Mexican American Studies (MAS)

MAS 2013. Introduction to Chicano(a) Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = HUMA 1305)

An introduction to the field of Chicano(a) studies from its inception to the present. Chicano(a) studies and scholarship are explored through multidisciplinary concepts, theory, and methodologies, providing differing interpretations of the Chicano and Chicana experience in the United States. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Language, Philosophy and Culture. (Formerly BBL 2013. Credit cannot be earned for both MAS 2013 and BBL 2013.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRC1 $12; LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

MAS 2023. Latino Cultural Expressions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = HUMA 1311)

An introductory overview of Hispanic visual, performing, and folk arts from their origins in the Iberian peninsula, through the later blending of cultures and their parallelism during revolutionary periods, to contemporary Latino expressions in the United States. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Creative Arts. (Same as BBL 2023. Credit cannot be earned for both MAS 2023 and BBL 2023.) Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 2033. Multiculturalism in the Southwest. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A panoramic study of the concept of culture and the social dynamics of exchange among those ethnic groups that determine the multicultural milieu of the Southwest. Examination of cultural differences and similarities among all peoples of the region and the role of multiculturalism in politics, education, economics, religion, and everyday life. (Same as BBL 2033. Credit cannot be earned for both MAS 2033 and BBL 2033.) Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

MAS 2043. Selena: A Mexican American Identity and Experience. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines how the life and career of Selena Quintanilla-la Reina de Tejano music-embodies the historical trajectory of the Mexican American identity and experience in Texas. As exemplified by a line from the biopic about her life, "We gotta prove to the Mexicans how Mexican we are, and we gotta prove to the Americans how American we are. We gotta be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans, both at the same time." Selena's rise to fame will be contextualized by addressing how systemic oppression and intersectionality impact the Mexican American experience. In particular, the course will emphasize how race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, and citizenship function as axes of marginalization, as well as how sociohistorical, economic, and political factors converge to shape a Mexican American group identity in Texas, the Southwest and the United States. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

MAS 2053. Mexican American Music Performance Practicum: MAS Corazón de San Antonio. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An ensemble course open to all students by audition. May be repeated for credit.  This course is for advanced performers with previous experience. It will focus on refining on-stage performance technique and style. It also examines the historical development of Mexican American/Chicanx Music, its cross-cultural interactions and influences, and its role as an integral part of Mexican American society, culture, education, and economy. Repertoire will vary from semester-to-semester, ranging from: Mariachi, Conjunto, Tejano, Chicano/a/x Hip Hop, and modern fusion, and will incorporate each ensemble’s respective instrumentation. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 2063. Latinx Songwriting. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Designed to give an overview of Latinx songwriting styles and techniques. Course suitable for anyone, whether interested in songwriting as an art form or contemplating a career in music. Topics include the importance of song in the Latinx music industry and culture, the relationship of words to music, study of song forms including but not limited to those found in Latin Pop, American Pop, and Mexican Corridos, Boleros, and Rancheras. The course will include an introduction to song demo production using home studio digital audio workstations (DAW), Garage Band, and Logic Pro, and touch upon music publishing and other song-related fields. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 2073. Chicanx Music Methods and Pedagogy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction course focused on creating an aligned, culturally relevant, Mexican American music performance curriculum. Course offers methods and pedagogical tools for teaching Mexican American music, ensemble types, and students. The course introduces best practices, instrumentation of traditional Mexican American ensembles, and how to navigate the public-school system to implement culturally inclusive music programs in schools and communities. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 3003. Chicana/o/x Music. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Designed to examine Mexican American experience at the borders where the cultural form of music becomes a way of expressing cultural contact, tension, conflict as well as accommodation and resistance. Music becomes a site of excavating issues of inheritance as well as understanding the dynamics of creative expression. Course reflects historical and social contexts to engage the cultural production of the genres and themes of music found in Mexican American communities. (Formerly titled Musical Mestizaje.) Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

