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The fundamental objective of the bachelor's in Mexican American Studies is to provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the historical development and cultural experience of the largest Latino community in the United States: Mexican Americans. Emphasis is placed on its contemporary reality by various theoretical perspectives and areas of academic inquiry through the arts and sciences: history, literature, sociology, political science, gender studies and psychology.This integrative approach seeks to help the student develop critical thinking and writing skills in order to establish a solid foundation in the liberal arts. It provides the essential tools for making informed judgments about the complex nature of our diverse society. The program culminates with the capstone course, an extensive research project, which fuses theoretical concepts with practical knowledge. The Mexican American Studies major prepares the student to pursue careers in the fields of law, business, public service, and education.Social Sciences Endorsement This program fulfills an important role in training teachers at the undergraduate level to be social studies teachers. With increasing student diversity in our schools, both in Colorado and the nation, districts are desperate to hire teachers who are well grounded in curriculum and approaches that meet the needs of culturally diverse learners and their families. The secondary education emphasis in Mexican American Studies effectively prepares preservice teachers to teach social studies to culturally diverse students at the middle and secondary levels. Students approach learning and curriculum from an interdisciplinary focus, one which includes contributions and perspectives of people of Mexican American origin. In addition to taking coursework in Mexican American Studies, History, Economics, Geography and Political Science, students will participate in the UNC partner school program through student teaching and field experience.