A Focused Approach
The Specialization of Chicano/Latinos Studies

The specialization in Chicano/Latino Studies (CLS), administered by the College of Social Science, is an elective available to students who are enrolled in bachelors degree programs at Michigan State University. The specialization complements a number of major fields, including education, social work, law, government service, business, or any area addressing the issues and needs of ethnic communities. It will be especially productive for those who wish to pursue a graduate degree, either in the humanities or social sciences, focusing on the Chicano/Latino.

The Chicano/Latino Studies Specialization provides students opportunities to:

• gain a knowledge of Chicano/Latino scholarship and scholars
• enrich their majors by addressing issues of ethnicity, race, gender, and social inequality
• apply the knowledge that they gain to the study of Latino communities and life

The Specialization draws on research, teaching, and community service that:

• focuses intensively on the histories of different racial and cultural sub-groups of Chicanos/Latinos
• draws larger theoretical lessons from comparisons among these groups and between non-Latino populations
• seeks to articulate general principles that shape racial and ethnic relations
• explores how ethnic identity is constructed and reconstructed over time
• develops methodologies and principles which empower students to enhance leadership and human relations within diverse communities of peoples and conditions

Advising for CLS Specialization is under the leadership of Dr. Theresa Melendez, located in 200 South Kedzie. The advisor assists students in planning a program of study that is tailored to the students' interest and career objectives.