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Ethnic Studies

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary and diverse field that gives voice to historically marginalized peoples and their perspectives by challenging systems of injustice and valuing diversity. This program seeks to educate students on progressive social change, reflect on the dynamics of power and knowledge, and promote multiple approaches to social justice issues while encouraging students to be informed and active citizens. Ethnic Studies allows students a particular focus on marginalized and disadvantaged populations while also de-centering the dominant cultural, political, and social ideals that have shaped western societies.

Division Dean Dr. Rose Giordano
Department Chair Dr. Tamara Cheshire
Phone (916) 361-6330
Email giordar@flc.losrios.edu

Ethnic Studies (ETHNS) Courses

ETHNS 299 Experimental Offering in Ethnic Studies

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L6; Cal-GETC Area 4; Cal-GETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances and intersectional identities of the four core Ethnic populations of Asian Americans, Chicanx/Latinx Americans, African Americans, and Native/Indigenous Americans within the United States.

ETHNS 320 Introduction to African American Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L6; Cal-GETC Area 4; Cal-GETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances of African Americans within the United States. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and presents an overview of the cultural, economic, historic, social, and political issues in the life of African Americans in the United States. It will expose students of all ethnic backgrounds to the issues germane to the experience of African Americans in the United States.

ETHNS 321 African American Policy and Law

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2026); UC (effective Fall 2026)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of African diasporan experiences in the United States since Reconstruction to the present, emphasizing the centrality of African American experiences and contributions. Course content illuminates the socio-political and economic underpinnings and outcomes behind landmark legislations and pivotal policy shifts that have impacted African Americans. Through comprehensive analyses of legal documents, court cases, scholarly articles, and firsthand accounts, students will gain insights into the complex interplay between law, power, race, and resistance. From the era of Reconstruction and the establishment of Jim Crow laws, through the Civil Rights Movement, and up to the current impact of political and legislative challenges and reforms, students will journey through the evolving landscape of African American legal history.

ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L6; Cal-GETC Area 4; Cal-GETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

ETHNS 331 Asian American Policy and Law

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2026); UC (effective Fall 2026)
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2026)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Spanning from the earliest immigration acts of the late 19th century to contemporary policy debates, students will explore the intersections of legislation, race, and identity as they pertain to policies and laws that have historically and contemporarily impacted Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. Through an exploration of legal frameworks, court cases, and policy changes, students will gain an understanding of how these laws have shaped the experiences of Asian Americans. The course will also explore the responses and resistance strategies employed by Asian American communities in the face of discriminatory policies.

ETHNS 350 Introduction to Native American Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L6; Cal-GETC Area 4; Cal-GETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances and intersectional identities of Native Americans/American Indians within the United States. This course is a survey of traditional cultures of Native Americans/American Indians focusing on the social, religious, economic, and artistic practices. The antiquity, distribution, and linguistic histories of Native American/American Indian cultures are integrated with the contemporary status of Native peoples regarding social change and adaptation.

ETHNS 351 Native American Policy and Law

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an in-depth study of Native American cultures and the impact of local, state and federal policies and laws pertaining to tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Students will be introduced to college-level concepts, foundations and theories within Ethnic Studies, more specifically Native American Studies to critically examine the effects of and resistance to colonization and cultural appropriation upon Native American cultures, traditions, and religions; and gain a practical understanding of the legal, political, and cultural challenges faced by Native American tribal nations in our own region and across the country. Students will explore the development of federal Indian law and policy from the colonial period to the present, including key legal doctrines, landmark
Supreme Court cases, and contemporary issues and policies affecting American Indian nations, communities’ lands and futures.

ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L6; Cal-GETC Area 4; Cal-GETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances and intersectional identities of Chicana/o/x Americans within the United States. Specifically, this course examines and redefines the lives of Chicana/o/x Americans through their own experiences from the inside looking out at the world.

ETHNS 361 Chicana/o/x Latina/o/x Policy and Law

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2026); UC (effective Fall 2026)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the myriad ways in which legislation and policies have influenced and shaped the experiences of these vibrant Chicana/o and Latina/o communities in the United States from 1848 to the present time. From the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, to the early days of the Bracero Program to the complexities of contemporary immigration debates, students will traverse through a historical timeline marked by both challenges and resilience. We will dissect pivotal moments, including the Chicano Movement, the evolution of labor rights, debates surrounding bilingual education, and the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration reform. Through a blend of academic readings, multimedia resources, firsthand narratives, and engaged class discussions, students will gain profound insights into the multi-faceted ways federal policies have affected the socio-political and economic landscapes of Chicano and Latino communities.

ETHNS 495 Independent Studies in Ethnic Studies

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

An independent studies project involves an individual student or a small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the regularly offered ethnic studies courses. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

ETHNS 499 Experimental Offering in Ethnic Studies

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.