Latina/o Studies (LTNS)

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

LTNS 110 Critical Thinking in Latina/o Studies (Units: 3)

Developing basic skills involved in understanding, criticizing, and constructing arguments by using materials reflective of experience of Raza and the Third World culture in the U.S.
(Note: In order for this course to satisfy General Education, students must earn a C- or CR or higher grade if taken fall 2014 or later.)

Course Attributes:

  • A3: Critical Thinking
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

LTNS 205 Cyber Raza: Culture and Community On-line (Units: 3)

The emerging interrelationship of culture, community, and the Internet with critical analysis of key information age issues. Internet research skills, a basic understanding of on-line technology, web development skills, and critical understanding of the role of technology for Raza. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 210 Latina/Latino Health Care Perspectives (Units: 3)

Diseases and health conditions that are prevalent in underserved populations; socio-economic, political, racial, cultural, and environmental factors that influence conditions in Raza communities in the U.S. [CSL may be available]

Course Attributes:

  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 211 Latina/o Families Narrative (Units: 3)

The psychological structure of the family; psychodynamics of family relationships in light of particular subcultural influences characteristic of La Raza ethnic background. Sex-role delineations.

Course Attributes:

  • D1: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 215 Introduction to Latina/o Studies (Units: 3)

Philosophy, methodology, and structure of Raza studies. Relations between the Raza community and American institutions of higher education. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 222 Latina/o Art History (Units: 3)

Conceptual and technical aspects of the visual arts movements in Latin America from 1900-present and its developmental relationship to values, cultural identity, and artistic expression of Raza communities in the U.S. [CSL may be available] [Formerly LTNS 320]

Course Attributes:

  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives

LTNS 225 Survey of Latina/o Visual Images (Units: 3)

Survey of Latina/o images in television, film, advertising, magazines, murals, and online media. Analysis of how visual culture reproduces ideology and/or challenges power structures.

Course Attributes:

  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

LTNS 230 Introduction to Latina/o Literature (Units: 3)

Background in Chicano/Latino literature. Readings from all the major Latino groups; emphasis on culture, politics, and gender as seen through fiction.

Course Attributes:

  • E1: Lifelong Learning Develop
  • C3: Humanities: Literature
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 265 Topics in Latina/o History (Units: 3)

Introduction to the history of Latinos/as in the U.S. Analysis of the social, political, and economic conditions that give rise to multiple migrations. [CSL may be available]

Course Attributes:

  • D1: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

LTNS 270 Latina/o Arts and Humanities (Units: 3)

Latin American and southwestern cultural experience. Various ethnic groups in Latin America and their contributions to the values, culture, oral history, and traditions of La Raza in the U. S.

LTNS 276 Latina/o, U.S. Government, and Constitutional Ideals (Units: 3)

Basic governmental/political institutions and underlying socio-political ideals. Raza impact on legal-constitutional America and countervailing impact of political-legal structures imposed on Raza. [CSL may be available]

Course Attributes:

  • U.S. Govt CA State Local Govt
  • D3: Social Sciences: US CA Gov
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities

LTNS 278 History of Latinos in the U.S. (Units: 3)

Examination of the social-cultural, economic, and political foundations of Latino History from the Spanish colonial period to the present.
(This course is offered as LTNS 278 and HIST 278. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • U.S. History
  • D2: Social Sciences: U.S. Hist
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

LTNS 280 Transculturation and Latina/o Communities (Units: 3)

Socio-psychological impact of the acculturation/assimilation process on the Latino in the U.S.

LTNS 286 Policy Making and Latinos (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of U.S. Government requirement (LTNS 276 or equivalent), or consent of instructor.

Analysis of the policy making process, the goals of policy, and the ways to influence policy. Examination of Latino political muscle, the barriers to representation, and critical issues confronting the Latino population in the United States. [Formerly LTNS 525]

LTNS 305 Latina/o Studies Creative Writing Workshop (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Instruction and practice in all forms of writing with an emphasis on bilingual creations. Taught bilingually (Spanish/English).

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives

LTNS 315 Latina/os in California (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Overview of the Latina/o experience in California from the Mexican-American War to contemporary times. [CSL may be available]

Course Attributes:

  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

LTNS 355 Black-Indians in the Americas (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Examines factors impacting on multiracial identity formation among Native communities throughout the Americas with a specific focus on Black-Indians; explores concepts and theories regarding blood quantum, sovereignty, and land rights, and the social, legal, and political understanding of mixed-race Native Americans.
(This course is offered as AIS 350, AFRS 350, and LTNS 355. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities

LTNS 380 Afro/Latina/o Diasporas (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Examination of the history and experiences of Afro/Latina/o diasporic communities in the U.S. and history of African peoples in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives

