Mexican Americans are now the second largest ethnic minority group in the United States. As a group they face problems of poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. At the same time, Mexican Americans are culturally, economically and politically diverse. How the dynamics of race, class, and ethnicity shape Mexican American politics and Latino politics is the central focus of this class. In order to understand change and continuity in race relations, this class will emphasize the historical conflict between Mexican and Anglo Americans. The final third of the course will be dedicated to contemporary political issues.