CSULB Chicano & Latino  Studies Research Guide
  
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Research Steps
Selecting a Topic
 

Finding Library Materials
•Reference Sources
•Library Catalog
•Call Number Locations
•Electronic Books

Journal, Newspaper, & Magazine Articles
•Research Databases &   Periodical Indexes
•Full-text Electronic Journals
•Finding Journals in COAST

Additional Resources & Services
•Other Library Catalogs
•Inter-library Services
•Local Chicano Studies Libraries
•Chicano & Latino Studies Department

Need Help?
•Research Consultation
 

 

Selecting a Topic

Selecting a topic that fits your research assignment is often difficult.  The below listed sites may assist you in determining a  Chicano/Latino studies topic of interest to you and suited to your assignment. 

•Controversial Topics in Chicano & Latino Studies
•Paper Topics
•Maricopa College
•Opposing Viewpoints

Hot Topics In Chicano & Latino Studies

DRIVERS LICENSES FOR UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS & NONCITIZENS
Spurred on by post-September 11, 2001 fears, more than one dozen states have passed, or are considering, restrictions on issuing driver's licenses to noncitizens.  Some states want to tie the license expiration dates to the expiration of immigration papers.  A Michigan bill would authorize the Department of Motor Vehicle staff to contact federal authorities if there is reasonable cause to believe an applicant is an "illegal alien."

DRIVERS LICENSES FOR UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS IN CALIFORNIA
Gov. Gray Davis vetoed a bill in September that would have made licenses available to some "illegal" immigrants. The bill, drafted by state Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, would have allowed only those immigrants in the process of applying for legal residency to get a California driver's license.

Cedillo estimated the measure would have affected half a million people. The majority of California's estimated 3 million illegal immigrants would not have been covered by the bill.  Davis said he wanted to ensure that driver's licenses didn't fall into the hands of terrorists. Though legislators added a companion bill to require immigrant applicants to undergo criminal background checks and prove they had been working in California, the measures did not satisfy Davis' concerns.  Many Latino legislators and immigrant advocates were angered by the added security provisions, saying they unfairly singled out immigrants.

IN-STATE TUITION FOR NON-CITIZENS AT STATE COLLEGES
On October 11, 2001, Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation allowing undocumented immigrants who are longtime residents and California high school graduates to pay the same tuition at state colleges and community colleges as other residents.  The University of California has followed suit and will provide the same in-state tuition for non-citizens.

CESAR CHAVEZ HOLIDAY
This is the third year of a paid state holiday honoring César Chávez, the legendary farm labor leader.  In addition to a paid day off for state workers, the legislation provides for an hour of instruction around non-violence, self-sacrifice, unions, community service, and social justice.  Students will be expected to engage in some form of public service appropriate for their age and grade.  CSULB resources on César Chávez can be identified on the following bibliography:  Bibliography on César Estrada Chávez:  Con Union Se Vive Mejor.

CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS:   CHICANO & LATINO STUDIES
A list of controversial topics that are appropriate for research papers.

LATEST DIVERSITY TOPICS
DiversityInc.com provides a running list of current hot topics involving diverse communities.  Article about these cutting-edge issues are included on the site.  In addition, you can sign up for a diversity newsletter that will be e-mailed to you on a regular basis.

LATINO LA
Want to know what's happening in Latino LA/Orange County?  Well, check out this site.  ˇLatinoLA está muy hot!