies GE requirement.

Programs

Minor

Chicano and Latino Studies, Minor