Introduction to the historical and contemporary development of the Chicano/a community. Course is interdisciplinary in nature. Focuses by quarter on A. history, B. gender, and C. culture.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeVery personal and emotional setting. Engaging with the class regards of how large it is, went around with a mic handing it to students who were interested in sharing. Easy to engage with after or during class. There is a lot of reading (I believe at least two books and some articles). Lectures are sometimes just movies.
Prof. Armbruster was very nice and VERY passionate about what he teaches. However, the TA you get determines everything. I got a terrible, over the top TA who dropped my grade from an A to a C+ just from the final alone. Never got my final back, so I have no idea why she gave me such a low grade. Easy class, as long as you get an easy going TA.
Taking Professor Ralph's fall 2023 class was transformative. He's passionate, brought in authors, and deeply cares about students. The final paper, focusing on a significant life moment, was tough but doable. Highly recommend his class for an enriching experience. If you don't appreciate emotion and passion then don't take it.
Incredible class! He's very passionate. I went to a few of his office hours, and you can tell he loves what he does. I didn't think the class was boring at all, but we did have alot of readings. We had 2 guest speakers present after reading and/or watching their work, and we had time to speak to them after class. Truly the best class I've taken!!
so boring. L class with so many readings. midterm is 50 terms that he picks 10 of, you answer six as well as a 3 page essay: 4 prompts that he picks 2 of, you answer 1. incredibly boring material, incredibly boring lecture, an additional family interview paper to the midterm and final - too much work for a class that is needed for ge credit
DON'T take Chicano studies with him unless you yourself are very passionate about Chicano studies. It could just be his TA Fabian though. The goal shouldn't be memorizing every historical detail and all its connections. Essays are graded way too in depth when a basic understanding of Chicano history should be accepted.