A combined major in Latin American and Latino studies (LALS, pronounced el-ay-el-es) and education, democracy, and justice (EDJ, pronounced "edge") builds on both departments’ interdisciplinary social justice orientations to bridge theory and practice, with core required courses and elective field experiences that incorporate history and insights from participatory forms of research and community organizing to highlight the relationships between educational justice, Latina/o/x studies, democratic politics, race studies, and social change.

LALS courses train students to be critical and analytical thinkers; to be active, engaged global citizens; and to be skilled strategic activists in making the world a more just place for all. Study in LALS prepares students to learn from and work with people from a variety of cultures and perspectives, to understand the complexity of our current political, social, and cultural moment, and to use skills from many disciplines and fields. LALS investigates the historical, economic, social, and cultural processes that are shaping and transforming the Americas region, including California. By viewing societies as interrelated—specifically U.S. Latino/a communities and Latin American/Caribbean communities—LALS analyzes how local, regional, global, and transnational dimensions affect histories, politics, ethnicities, races, and cultures.

EDJ courses provide opportunities to examine critical questions, theories, practices, and research in the field of education, considered broadly and not only in relation to formal schooling. Courses in the major provide the conceptual knowledge for students to engage in critical thinking about social and policy contexts as well as everyday practices affecting inequitable structures in schooling, society, and culture that have enduring impacts on the quality of our democracy and communities.

Students choosing a combined major in LALS and EDJ will find themselves prepared for a wide variety of careers and/or graduate study, including teaching credential programs and/or masters degrees in education, Ph.D. programs, public policy, educational administration, and inclusive student outreach programming. Students may also choose to complete a second major or minor program alongside the combined major, to focus in a specific area of instruction in preparation for a single subject teaching credential.

Kết quả học tập của chương trình

✔ Critical Thinking. Ability to analyze from a transnational/transborder/translocal perspective—to see the interconnections between Latin American and Latino issues, people, ideas, problems, and solutions. This includes key skills, such as understanding sources, comparing arguments, analysis, and historical perspective. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the key theoretical perspectives and existing research on innovative teaching and learning approaches that value and promote historically disadvantaged and underserved communities and their cultural and linguistic resources. Students will demonstrate knowledge of broad historical, social, and political contexts that impact equal opportunity to learn and contribute to society, and the role that education and schooling can play in expanding opportunity.

✔ Research Methods. Working knowledge of social scientific and/or humanistic approaches to LALS relevant topics. This includes acquiring qualitative and quantitative skills, gathering or obtaining research data, finding/using primary sources, and other research methods. Students will apply critical perspectives in reflecting on and/or conducting research and/or fieldwork, and present their findings in multi-modal forms.

✔ Communication. Key communication skills, including written, oral presentation, and digital, including an understanding of media sources and ability to apply media literacy to cross-cultural analysis. Students will demonstrate oral and written communication skills through individual and group presentations and assignments in their courses.

✔ Language. Proficiency in Spanish.

✔ Lifelong Learning Skills. Acquisition of practical hands-on skills in community engagement, cross-cultural fluency, familiarity with Latin America, and familiarity with Latino experience acquired through experiential learning while working with community and civic organizations. Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of transformative teaching and learning principles that can be applied in a wide range of learning environments and youth serving educational organizations.