Mexico City: An American Crossroad
Not running in Summer 2026

This program brings several courses together in a unique, inter-departmental opportunity to learn the history of US-Mexico relations, build language skills, and satisfy both major and general education requirements.

During our time together, we will read about and explore Mexico City as a primary catalyst of both contemporary chicanidad and transnational conceptions of “America.”  These courses will deepen your understanding of what it means to study culture, of the historical and geopolitical stakes of valuing certain forms of expression over others.  You will learn to reflect on your critical practice and to think about how your own definition of “America” is informed by living in the United States.  This program is an excellent foundation for further study of American (broadly defined) literature and culture and an ideal foundation for students considering careers with an international, American focus.

Program Director

Professor Marissa López, UCLA Department of English

Program Curriculum

The total units will vary based on course selection. You have significant flexibility to pick and choose courses, building a program that best meets your needs, with the only requirement being that you must take at least one English course.  You may also enroll in an additional 4 units of 197 (Individual Studies) or 199 (Directed Research).

English courses

• English 11-Introduction to American Cultures (5 units)
• English M105A-Early Chicana/Chicano Literature (5 units)
• English 199-Individual Studies (optional 4 units)

Spanish courses

• Spanish 2A/3A-Intensive Spanish (4 units)
• Spanish 7A-Introductory Spanish for Heritage Speakers (4 units)
• English 7B-Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers (4 units)

For more information, visit: https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/english-mexicocity/