Multicultural and Gender Studies Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
| MCGS 155 | Introduction to Multicultural and Gender Studies | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An introduction to the concepts, terminology, and issues in multicultural and gender studies, including exploration of America's multicultural history, gender as an element of culture, and contemporary issues in the field. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course.
| MCGS 155H | Introduction to Multicultural and Gender Studies: Honors | 3.0 Fall |
Within the context of an interdisciplinary multicultural discipline, students will explore a variety of issues that pertain to the voices of various ethnic groups and women in America. These voices speak out of ethnic, racial, class, sexual, and gender experiences which help define political, economic, educational, judicial, and other social issues. Students will present and defend papers on selected topics. 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course.
| MCGS 198 | Special Topics in Multicultural and Gender Studies | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Analysis of selected topics in multicultural and gender studies not covered in the regular curriculum. Topics may vary from one semester to another; see The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
| MCGS 310 | Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Issues and Identities | 3.0 Inquire |
An exploration of current scholarship in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer theories, issues, and communities. Grounded in feminist scholarship, the course examines GLBTQ identity construction and formation through media, politics, sex/sexuality, science, and the law. Specific focus will vary from semester to semester. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course.
| MCGS 315 | Gender and the Stage | 3.0 Fall |
A study of gender issues as they have been dealt with in plays and productions throughout the history of the theatre. The course will focus on the portrayal of women and men on stage as well as key figures who broke barriers in the areas of playwriting, acting, designing, and production. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as THEA 315.
| MCGS 316H | Crossing Boundaries: Gender and Modernization | 3.0 Spring |
An overview of contemporary human geography and some aspects of women's studies, emphasizing the importance of space, movement, place, environment, and family. Primary texts such as novels, memoirs, and films will be used to explore the perspectives of a variety of culture groups. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as GEOG 316H.
| MCGS 326 | Perspectives on Gender and Disease | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course explores the physiological mechanisms of disease and resistance, social definitions of disease, and gender-related factors in research, diagnosis, treatment, and adaptation to disease. Diseases are usually studied and described in generic terms without regard to gender; however, it is apparent that substantial differences exist in male and female susceptibility, manifestations, and responses to many diseases; just as significantly, society's responses to disease are clearly influenced by gender issues. These issues will be explored, through the perspectives of both natural and social sciences. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as NURS 326.
| MCGS 327 | The Politics of Race and Ethnicity in the United States | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Analysis of the role of race and ethnicity in the American political process, including a critique of their role in local, state, and national elections. Factors accounting for participation and non-participation will be analyzed. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as POLS 327.
| MCGS 328 | Multicultural Health | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Ethnic groups in the United States face many health problems. This course will focus on those groups in the U.S.: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans. The effects of history, health beliefs and practices, and socioeconomic status on the health of these ethnic populations will be addressed. Current and potential strategies to improve healthcare delivery to these groups will be explored. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as HCSV 328.
| MCGS 330 | Sociology of Gender | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Explores different theories of the social construction of gender, with particular attention to how gender varies in relation to ethnicity, race, sexuality, and class. Examines evidence of how men and women are differentially situated in families, education, work, politics, and culture. This course is also offered as SOCI 330.
| MCGS 332 | American Ethnic Origins | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An examination of the various ethnic groups which came to America; the reasons for their emigration, their reception in the United States, special problems they encountered, and the contributions they made to American society. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as HIST 332.
| MCGS 341 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course focuses on the importance and various influences of culture on human behavior. Beginning with an examination of theoretical definitions of culture, the course covers a broad range of research that highlights the contributions of cross-cultural psychology to the understanding of human behavior within and between cultures. In addition, conceptual, methodological, and practical issues in cross-cultural research and applications are covered. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. This course is also offered as PSYC 341.
| MCGS 345 | Theoretical Perspectives on Gender | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Examines the various theories put forth to explain the differences between men and women, including scientific, social scientific, and humanistic explanations. Emphasis on feminist perspectives. This course is also offered as PHIL 345.
| MCGS 350 | Ethnic and Race Relations | 3.0 Inquire |
This course will focus on ethnic and race relations in the United States. Theoretical and empirical studies will be examined in order to understand the socially constructed differences among racial and ethnic groups, including variations by gender. In addition, forces of resistance, movements for social change, and social policy programs will be examined. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as SOCI 350.
