Chicano and Latin American Studies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many units do I need to become a CLAS Major, Dual Major, or CLAS Minor?
For either the Chicano or Latin American Major you need 120 units total.
For a Chicano Studies Dual Major you will need to complete 24 units.
For a Minor you will need to complete 18 units.
Q. Who can I contact about academic advising?
The Department of Chicano and Latin American Studies encourages all students to seek
faculty advising for guidance in planning their academic schedules. Please also visit
the College of Social Sciences Advising Center located in McKee Fisk 207.
| Faculty Advisor | Student last names beginning with | Office | Phone | Student Support Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lopes | A | SS 216 | 559.278.8808 | mlopes@mail.fresnostate.edu |
Tuesday and Thursday 1:00p.m. to 2:30p.m., schedule a Zoom meeting via the link: https://calendly.com/mlopesfresnostate/new-meeting |
| Dr. Macías | B-F | SS 222 | 559.278.1095 | luisfernando@mail.fresnostate.edu | Tuesday and Thursday, 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m. to1:45 p.m. or by appointment. Book via https://calendar.app.google/sKx6TJAjeRGo3Bxx8 |
| Dr. Sanchez | G-L | SS 227 | 559.278.2239 | Monday 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday 11:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. | |
| Dr. España-Nájera | M-N | SS 226B | 559.278.2030 | TBA | |
| Dr. Torres | O -R | SS 220 | 559.278.4115 |
Tuesday and Thursday 1:00p.m. to 1:50p.m.; Monday and Wednesday 12:00p.m. to 1:00p.m., or by appointment via email or Zoom |
|
| Dr. Méndez | S-Z | SS 215 | 559.278.0086 | TBA |
Q: Do I have to speak Spanish to become a Chicano Major?
No, speaking Spanish is not needed. All you need is to have the interest and will!
Q: Do I have to speak Spanish to become a Latin America Major?
While you won't need to become fluent in either Spanish or Portuguese, you'll need
to take at least 6 units total in either language, or take an exam that demonstrates
your proficiency in the language.
Q: What can I do with a CLAS degree?
A CLAS Major will serve all majors. Given the growth of Latino populations nationally,
most employers will be hiring Latin@s and will want you to have a good understanding
of Chicano/Latino issues, culture and history. CLAS will highly support your career
choice (see our Careers section).
Q: What is the difference between Chicano, Mexican, Hispanic and Latino?
The meanings of these terms fluctuate given the context, time period, and the people
who utilize them
Chicano = A Latin@ social change activist whose vision is closely associated with
"El Movimiento," the Chicano Civil Rights Movement.
Mexican = A person who has strong national associations with Mexico.
Hispanic = A Latin@ who accepts the more general and "acceptable" identity label usually utilized
by government institutions for data gathering; the terms is also used for proposal
writing and conference panels
Latino = A "politically correct" term currently in use to include Mexican@s, Chican@s and
Latin Americans.