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Students
Pure by Leticia Mosqueda
MAS courses are designed to foster critical analysis of intercultural diversity and prepare students to understand and interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural perspectives. Whether students originate from Mexican American heritage or not, the program gives all students a deeper understanding of the political and historical context that informs the cultural diversity of the US, particularly Texas. Latina/o and non-Latina/o students alike often reflect that the MAS courses they take open a new, rich world that contextualizes their experiences by giving them a link to their past. The MAS program also supports the creation, celebration, and analysis of artistic works from Mexican American culture, providing a more complete picture of American history.
Program Map | Degree Plan | Mexican American Studies Field of Study
Mexican American Studies Field of Study
The Mexican American Studies Field of Study Curriculum is designed for students seeking a bachelor’s degree with a major in Mexican American studies.
Austin Community College’s (ACC) field of study courses for Mexican American studies are listed below. The Field of Study Curriculum for Mexican American Studies consists of 18-19 lower-division semester credit hours that are fully transferable to other Texas public colleges and universities and are applicable to the Bachelor of Arts in Mexican American Studies.
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STAY ON TRACK FOR YOUR DEGREE PROGRAM
Liberal Arts (Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences) Area of Study Advisors will help you select your classes, stay on track for your degree program, and make decisions about your educational and career goals. Email or call ahead to schedule an appointment. To maximize academic advising:
Review your degree progress before each registration period
Prepare to meet with your advisor throughout the semester to make sure you stay on track!
Explore Liberal Arts areas of study and programs, as well as transfer and career options.
Mexican American Studies (MAS) Frequently Asked Questions
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What coursework is part of this field of study at ACC?
Along with taking core curriculum courses, the MAS requirements include:
- HUMA 1305 Introduction to Mexican-American Studies
- HUMA 1311 Mexican-American Fine Arts Appreciation
- HIST 2327 Mexican-American History I
- HIST 2328 Mexican-American History II
- GOVT 2311 Mexican-American Politics
- ENGL 2351 Mexican-American Literature
- SPAN 2315 Spanish for Spanish Speakers OR SPAN 2312 Intermediate Spanish
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Will these course transfer to other colleges and universities in Texas?
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has designated the courses for the MAS field of study as “fully transferable.” The courses are “fully transferable” to public colleges and universities in Texas. Students planning on transferring to either private or out-of-state institutions should direct transfer questions to that college and/or university.
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Do MAS courses count towards other degree plans at ACC?
Yes, you can take some MAS classes to satisfy core coursework requirements. For example, students can take HIST 2327 Mexican-American History I and this class can count as either a required U.S. History course or even as an elective. Whereas SPAN 2315 Spanish for Spanish Speakers is applicable to an ACC certificate in Translation and Interpreting and other degree plans. Check with an Advisor at any ACC campus to see if these MAS courses can satisfy your core curriculum coursework.
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What are some universities that offer a major or minor in Mexican American Studies in Texas?
The following is a listing of some of the universities with this offering:
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How do I apply for Admission to Austin Community College?
You can begin the application process at ACC’s main page.
What Can You Do With a MAS Degree?
Students with this academic background will be better well-qualified for entry into professional career tracks such as journalism, public policy, government, business, entrepreneurship, law, diplomacy, education, and non-profit and humanitarian work. Employers in a wide range of fields indicate that the skills learned in our program are highly desirable. For example, a national survey of business and nonprofit leaders by the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems reveals that 93% of employers in many professional areas look for candidates who demonstrate a capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems. More than 9 in 10 of those surveyed say it is essential that those they hire demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity, intercultural skills, and the capacity for continued new learning. And 80% of employers agree that all college students should acquire broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences.
Skills Employers Value
For example, a national survey of business and nonprofit leaders by the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems reveals
of employers
agree that all college students should acquire broad knowledge in the liberal arts & sciences
say it is important
that those they hire demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity and intercultural skills
look for candidates
who demonstrate a capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, & solve problems
Student opportunities
MAS helps students become informed, open-minded, and responsible people who are attentive to diversity across the spectrum of differences, seeking to understand how their actions affect both local and global communities, and addressing the world’s most pressing and enduring issues collaboratively and equitably. The program offers opportunities for students and faculty to learn and practice global citizenship skills.
Study Abroad
Explore countries and cultures around the globe through ACC faculty-led study abroad programs. African and African Diaspora Studies connect participants with other campus opportunities such as Faculty-Led Study Abroad programs. These programs provide invaluable experiences that expand student exposure and understanding of other cultural contexts.
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Service Learning
African and African Diaspora Studies Program also encourages direct involvement with the community through a variety of service-learning opportunities. Service-learning enables students and faculty to put the principles of globalization into practice through active involvement with local groups in need of assistance.
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MAS Library Resources
Research Guides provided by ACC Libraries
EL CENTRO AT ACC
El Centro is the Latino/Latin American Cultural Center located at the Riverside Campus. The Founder and Director of El Centro is Dr. Mariano Díaz-Miranda.
The Latino/Latin American Studies Center, also known as “El Centro” is ACC’s inter-disciplinary center supporting Latinx and Mexican American studies. It strives to increase knowledge of the culture, history, and contribution of the Latinx community in Austin and Central Texas. El Centro offers:
- A welcoming academic environment
- An appreciation of Latinx culture and history
- Opportunities for faculty members to work with Latinx students
- Mentoring and advising throughout a student’s enrollment at ACC
Additional ACC Student Resources
ACC provides resources and assistance to help students overcome challenges, complete their education, and find out about employment opportunities.