An historical survey of Mexican Americans of the Southwest is outlined in this curriculum guide for high school students. The purpose of this course is to have students develop an appreciation for and an understanding of the role of the Mexican American in the development of the United States. Although the first half of the guide focuses upon the historical cultural background of Mexican Americans, the latter half emphases the culture conflict within the ethnic group and, moreover, their struggle toward obtaining civil rights along with improvement of social and economic conditions. Five units are: 1) Spain in the New World; 2) The Collision of Two Cultures; 3) The Mexican American Heritage in the American Southwest; 4) A Sociological and Psychological View of the Mexican American; and 5) The Mexican American today. An appendix includes Mexican American winners of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Also included is a book and periodical bibliography. (SJM)