MAS 3013. Chicana/o Queer Communities, Identities and Theories. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Through an intersectional lens that addresses gender and sexuality in conjunction with race and class, this course examines concepts of identity, community, and belonging for and by Mexican American lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities. Topics may include language, migration, history, health, family and kinship. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 3033. Mexican Americans in the Southwest. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Historical foundations of the United States–Mexico biculturalism in the Southwest. An examination of the historical forces that created and shaped the Mexican American people as a bicultural community. Attention is given to Mexican American contributions in arts, economics, literature, and politics. (Same as BBL 3033. Credit cannot be earned for both MAS 3033 and BBL 3033.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

MAS 3043. Social Psychological Considerations in Mexican American Communities. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A cross-cultural and social psychological study of human development, interethnic communication, stereotyping, learning styles, or other topics relevant to the bicultural setting. (Same as BBL 3043. Credit cannot be earned for both MAS 3043 and BBL 3043.) Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 3063. Historical Legacies: Chicanas/os in Education. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course presents key texts that are central to the study of Chicanas/os in education. This course critically examines the historical legacies and contemporary experiences of Chicana/o children and youth in U.S. educational institutions. The course will present various theoretical perspectives that problematize the pervasive history of educational inequality and patterns of academic attainment and achievement throughout the educational pipeline. Special attention will be given to the pervasive history of segregation, tracking, language oppression, and assimilationist ideologies and practices, as well as the current struggles for educational justice in Chicana/o schools and communities. (Formerly MAS 3023. Same as BBL 3063. Credit can be earned for only one of the following: BBL 3063, MAS 3023, or MAS 3063.) Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 3113. Latinx Music Production and Industry. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to audio-visual techniques and notational skills that are required to appropriately disseminate the unique characteristics of Latinx music, rhythms, chord progressions, stylistic features, artistic and cultural expressions, and commercial ventures. An introduction to audio-visual production software (Sibelius, Finale, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Final Cut and Adobe Premier Pro) and audio-visual launching platforms. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 3123. Mexican American Culture. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of Mexican American cultural distinctiveness in the areas of biculturalism, cultural production, and social organization. Topics may include family and kinship, folklore, health, language, music, and religion. (Same as BBL 3123. Credit cannot be earned for both BBL 3123 and MAS 3123.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