LTNS 409 Latina/o Cinema (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Examination of Latino history using Latino themed and produced film. The power of stereotypes, global dissemination of film and examples of the ways in which Latin American and U.S. Latina/o filmmakers respond to stereotypes by creating cinematic counter-discourses.
(This course is offered as LTNS 409 and CINE 409. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 410 Seminar on Gender and Latinas/os (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Political, social, economic, and cultural influences affecting the Raza woman in the U.S. and Latin America. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 415 Economic Progress of Latinos in the U.S. (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Critical analysis of the changing political and economic condition of the Mexican-American people. Historical changes in land tenure, barrioization, racialization of labor impact of current political economy on an increasingly diverse Raza community. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 425 Popular and Traditional Music of the Latina(o) Diaspora (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Music and culture pertained to Latino communities in the U.S. and Latin American music genres that have influence in the U.S; diverse musical styles and cultures and how they shape music. [CSL may be available]

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives

LTNS 430 Race, Crime, and Justice (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Ethnic studies methods and cross-cultural perspectives examine the rise of institutions of law enforcement, juvenile and criminal justice, case studies, life histories, community service learning internships. [CSL may be available]
(This course is offered as LTNS 430 and C J 435. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Social Justice

LTNS 435 Oral History Methods: Theory and Practice (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Latin American and Southwestern U.S. popular culture. Ethnic groups in Latin America and their contributions to the oral history and traditions of Raza in the U.S. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 440 Caribbean Cultures and Spirituality (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Cultural and religious traditions of Caribbean peoples. Historical analysis of indigenous, European, and African influences in Caribbean cultural expressions from Cuba to Brazil. Contemporary cultures, inter-ethnic relations, spirituality, religious systems, and artistic expressions.

LTNS 445 Gendered Borders: Latinas and Globalization (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Gender and globalization: moving society toward borderless economies with barricaded borders. Latinas struggle for fair wages, self-determination, and healthy families. Women living in U.S. and Latin America adjusting to transnational reality.
(This course is offered as LTNS 445 and WGS 445. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 450 Indigenismo: Indigenous Cultures of the Americas (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Culture and traditions of indigenous peoples of Latin America. Contemporary society, traditional medical systems, healing methodologies, religion, sorcery, magic, etc. and its relationship to La Raza in the U.S.

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Global Perspectives

LTNS 455 Resistance Literature of the Americas (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

History of the literature of Resistance. Theories of deconstruction, post-modernism, and gender. Creative applications used to resist colonialism, imperialism, patriarchy, sexual taboos, and literary canons. Difference between Resistance literature and propaganda.

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 460 Central Americans of the U.S.: History and Heritage (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Developmental relationship between U.S. communities of Central American origin and historical, socio-economic, and cultural factors of contemporary Central America; nationalistic movements, migrations to U.S., economic dependence, social change, art, and society.

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 465 Mexican-Americans: History and Heritage (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Examination of the history of Mexican-Americans (Chicanos) in the U.S.

LTNS 467 Caribbeans in the U.S.: History and Heritage (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Examination of the history of the Spanish Caribbeans in the U.S.

Course Attributes:

  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 470 Latina/o Immigration to the U.S. (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Theoretical, historical, socioeconomic, legal, and political issues of Latin American immigration patterns to the U.S. Socioeconomic and political impact of documented and undocumented immigration to Raza communities and mainstream U.S. society. [CSL may be available]

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 475 Aztec Philosophy (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Philosophical foundations of the Aztec world view; relationship between the deities and humans; view of the relationship between body, mind, and spirit.

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives

LTNS 485 Latina/o Youth, Crime, and Justice (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Examination of Latino juvenile justice, the myths and realities, and the over incarceration of Latino youth: its sources, costs, and consequences; and impact on individuals, families, and communities. Latino experiences with schooling, police, gangs, drugs, "juvie," and caseworkers are covered. [CSL may be available]
(This course is offered as LTNS 485 and C J 485. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Social Justice

LTNS 487 Mexican Migrations: A Social History (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Examination of the historical and contemporary social and legal effects of immigration flows and deportations by focusing on the development of the U.S.-Mexico border, U.S. immigration policies, gendered migrations, and U.S. definitions of belonging as well as exclusion in relation to Mexican immigration communities.
(This course is offered as SOC 487 and LTNS 487. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

LTNS 490 Latina/o Teatro Workshop (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Works by Raza playwrights. Raza theater, its development and how it relates to the cultural aspects of Raza people. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

LTNS 500 Latina/o Community Mental Health (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Mental health services throughout the Bay Area: determine whether these services are relevant to the Raza community. How the Raza student views him/herself and relationships with others in and outside the culture.

LTNS 501 Latin America: The National Period (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor; ENG 214 or equivalent.

