The need for a more harmonious and equitable multicultural society makes this critical analysis essential. Within Latinos, the focal group here, Chicanos, are the majority. In California, the most populous state in the nation, out of a population of over 33 million one of three are Latinos, mostly Chicanos. Such a large group of people must be dealt with. In the Southwest and in California, the significance of Chicanos historically, traditionally, culturally, socially, and economically are as important as the demographics.
Heritage provides a forum for the study of linguistics.
In other words, we may take sociolinguistics literally. The specifics of terminology is an initial point of departure for a broader view of the field, for a conceptual framework. Content Materials to be covered include social, historical, cultural, and political elements of the Chicano heritage and its interrelationship with linguistics, language usage, Chicano discourse, bilingualism, language mixture, and language acquisition. Lecture material will be presented but discussion will predominate in an open forum. Most significant will be student participation and presentations in various formats.