This anthology of 35 readings was designed to prepare the first-time student in Chicano Studies with a basic foundation in the discipline. The introduction, "Chicano Studies as a Discipline," addresses the discipline's origins, intellectual focus, contributions, and issues. Five sections cover historical perspectives; demographic and sociocultural perspectives; political and socioeconomic perspectives; linguistic and educational perspectives; and literature, folklore, and music. Each section concludes with questions for discussion or student evaluation and lists of suggested readings, films, and videos. Papers in the linguistic and educational section are: "The Spanish Language in the Southwest" (Arthur L. Campa); "Chicano Spanish: Varieties, Styles, and Functions" (Rosaura Sanchez); "One Nation, One Language?" (Susan Headden and others); "The National English Only Movement, Past and Future" (Luis A. Torres); "Official English and the Learning of English" (Jon Amastae); "Bilingual Education: Separating Fact from Fiction" (Richard V. Lopez); "The State of Hispanic Education, 1994" (Elizabeth Weiser Ramirez, Kimberly Linde); "School Failure: Explanations and Interventions" (Guadalupe Valdes); and "Latinos in Higher Education" (Eileen M. O'Brien). Demographic data of educational interest are found in "Discrimination and Conflict: Minority Status and the Latino Community in the United States" (Juan L. Gonzales, Jr.) and "Data Suggest Troubling Trends: Expert Calls Effects of Population Growth the State's Top Challenge" (Texas demography) (Chris Kelley). Other papers related to education are "The Chicano Movement: Its Legacy for Politics and Policy" (including educational policy) (John A. Garcia); "Project Change, El Paso" (improving ethnic relations) (Debbie Nathan); and "Latino Literature in the United States: A Resource Guide and Selected Bibliography for Teachers, Librarians and General Readers" (Roberta Fernandez). Contains references. (SV)