Latin America since independence (c. 1825). Histories of Latin American peoples: culture, race relations, women, political oppression and resistance, the economy, and development.
(This course is offered as HIST 501, ANTH 501, and LTNS 501. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

LTNS 505 Gender, Sexuality, and Latino Communities (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Introduction to the social organization of gender and sexuality in Latino communities; exploration of ways gender and sexuality are given specific cultural meaning among the pan-Latino population.
(This course is offered as LTNS 505 and WGS 505. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

LTNS 520 North and South American Cultural Expression (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Values, ideas, and creative styles of North and South American cultures through comparisons of literary artistic and architectural creations from each culture.
(This course is offered as HUM 520 and LTNS 520. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

LTNS 530 Latina/os and the Media (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Examination of mass media representation of and marketing to Latinas/os. Development of media literacy skills to think critically about Latina/o racialization in U.S. media. Analysis of Latina/o oriented media that purports to offer an alternative to mass media.

Course Attributes:

  • E1: Lifelong Learning Develop
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

LTNS 533 History of Women in Latin America (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Upper division standing; ENG 214 or equivalent; or consent of instructor.

History of the changing roles of women in Latin America from the colonial period to the present.
(This course is offered as HIST 535, WGS 535, and LTNS 533. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

LTNS 536 Latina/o Journalism (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: LTNS 530.

Overview of U.S. Latina/o journalism from the mid-1800s to the present day, provides insight into the ways in which Latina/os have utilized journalism as a way to merge activism and community formation. [CSL may be available]
(This course is offered as LTNS 536 and JOUR 536. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

LTNS 560 Contemporary Latina/o Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Literature produced by the people of Raza both in the U.S. and in Latin America during this century. Writings produced since 1950; ways in which the writers of Raza are expressing and furthering the movement of their people.

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 580 Educational Equity (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Is education the great equalizer? Educational equity and policy issues, including institutional racism, school finance, recruitment/retention of under-represented students, language. [CSL may be available]
(This course is offered as LTNS 580, SOC 580, and RRS 580. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

LTNS 640 Sociology of the Latino Experience (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

A comprehensive introduction to sociological perspectives on the Latino/Latina experience in the United States. Historical and structural in approach.
(This course is offered as LTNS 640 and SOC 640. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

LTNS 660 Latina/o Politics (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: LTNS 276 or consent of instructor.

Introduction to Latino politics focusing on equity, labor, immigrant rights, and voter-based movement. Review theory, history, legislation, multiple agency, and collective action while covering central issues of politics and power for the growing Raza population of California and the U.S. [CSL may be available]

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 670 Mexican Politics and Society (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Peoples, politics, and cultures of Mexico; implications of rapid change in Mexico for California and the U.S. [CSL may be available]
(This course is offered as LTNS 670 and PLSI 408. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 679 Central American Literature: Roots to the Present (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Central American literature, from earliest indigenous manuscripts, such as the Popol Vuh, to contemporary writers like Sergio Ramirez and Claribel Alegria. Writers and poets from 1960 to the present.

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

LTNS 680 Latina/o Community Organizing (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Raza and community organizing; mobilization and action toward the resolution of community problems; elements and techniques of organizing; development of leadership and community resources; acquisition and direction of power; analysis of the existing organizations and their definitions of community priorities and goals. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 685 Projects in the Teaching of Latina/o Studies (Units: 1-4)

Prerequisites: Upper division standing and consent of instructor.

A cademic service learning practicum/internship experience as an undergraduate instructional aide. Participation in the teaching of a regular instructionally-related class. Limited to undergraduate students only. (Students may earn a maximum of 4 units toward the baccalaureate degree for any course(s) numbered 685 regardless of discipline.)

LTNS 690 Community Fieldwork in Latina/o Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Assignment to off-campus community organizations in consultation with a faculty adviser. Development of knowledge, experience, and training in community organizations. To accompany or follow LTNS 680. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 692 Cuba: Health, Education, and Culture (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Written application, interview, level of participation.

Offered during the fall semester and culminates in a January study tour of Cuba. Combines community service learning with an international experience. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 693 Cuba: Community Service Learning (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: LTNS 692 (may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor.

Study of contemporary U.S.-Cuba issues through readings, discussions, films, speakers, and community service learning. Focus on organizing the itinerary for the Cuba travel study and service learning with community agencies. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 694 Community Service Learning (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor; must be taken concurrently with any LTNS course supporting community service learning.

Community service learning activity course. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. [CSL may be available]

LTNS 699 Independent Study (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisites: Approval of department and consent of instructor.

An intensive study of a particular problem in Latina/o studies under the direction of a member of the department. LTNS 699 is repeatable for a maximum of 6 units.

LTNS 707 Seminar in Latina/o Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Introduction to the scholarly literature in Latina/Latino Studies. While interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary in scope, it is largely anchored in the social sciences and history.