| MCGS 380 | Gender, Science, and Society | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An exploration of how science and culture have affected people's understandings of gender and sexuality, in both Western and non-Western cultures, from ancient times to the present. This is an approved General Education course.
| MCGS 385 | Community Activism and Service | 3.0 Inquire |
This course provides students with a grounding before community service fieldwork. Included are background history of service-learning and activism, theory and current issues in a variety of service areas, experience assessing specific needs and challenges in service.
| MCGS 398 | Special Topics in Multicultural and Gender Studies | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Analysis of selected topics in multicultural and gender studies not covered in the regular curriculum. Topics may vary from one semester to another. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
| MCGS 399 | Special Problems | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
| MCGS 451B | Civil Rights and Civil Liberties | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as racial discrimination, criminal procedures, and freedom of speech and religion. This course is also offered as POLS 451B.
| MCGS 463 | American Multicultural Literature | 3.0 Inquire |
A study of American ethnic and multicultural literature, popular culture, and critical theory. This course is also offered as ENGL 463.
| MCGS 479 | Gender and Language in Cross-Cultural Perspectives | 3.0 Inquire |
This course presents an exploration of recent theories and applications associated with the relationships among language, gender, and sexuality. The course includes a focus on the intersection of linguistic gender with class and ethnicity by drawing on research in linguistic anthropology and sociolinguistics. There will be an examination of gendered speech, writing, and sign from a variety of the world's languages. This course is also offered as ENGL 479.
| MCGS 489 | Internship in Multicultural and Gender Studies | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
A supervised experience in the area of multicultural and/or gender studies offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with the Center director and be a major or minor. No more than 3 units may be counted toward the major or minor. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units.
| MCGS 495 | Senior Seminar in Multicultural and Gender Studies | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Exploration of theory and extended research in the field of multicultural and gender studies leading to a public presentation. This course is designed as the capstone experience for multicultural and gender studies majors in the general option, and minors. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
| MCGS 498 | Special Topics in Multicultural and Gender Studies | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from semester to semester and be different for different sections. Students will read, research, and discuss specific themes in multicultural and gender studies. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
African American Studies Course Offerings
| AFAM 100 | Introduction to African Studies | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An interdisciplinary approach to modern and traditional aspects of African life in the fields of history, geography, politics, ethnography, and socio-economic development. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. This course is also offered as AFRI 100.
| AFAM 170 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Introduces the aims and objectives of African American Studies. A critical examination of the African American experience and its antecedents. This includes an assessment of how the dominant society impacts African Americans, including such factors as racism, poverty, and the current social/economic status of African Americans. Africa's contributions to the world are included. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course.
| AFAM 206 | Comparative Slavery | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Comparative analysis of the institution of slavery which places slavery in the Western Hemisphere into a global and historical context beginning with labor oppression systems in Asia, the Roman Empire, and Mediterranean cultures. The significance and impact of Africans on the cultural, economic, and political life of North and South American nations will be examined in detail. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as HIST 206.
| AFAM 231 | African American History | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An examination of the origins of black people, their history, philosophies, ideas, religions, social values, and the way in which these aspects of culture are interrelated. Emphasis is on the critical analysis of eighteenth-, nineteenth-, twentieth-century events, personalities, and philosophies which resulted in the major economic, political, and social problems facing African Americans and other ethnic minorities today. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as HIST 231.
| AFAM 251 | African American Literature | 3.0 Fall |
Introduction to African American literature, using a range of materials from past and present that may include slave and neo-slave narratives, oratory and sermons, poems, plays, and novels, songs and spirituals. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as ENGL 251.
| AFAM 296 | African American Music | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A historical survey from the African heritage and Colonial times to the present. The types, forms, and styles of African American music are studied in relation to the African American experience. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as MUSC 296.
| AFAM 455 | The Sociology of African Americans | 3.0 Spring |
An analysis of the social conditions of African Americans, including the impact of institutions on the family, employment, education, residential opportunities, and legal/criminal status. Strategies for addressing these impacts will be explored. This course is also offered as SOCI 455.