MAS 3413. Mexican American Family. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course offers an examination of the social status of Mexican Americans and their relationship to the dominant society. Issues may include the position of Mexican Americans in economic, political, and status hierarchies and the major factors limiting mobility within these systems. (Formerly BBL 3413. Same as SOC 3413. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: BBL 3413, MAS 3413, or SOC 3413.) Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 3423. Mexican American Foodways: Recipes for Justice, Health, and Liberation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the study of Mexican American foodways and sovereignty movements through theoretical concepts and methodologies in Chicana/x/o Studies, Latina/x/o Studies, Indigenous Studies, and food studies. This course also centers community knowledge and efforts of community-based spaces to restore cultural knowledge and promote food justice. Readings, lectures, films, group discussions, active class participation, and community events are central features of this course. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 4013. Sí se puede! Latino Leadership, Activism and Organizing. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MAS 2013. This course will examine theories of social justice, social change, leadership styles, and basic components required to organizing at the local level for creating meaningful social change. By studying the history and legacy of activism among Mexican American and other Latina/o/x communities, it provides students with the basic tools to become more effective leaders at the grassroots level. Course may include community engagement component as part of the coursework. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 4023. Black and Brown Youth Resistance. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines theories of youth resistance, and specifically the ways in which youth of color have and continue to resist, whether through organizing social justice movements, self-expression, and/or cultural production. Drawing from Critical Youth Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Women of Color feminisms, this course explores how youth as a whole, and youth of color specifically are socially constructed in the U.S. and the impact of these constructions of race, gender, sexuality, and age structurally on youth in terms of the policies that are created that impact their everyday lives. This course also explores the contributions youth of color have made and continue to make in society, not only through organizing but also through their everyday forms of resistance such as their behaviors, languaging, forms of self-expression, engagement with popular culture, and resulting cultural production. Same as AAS 4023, credit cannot be earned for both AAS 4023 and MAS 4023. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 4033. Women of Color Feminisms. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course centers feminist epistemological contributions of Women of Color. As a result of their positionalities, Women of Color have developed their own organizations, printing presses, research approaches, and critical theories, and have contributed to social change. This course examines critical theories that make up Black, Chicana/x and Latina/x, Indigenous, and Asian/Asian American feminisms. Women of Color feminisms have advanced change through their scholarship, activism, community organizing, participation in mutual aid, cultural production, and critique of and resistance to coloniality in all of its forms. This course uses an intersectional approach to examining the contributions of Women of Color feminisms across disciplines to include, but not limited to, education, public health, popular culture, community organizing, policy, and cultural production. Same as AAS 4033 and WGSS 4033, credit cannot be earned for both AAS 4033, WGSS 4033, and MAS 4033. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 4043. Chicana/x Feminisms. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course centers the development of Chicana/x Feminisms before, during, and after the Chicana/o/x Civil Rights Movement. Developed by Chicana/x mothers, activists, youth, community workers, academics, and artists. Chicana/x Feminisms reflects the embodied knowledges and resulting theories of Chicanas/x who live at the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality that provide them with the unique insight and strategies to advocate for social transformation within their communities and beyond. The course begins with an examination of the foundational scholars within Chicana/x Feminist Thought, surveys the various contributions Chicana/x feminisms has made to education, research, labor, cultural production, spirituality, and other areas, and extends to the present to explore the shifts and advancements within Chicana/x Feminist Thought since the Movement. Same as WGSS 4043, credit cannot be earned for both WGSS 4043 and MAS 4043. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 4083. Research Seminar in Mexican American Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Provides students the opportunity to compare, contrast, and integrate social science theory and methods, and guides students in the conduct of sociocultural research in the Mexican American community. Emphasis will be given to qualitative and ethnographic methods and theory. (Formerly BBL 4083. Credit cannot be earned for both MAS 4083 and BBL 4083.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

MAS 4143. Latinas/xs in Music and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of the contributions of women/femmes to Latino music, culture and society. This course is designed to introduce students to analyzing music within Latinx communities through a sociocultural perspective that identifies not only the contributions women/femmes have made to different genres of music, but also the impact of these musicians and their music to Latinx communities and social justice movements throughout history, for example those of antigua Tenochtitlan to Tonya La Negra, Xiomara Alfaro, Lydia Mendoza, Selena, and their successors. Students will also explore and learn to appreciate different stylistic and technical aspects of Latinx music created and performed by Latinas/xs. Students will explore concepts of diaspora, mestizaje, colonialism, and migration through their study of Latinas/xs in music. Too often relegated to the background, despite their talent and skills, this course examines the contributions of Latinas/femmes in Music. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Program Coordinator or Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 4931. Internship in Mexican American Studies. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

A supervised experience, relevant to the student’s program of study within selected community organizations and agencies. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Course Fee: STSH $10.27.

MAS 4932. Internship in Mexican American Studies. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.

A supervised experience, relevant to the student’s program of study within selected community organizations and agencies. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Course Fee: STSH $20.54.

MAS 4933. Internship in Mexican American Studies. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A supervised experience, relevant to the student’s program of study within selected community organizations and agencies. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Course Fee: STSH $30.81.

MAS 4953. Special Studies in Mexican American Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. To apply credit earned in MAS 4953 toward a minor, consent of the academic advisor is required. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

MAS 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to candidates for Honors in Mexican American Studies during their last two semesters; completion of honors examination and consent of the Honors College. Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once with thesis advisor’s approval. Course Fee: STSH $30.81.