This guide is intended for City College students, staff, and faculty interested in researching and exploring Chicano/a/x Studies. This guide will feature library and internet resources (both print and electronic) recommended for Chicano/a/x Studies, as well as research strategies.
(Please note that many of the resources in this guide will contain content that can be triggering, upsetting or offensive for some individuals. These resources may possibly use offensive terms, descriptions and images of but not limited to: violence, abuse, sexual assault, and colonialism)
This guide will be a work in progress. If there are any suggestions, please email Marley Rodriguez.
It is important to understand when conducting research in this field the distinct differences yet similarities in terminology used to define identity. Below are some terms, both outdated and current, used to describe Chicanx/Latinx/Hispanic people, and their distinctions.
Hispanic: Hispanic is a term used to describe people of various origins and ethnic backgrounds in the United States and other places in the world. However, many do not know what the term is specifically referring to. Hispanic originally denoted a relationship to ancient Hispania (Iberian Peninsula). Now, it relates to the contemporary nation of Spain, its history, and culture, but can be used towards anyone who has descended from a Spanish-speaking country, including those in Europe.
Latinx: The term Latino specifically refers to geographical locations. Such as in the term itself, Latino refers to people descending from Latin American countries such as Mexico and the countries of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Chicanx: According to the most updated Miriam-Webster Dictionary entry, Chicanx is defined as "an American of Mexican origin or descent." Contrary to Hispanic and Latinx, Chicanx refers simply and only to those of Mexican descent rather than larger groups of people.
Why the x?
Spanish is a gendered language, meaning every noun in Spanish is assigned a specific gender, either masculine or feminine, and other words like articles and adjectives must agree with the noun's gender in a sentence. This is distinct from English which does not have grammatical gender where most nouns are assigned a masculine or feminine form. However, it does have gender distinctions in specific words like pronouns ("he," "she")
Using the gender neutral x suffix with the word Latin became popular in the late 2010s and early 2020s. It is used to acknowledge the spectrum of gender, such as non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. Although terms like Latinx and Chicanx are widely debated amongst people from those communities, scholars and activists continue to use these words in their language and literature.
To remain prioritizing inclusivity and acknowledgement of activism, this guide will use terms such as Chicanx or Chicano/a/x.
Image Citation: @vivalatinamerica.tumblr.com / Davenport University
Image Citation: 7ESL.com
It's more important than ever to learn Chicanx and Latinx history and culture, not only because of politics and immigration rights, but because it is interwoven into the fabric of what defines San Diego and the United States as a whole. It shapes our collective culture and perspective of the world.
Understanding Chicanx and Latinx histories and culture in context with the United States' helps us understand how current events have transpired. You'll examine Chicanx social, political, cultural and economic conditions and how race, ethnicity, class, culture, gender and sexuality intersect throughout history and today. These empowering histories and perspectives will enrich your life and help all of us build a shared response on how we can affect the future.
The department emphasizes the study of the international border between Mexico and the United States. Due to its geographic location, the department also offers a focus on the relationship between the communities of southern California and Baja California.