American Indian Studies Course Offerings
| AIST 170 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Introduction to socio-cultural development of the American Indian in modern times and the background for present-day conditions. Attention given to contemporary Indian affairs and problems. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course.
| AIST 230 | The American Indian | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A history of the Indian in North America, development of Indian culture, Indian-white relations, the disruption of the Indian way of life, wars, assimilation, and Indian culture in a Caucasian world. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as HIST 230.
| AIST 252 | American Indian Literature | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Study of the oral and written literature of the American Indian and of related historical and critical materials. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as ENGL 252.
| AIST 261 | North American Indians | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Origin and prehistory of Indians of North America; comparative ethnographic analysis of aboriginal cultural areas in terms of habitat and culture process. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as ANTH 261.
| AIST 271 | Issues in American Indian Education | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Historical development of traditional American Indian tribal education and its gradual replacement with European-American educational systems up to and including modern times. This is an approved Ethnic course.
| AIST 325 | Worldviews of American Indians | 3.0 Inquire |
A description and analysis of selected American Indian religions and philosophies of American Indian peoples of North America. The course will emphasize the Indians' spiritual relationship with nature as depicted in ceremonies, music, literature, and oral traditions. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as RELS 325.
| AIST 362 | California Indians | 3.0 Fall |
Native peoples of California, their origin, prehistory, languages, culture, and interaction with Europeans. Selected case studies, with special emphasis on the local area. This is an approved Ethnic course.
| AIST 457 | American Indian/Federal Law | 3.0 Fall |
This course in Indian/Federal law examines 200 years of legal relationships of tribes with the federal government, state government, and with tribal members. It has its origins in constitutional law, and is the only body of law directly relating to a single group or minority in this country. We will examine and analyze the practical application of these laws as they apply to the legal rights of tribes and the states in which the tribes reside. This course is also offered as POLS 457.
Asian American Studies Course Offerings
| AAST 152 | Introduction to the Asian American Experience | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
The Asian experience in the U.S. from the immigration period to the present; political and economical impacts. Contemporary problems and issues in Asian American Studies. Introduction to theoretical concepts of racism and prejudice. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as SOCI 152.
| AAST 253 | Asian American Literature | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An introduction to various traditions and issues of the Asian American experience in literature. The course explores both early and contemporary novels, poems, and plays by writers of different genders, ethnicities, and cultures. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as ENGL 253.
| AAST 300 | Asian Studies: Contemporary Social Problems and Prospects | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Study of problems and prospects related to Asia. This course will include a series of in-depth analysis of major issues, current problems, and prospects of Asia. Extensive research, writing, and oral presentations will be required. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. This course is also offered as ASST 300.
| AAST 351 | Asian American Communities | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Asian American communities are a significant social and cultural component of the United States. Drawn to America by a variety of factors, these communities have developed and changed since the first major wave of immigration in 1849. The course explores the ways these communities have maintained traditional Asian values and accommodated the often significantly different values of the United States. Among the issues discussed are pluralism, intergenerational relations, and interethnic contacts. This course is also offered as SOCI 351.
| AAST 370 | Asian Immigration: World System Perspective | 3.0 Inquire |
Examination of Asian immigration to the United States from a world system's perspective. Examines immigration process and the implication of this process for contemporary interest in Pacific Rim. Topics include origins of Asian immigration, major U.S. immigration legislation, demographic structure of contemporary Asian immigration, and cross-cultural comparisons of other world groups. This is an approved Ethnic course.
| AAST 380 | Southeast Asian Americans: Cultures in Transition | 3.0 Inquire |
An examination of Southeast Asian immigrants to North America. The cultural and historical backgrounds of Southeast Asian peoples (Hmong, Mien, Kampuchean, Vietnamese, etc.) will be discussed. The historical and political forces that stimulated immigration to North America and the subsequent adaptations made by these peoples to North American cultural contexts will be core themes for this course. This is an approved Ethnic course.
Chicano Studies Course Offerings
| CHST 135 | Mexican Heritage in the United States | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Study of the Mexican American subculture in the U.S. after 1848; historical background, migration, cultural patterns, folklore, economic and political objectives. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as HIST 135.
| CHST 157 | Introduction to Chicano Studies | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An exploration of the historical background and socio-cultural development of the Chicano. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as SOCI 157.
| CHST 234 | Mexican Heritage in the United States Before 1848 | 3.0 Fall |
This course examines the history and heritage of the Mexican people of the present-day Southwestern United States from the fourteenth through the mid-nineteenth centuries. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as HIST 234.
| CHST 354 | Chicano Literature | 3.0 Fall |
A study of the Chicano people as reflected in selected films and literature. Reading, discussions, and reports will be in English. This is a service course for non-majors and not elective for a BA degree or minor in Spanish. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as SPAN 354.
