Chicano Studies 102
THE CHICANO AND THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
3 UNITS (SECTION NUMBER 33462)
Spring 2001 (January 16 – May 15)
Tuesday, 6:00 - 8:50 P.M.
Palomar College
Escondido Center, EC-503
Instructor: Silverio Haro
Office: CSU San Marcos, Craven
Hall 6210
Tel. (760) 750-4167
E-mail: sharo@palomar.edu
http://daphne.palomar.edu/sharo/
Introduction:
This course traces the political development of Chicanos in the United States by examining their record of
cultural, economic, and social experiences in the Southwest and using theories of democracy and political
participation as the foundations for analysis. The course introduces institutional factors that have served to
politically alienate Chicanos in American society and the measures they have taken to gain political power.
Accordingly, the course uses historical records as well as contemporary issues to illustrate the conditions of
political and social relations in the US.
The course begins with an examination of the first chapter of Chicano politics: The US-Mexico War and
the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This section analyzes the social and economic conditions that resulted from
the War and eventually excluded Chicanos from political participation. Attention is given to the varied responses
Chicanos made to these changing conditions. This includes a review of the development of mutual aid societies
and their future growth and change into the present day Chicano political organizations. The second portion of
this course reviews and analyzes the political movements associated with the early Chicano Civil Rights
Movement (UFW, Crusade for Justice, La Alianza, Brown Berets, and La Raza Unidad Party) and the various
goals and approaches used by each to gain political power. The third section of this course reviews
contemporary issues affecting the Chicano and Latino communities, with attention to Propositions 187, 209, and
227, redistricting, party affiliations, and the US Census. We will use the Los Angeles Times newspaper to discuss
current issues and policies relevant to the Latino community.
Attendance:
Your attendance is most important. Please be punctual and adhere to the Palomar College attendance
policy. Please notify me in advance of absences at the number listed above.
Participation:
Class preparedness is an important and necessary aspect of learning and participation. Read the assigned
materials. You are encouraged to participate in class discussions, as your perspective, comments, and questions
are important to the learning process. Disagreement is expected, but respect for one another’s ideas shall be
observed at all times.
Required Texts:
Border Visions: Mexican Cultures of the Southwest United States, Carlos Vélez-Ibáñez
Pursuing Power: Latinos and the Political System, edited by F. Chris García
Chicano!: The History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement, F. Arturo Rosales
Tuesday’s edition of the Los Angeles Times newspaper (available on-line at www.latimes.com/print/)
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Assignments & Grading:
Assignments are due on the specified dates at the beginning of class. Grades are based on the total
number of points earned for all graded assignments. All of the following assignments must be completed in order
to receive a grade:
Feb. 27
Week 7
Essay #1: A political issue related to Latinos using the LA Times. Three pages
Mar. 6
Week 8
Mid Term Exam: On lectures and readings
April 3 Week 12
Essay #2: A political issue related to Latinos using the LA Times. Four pages
May 15 Week 18
Final Exam: On lectures and readings since the midterm
Free Writes are assigned throughout the course and are generally written in-class.
These are short responses to a question posed about a reading assignment, a current
political issue, or a video.
Class Participation consists of attendance (16 pts.) and class contributions (9).
Total
25 Points
35 Points
40 Points
45 Points
30 Points
25 Points
200 Points
Grading Scale:
A = 180 - 200 Points
B = 160 - 179 Points
C = 140 - 159 Points
D = 120 – 139 Points
Other Class Policies:
1. READ. You are responsible for reading and knowing the contents of this syllabus. If you have questions or
are not clear about any aspect of the course, please ask for clarification.
2. SCHEDULE. Please check your exam schedule now to make sure there will be no conflicts.
3. RESPECT. Your opinion and comments are important and you are encouraged to share your views. You are
free to disagree with your colleagues and the instructor; however, we must at all times show respect and
tolerance for all expressed views.
Course Objectives:
1. Introduce students to vital political science concepts relevant to understanding the political system in the
United States.
2. Examine the political development of Mexican-Americans in a historical and contemporary context to
understand their quest for equality.
3. Understand the role of ethnic and political goals in the development of the Chicano and Latino politics.
4. Develop analytical skills and communicate key information in comprehending, writing, and discussing the
political development of Chicanos and Latinos in the US.
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CS 102 Course Schedule
Session 1
1/16
Session 2
1/23
Session 3
1/30
Session 4
2/6
Session 5
2/13
Session 6
2/20
Session 7
2/27
Session 8
3/6
3/13
Session 9
3/20
Session 10
3/27
Session 11
4/3
Session 12
4/10
Session 13
4/17
Session 14
4/24
Session 15
5/1
Session 16
5/8
Session 17
5/15
Introduction to the course and review of course objectives.
What is Chicano Politics? Why is it important to understand? What are the elements of
democracy? What are the issues that affect Latinos?
Relating the experience of Chicanos and their political position: A political framework
Pursuing Power, 1-15; Border Visions, 3-11; Chicano!, xiii – xxiii; LA Times
Political Culture of the Southwest: Before and after the US-Mexican War
Border Visions, p. 20-70; LA Times
Video: The US-Mexico War
Aftermath of the US-Mexican War: Cultural heroes or social bandits?
Border Visions, p. 70-107; Chicano!, 2 – 17; LA Times
Video: The Ballad of Gregorio Cortés
The establishment of mutual aid societies (mutualistas)
Border Visions, p. 107-136; Chicano!, 56 – 71; LA Times
Video: Los Mineros
World War II: The birth of the American GI Forum
Border Visions, 200-206; Chicano!, 90 - 109; LA Times
Emerging needs and problems related to the Chicano community
Pursuing Power, p. 7-15; Border Visions, p. 182-196; LA Times
Video: The Lemon Grove Incident
Essay #1 Due
Midterm Exam
SPRING BREAK
Input to the political system: Participation
Pursuing Power, p. 31-43; LA Times
The beginnings of the modern Chicano Movement: Political leaders and their objectives
Chicano!, 154 – 170; Video: Chicano! Quest for A Homeland
Chicanos and Educational Issues
Chicano!, 174 – 195; Video: Chicano! Taking Back the Schools
Essay #2 Due
The Cesar Chávez and the farm worker movement
LA Times
Chicano!, 130 – 151; Video: Chicano! Struggle in the Fields
Representation and Decision-making: The importance of the US Census
Chicano!, 198 – 247; Video: Chicano! Fighting for Political Power
The Political Situation of the 1990s and Beyond
Pursuing Power, p. 72-88; LA Times
Video: Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary
A Matter of Language
Pursuing Power, p. 343-367
Latinos and affirmative action
Pursuing Power, p. 368-400
FINAL EXAMINATION: Exam will cover readings, video, and lectures since midterm.
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