About Us

The Chicano and Latin American Studies Department consists of faculty whose teaching and research expertise cover a broad spectrum, including anthropology, education, history, sociology, political science, Latin America, Latino literature, and the arts. The department is the proud sponsor of Fresno State's Los Danzantes de Aztlán. The offices of the department also serve as a resource center for many of the Chicano/Latino student organizations and as an information center for the community.

Message from the Department Chair

Thank you for your interest in learning more about our department.

We in the Department of Chicanx and Latin American Studies (CLAS) have the honor of continuing Ethnic Studies’ mission of supporting critical consciousness and holistic humanization through rigorous interdisciplinary work and community connections. As part of this mission, we connect ourselves to past and contemporary social movements that struggle for social justice and an equitable and democratic society. We recognize that nobody is illegal; people hold the inalienable human right to self-determination. Thus, our faculty members welcome and support all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, (dis)ability, socioeconomic class, national origin, or immigration status.

Our department offers two majors and minors (Chicano Studies and Latin American Studies), study abroad opportunities, community partnerships and a Certificate in Chicanx/Latinx Studies in Secondary Schooling which prepares future teachers and administrators to teach Ethnic Studies in the 9-12 grade system.

Our faculty have expertise in areas such as: Education, Immigration, Political Science, History, Literature, and Anthropology, all with a focus on Chicanx/Latinx and Latin American populations. This interdisciplinary approach introduces our students to a variety of topics and areas of study. In addition to offering top-quality instruction, we support students through individualized mentorship, professional development, and public service opportunities. We routinely collaborate with local and global community organizations and partners to uphold the connections with the communities that raised us.

We are privileged to work with some of the brightest and most dedicated students in the Central Valley and beyond. Our students are agents of change that go on to graduate school and/or careers in education, counseling, public service, law, health and human services, public relations, business, and entrepreneurship both domestically and abroad.

 The author Carlos Fuentes once said “culture consists of connections, not of separations” which is why we strive to continue building our connections and uplifting our culturas. We invite you to reach out to us to find out more.

Atentamente,

Dr. Luis Fernando Macías

Interim Chair
Department of Chicano and Latin American Studies