| CHST 358 | Chicanos in Contemporary Society | 3.0 Fall |
Examination and analysis of the economic, social, and political status of Chicanos and Chicanas in the United States. Examines social characteristics and changes that have occurred since the Chicano Movement of the 1960s in areas such as immigration, demographics, stratification, educational attainment, and labor market participation. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as SOCI 358.
| CHST 406 | Meso-American/Colonial Art | 3.0 Inquire |
A survey of Mexican art and culture from the Cortesian Conquest, the Colonial Period of monastery- and church-building, the Revolution of 1810, the Revolution of 1910, and the painters of the great revolutionary mural movement that followed, Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros, to contemporary artists who have tended toward international pluralism. Attention is given to the process of acculturation that produced the modern Mexican peoples, their national character, and their contemporary art. This course is also offered as ARTS 406.
| CHST 454 | Chicano Literature | 3.0 Inquire |
A study of the Chicano people as reflected in selected films and literature. Discussions will be in Spanish, readings in English and Spanish, reports in Spanish. This course is also offered as SPAN 454.
| CHST 459 | Chicanos and Latinos: A Cross-Cultural Approach | 3.0 Inquire |
A study of Chicanos and Chicanas, using individual and structural frameworks, and making social and cultural comparisons among Chicanos, Mexicans, and Latinos. Examines the impact of these social groups on the United States, and compares Chicano, Mexican, and Latino communities with other ethnic groups. This course is also offered as SOCI 459.
Women's Studies Course Offerings
| WMST 200 | Feminist Theory | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An examination of key feminist theories and their applications in feminist research and practice. Readings include historical and contemporary materials.
| WMST 230 | Women in Contemporary Societies | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An examination of the cultural and structural aspects of women's lives and experiences in contemporary societies. Different classes and ethnic/racial groups in the United States will be compared to those of other countries. Includes discussion of the creation of social policies and related activism. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as SOCI 230.
| WMST 311 | Women, Men, and the Media | 3.0 Spring |
The purpose of this course is to educate students to be informed consumers of media, to examine actual portrayals of women in the various media, and to explore how the media industry treats women. These objectives will result in a raised awareness of how both sexes can participate equally in the world around them. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as JOUR 311.
| WMST 324 | Women and Politics | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Analysis of the roles of women in politics; volunteer, candidate, elected official. Considers politics of the women's movement and women's issues. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as POLS 324.
| WMST 333 | Women Internationally | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Women Internationally is an interdisciplinary course which concentrates on the universal experiences of women around the world. The impact of international and domestic politics and culture on women, and the role of women in economic development, equity issues, and women's role in the social movement will be the centrality of the course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course.
| WMST 335 | Women and Gender in American History | 3.0 Inquire |
Focus on the role gender plays in shaping and defining American history, from colonial times to the present. Analysis on relations between sexes, the family, and the struggle by women to achieve civil rights and social reform. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as HIST 335.
| WMST 339 | Cultural Images of Women | 3.0 Inquire |
This cross-cultural study of women emphasizes changing constructions of gender relations from the Paleolithic period to the rise of the state. This is an approved Non-Western course. This course is also offered as ANTH 339.
| WMST 360 | Women Writers | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An exploration of the thematic and stylistic elements of literature by women. Readings include autobiography, diary, journal, short story, novel, drama, poetry, and criticism by women from different cultures and periods. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as ENGL 360.
| WMST 375 | Women and Religion | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Analysis of the images, roles, and experiences of women in world religions in historical and contemporary contexts. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as RELS 375.
| WMST 426 | Women and the Law | 3.0 Inquire |
In this class, students discuss how the criminal justice system and civil law affect women's lives and their experiences with the state. Students take a historical view on how women have made progress toward equality in the United States by using the legal system in a variety of ways and examine women's status as criminal justice professionals, victims, and perpetrators of crime and how the criminal justice system deals with women in these positions. This course is also offered as POLS 426.
| WMST 475 | Feminist Theology | 3.0 Inquire |
A study of the development of feminist theology in Christian, Jewish, and other religious traditions over the past 30 years. Examines feminist theological analysis of religious symbols, texts, rituals, beliefs, and practices in the U.S. and international contexts. This course is also offered as RELS 475.