ANTH 228 - Chicano Cultures

4 Credit(s)

This course is the second term of a two (2) term sequence. The course explores the historical roots and cultural anthropology of contemporary Mexican Indians and Mexican Americans (Chicano). It examines the impact of colonialism on Mesoamerican Indian cultures and, after the origin of Mexican Americans post Mexican-American War, its influence on Chicano cultures. Students will be exposed to the objectives and findings of cultural anthropology, as well as encouraged to appreciate the cultural differences and similarities within and between Mexican Indians and Chicanos.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe and discuss the main objectives and methodologies of cultural anthropology

2. Describe and discuss the main cultural characteristics of contemporary Mesoamerican Indians – Nahua in particular

3. Describe and discuss the influences of European colonialism on indigenous Mexican peoples

4. Identify and discuss the major factors leading to emergence of Mexican Americans (Chicanos)

5. Identify and discuss the main outlines of Chicano cultures and their similarity and difference from traditional Mexican Indian and Anglo-American cultures