History, Culture and Identity

The final exam is worth a total of 100 points and constitutes 30% of your total course grade. The following criteria will be used in the grading of your exam:

1. Strength of argument and thesis: 40 points max
2. Clarity of writing: 20 points max
3. Integration of course readings: 30 points max

An “A” exam will include at least twelve reading citations from at least 6 distinct course readings. You should use MLA format for your citations: https://guides.library.ucla.edu/citing/styles#:~:text=Common%20citation%20styles%20include%20MLA,tabs%20above%20to%20learn%20more.&text=The%20Modern%20Language%20Association%2C%20the,edition%20of%20the%20MLA%20Handbook.

4. Proper use of MLA formatting: 10 points max

Your final exams must be typed, double-spaced, and 6-7 pages in length.
Include a works cited page using MLA format.

Paper extensions may be granted on a limited basis.

---

According to Hurtado, Gurin, and Peng, traditional Chicano social identity is defined as:

“a person of Mexican descent living in the U.S. The term emphasizes pride in the Mexican culture, history, and indigenous roots, as well as an interest in activism. Calling oneself Chicano/a by definition implies consciousness—that is, awareness that members of this group are unfairly treated in a discriminatory manner and furthermore that the discrimination is group based, rather than stemming from personality or individual characteristics.”

Based upon what you have learned this quarter, what is meaningful and valuable about this traditional definition of Chicano social identity? How was it revolutionary for its time? Fifty years later, and in hindsight, what are the shortcomings and limitations of this traditional definition?
Your essay should incorporate a discussion of at least four of the following topics:

1. The Spanish Conquest and the Sistema de Castas (Caste System)
2. The U.S.-Mexico War and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
3. The Great Mexican Migration and Mexican Segregation
4. The Chicano Movement: César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and the United Farm Workers
5. The Chicano Movement: The East L.A. Blowouts and the National Chicano Liberation Youth Conference of 1969
6. Gender, Chicanas, and the Chicana Movement
7. Sexuality
8. Religion and the Brown Church
9. Asian Latina/os and The Chinese in Mexico
10. U.S. Central Americans
11. Immigration