ETHNS 30 Introduction to Ethnic Studies

Units: 3
This interdisciplinary course provides an introduction to the history and context of circumstances that led to the development of the discipline of Ethnic Studies in higher education. It explores the racial, ethnic, cultural, economic, social, educational, and political issues impacting Black/African American, Chicana/o, Latinx, Asian American, and Native American students and people in California during the 1960’s through their experiences and perspectives. The course interrogates the intersections of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and mental health as they relate to the experiences of Black/African American, Chicana/o, Latinx, Asian American, and Native American people. It exposes students of all ethnic backgrounds to the historic and contemporary experiences and challenges of the four core ethnic groups in the United States, and emphasizes the power and impact of student activism on social, educational, political, and community movements in California, the United States, and throughout the world. Students will acquire a deep understanding of the role of student protest and community activism in the origins of Ethnic Studies and gain an appreciation for the contributions that Black/African American, Asian American, Chicana/o, Latinx, and Native American people have made to the United States and to human civilization globally. (HBCU, UC, CSU)