Graduate Emphasis

The Emphasis in Chicano/Latino Studies is open to students in all Ph.D. programs at UC, Irvine. This supplementary program offers substantive theoretical and methodological training in Chicano/Latino Studies. Through additional coursework, students gain an interdisciplinary understanding of Chicano/Latino issues, which supports their research, teaching, and community engagement efforts.

Benefits of the Emphasis

Students who complete the emphasis have found that it:
  • Deepened their research on Chicano/Latino issues
  • Helped them build faculty connections across departments and schools
  • Provided formal recognition of their training in Chicano/Latino Studies—valuable for the job market 

Requirements for the Emphasis

Students must complete four courses:
  1. CHC/LAT 200A: Theoretical Issues in Chicano/Latino Research
  2. One CHC/LAT elective offered in a department outside of your home department
  3. One CHC/LAT elective offered in a school outside of your home school.
  4. One additional CHC/LAT elective, potentially in your home department.

In addition:

  • Your qualifying examination and dissertation topic must focus centrally on U.S. Latinos and/or issues relevant to Chicano/Latino Studies.
  • Your dissertation committee should include a faculty member in the Department of Chicano/Latino Studies.

Upon fulfilling the requirements, you may request a Letter of Completion from the Chair of the Department of Chicano/Latino Studies.

How to Apply:

To apply, complete the Graduate Emphasis Application Form and email it to:

Dr. Alana LeBrón
Graduate Emphasis Director
alebron@uci.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

I want to do the emphasis. What do I do now?

There is an easy application process to declare an emphasis. Applicants must submit an application via email to the Graduate Emphasis Director, Prof. Alana LeBron (alebron@uci.edu). You can access the application form (opens in a new tab) here.

I have never taken a Chicano/Latino Studies class. Can I still apply for the emphasis?

Yes. Lack of prior coursework does not preclude admission, so long as the statement of purpose makes a compelling case for how your research interests relate to Chicano/Latino Studies.

My dissertation topic does not address Chicano/Latino Studies or related issues? Can I still do the emphasis?

Yes. In special cases, you can petition for an exception to this requirement. In its place, we ask that, upon completion of your coursework, you develop a 10-15 page paper that addresses how Chicano/Latino Studies as a discipline can inform how you engage with your discipline and shape your future research and/or service endeavors. Upon completion of the requirements, we will petition the Graduate Division to approve this exception.

When should I apply to do the emphasis?

It is beneficial for you to apply as soon as you decide you would like to do the emphasis so that you can be notified about graduate student opportunities and programming offered by the Chicano/Latino Studies Department. Applying for and being admitted to the emphasis also allows you to include your profile on the department website and list it as part of your coursework on fellowship applications. However, you can apply at any time.

Coursework

I have space in my schedule to take a class, but there are no Chicano/Latino Studies courses being offered this quarter, or they don't fit in my schedule.

You can look at other classes that address Chicano/Latino issues, such as courses on immigration or race/ethnicity. You might also consider taking an independent study course with one of our department faculty. You will need to petition for these courses to count and are encouraged to check with the graduate emphasis director ahead of time to confirm that the course will meet the requirements.

What courses have Emphasis students previously petitioned to count?

Emphasis students have been able to petition many courses that are not listed in Chicano/Latino Studies to count. Some of these are taught by our affiliates(opens in a new tab) and include:
  • Sociology 233. Immigration and the New Second Generation
  • Sociology 264. Immigrant America
  • Anthro 289. Beyond Labor
  • English 210. Greater Mexican Feminism
  • Film & Media 291. Media & Social Justice

I took a class that addressed Chicano/Latino issues, but it was not cross-listed with Chicano/Latino Studies. Does that count?

You can petition to have such a class count as an elective class. To do so, you would need to provide the syllabus and write a short 1-2 page memo detailing the extent to which the course covered Chicano/Latino issues and how it has informed your understanding of Chicano/Latino Studies.

Can independent study classes count as an elective course?

You can petition to have one independent study (299) class count as an elective class. You would need to develop a syllabus for an independent study course that includes reading and writing assignments commensurate with a regular seminar class. The faculty member, optimally a member of the Chicano/Latino Studies faculty, would provide guidance in developing the syllabus and overseeing the course.

Why do I need to take classes in other departments and schools?

To be a Chicano/Latino Studies scholar, it is important to develop a holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of Chicano/Latino issues. You are encouraged to take courses that align with your research area to increase the breadth of the methodological and theoretical tools you bring to your research.

Logistics

Can I list the emphasis on fellowship applications or my CV before completing it?

Yes, admitted students are encouraged to include their intention to complete the emphasis on their CVs and in fellowship application statements. You can list it as in progress.

What do I get when I complete the emphasis?

The department will issue you a formal letter of completion, and you are encouraged to list the emphasis on your CV and other materials. Unfortunately, it does not appear on your degree or transcript.

Department Support

What other support or opportunities does the department offer to emphasis students?

The Chicano/Latino Studies Department offers a rich interdisciplinary atmosphere to develop your research, teaching, and service interests. We host quarterly colloquium events featuring cutting-edge research in Chicano/Latino Studies and annually offer the Gilbert G. Gonzalez Graduate Student Research Paper prize. We also collaborate with graduate emphasis students to provide desired programming. Our faculty are happy to meet with students to discuss their research and professional development.

I'm interested in Chicano/Latino Studies, but I don't know if I have time to do the emphasis.

We're glad you're interested and hope you take a class when you can and participate in our programs. You may find yourself on your way to completing the emphasis before you know it. Join our Chicano Latino Studies Gente listserve(opens in a new tab) for the latest news from our community!