Ethnic Studies
Overview
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.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
- Division Dean Dr. Rose Giordano
- Department Chair Dr. Tamara Cheshire
- Meta-Major Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Phone (916) 361-6330
- Email giordar@flc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Interdisciplinary Studies in Social and Behavioral Science degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to academic studies. The purpose of the program is for students to gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of various social and behavioral sciences. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)
It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 18 | |
| Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines. | ||
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) | |
| ADMJ 302 | Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3) | |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 319 | Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3) | |
| ANTH 323 | Introduction to Archaeology (3) | |
| ANTH 330 | Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3) | |
| ANTH 341 | Introduction to Linguistics (3) | |
| BUS 300 | Introduction to Business (3) | |
| BUS 320 | Concepts in Personal Finance (3) | |
| or ECON 320 | Concepts in Personal Finance (3) | |
| BUS 330 | Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3) | |
| BUS 345 | Law and Society (3) | |
| COMM C1004 | Interpersonal Communication (3) | |
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| COMM 341 | Organizational Communication (3) | |
| COMM 351 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| ECE 312 | Child Development (3) | |
| ECE 314 | The Child, the Family and the Community (3) | |
| ECE 330 | Infant and Toddler Development (3) | |
| ECE 430 | Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3) | |
| ECON C2002 | Principles of Macroeconomics (3) | |
| ECON C2001 | Principles of Microeconomics (3) | |
| ECON 307 | Global Issues in the Political Economy (3) | |
| ETHNS 300 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 320 | Introduction to African American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 321 | African American Policy and Law (3) | |
| ETHNS 330 | Introduction to Asian American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 331 | Asian American Policy and Law (3) | |
| ETHNS 350 | Introduction to Native American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 351 | Native American Policy and Law (3) | |
| ETHNS 360 | Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 361 | Chicana/o/x Latina/o/x Policy and Law (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| GEOG 322 | Geography of California (3) | |
| HIST 301 | History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550 (3) | |
| HIST 302 | History of Europe Since 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 307 | History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 308 | History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3) | |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 (3) | |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 (3) | |
| HIST 314 | Recent United States History (3) | |
| HIST 319 | American Environmental History (3) | |
| HIST 331 | Women in American History (3) | |
| HIST 344 | Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3) | |
| HIST 368 | History of France (3) | |
| JOUR 310 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| KINES 308 | Women in Sport (3) | |
| KINES 416 | Psychology of Sport (3) | |
| NUTRI 310 | Cultural Foods of the World (3) | |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics (3) | |
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory (3) | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 320 | Social Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 335 | Research Methods in Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior (3) | |
| PSYC 356 | Human Sexuality (3) | |
| PSYC 368 | Cross Cultural Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 370 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| PSYC 390 | Psychology of Death and Dying (3) | |
| SJS 300 | Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| SOC 301 | Social Problems (3) | |
| SOC 310 | Marriage and the Family (3) | |
| SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| SOC 341 | Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3) | |
| SOC 379 | Making Social Change (3) | |
| SWHS 300 | Introduction to Social Work & Human Services (3) | |
| SWHS 302 | Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts of Ethnic Studies, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, racialization, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization and anti-racism.
- apply Identity, Conflict, Critical Race, Liberation and Cultural Capital theories to describe critical events in the histories, cultures and intellectual traditions, with special focus on the lived-experiences and social struggles of the four historically defined racialized core groups: Native Americans, African Americans, Chicanx/Latinx Americans and Asian Americans, emphasizing agency and group-affirmation.
- critically discuss the intersection of race and ethnicity with other forms of difference affected by hierarchy and oppression, such as class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability and/or age.
- describe how struggle, resistance, social justice, solidarity and liberation as experienced by communities of color are relevant to current issues.
- demonstrate active engagement with anti-racist issues, practices and movements to build a diverse, just and equitable society beyond the classroom.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in African American Studies.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by African American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of those groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
- critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in African American communities.
- critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by African Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
- describe and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and the practices and movements in African American, communities to build a just and equitable society.
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)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2026); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2026); Cal-GETC Area 4 (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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self- determination, liberation, decolonization, personal sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in African American Studies.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by African American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of those groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
- critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, geographical regions, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in African American communities.
- critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by African Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
- describe and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and the practices and movements in African American communities to build a just and equitable society through evaluating the progress made in policy from a racially biased system to one of reparation and justice, acknowledging areas where gaps remain.
- reflect on personal beliefs and understandings, recognizing biases and striving for a deeper, more nuanced comprehension of the African American experience in relation to policies.
- apply knowledge of historical policies to analyze long-term effects on the socio-economic and political standing of African Americans through constructing well-founded arguments regarding the potential future of policy reform and its implications for African Americans.
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
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 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in Asian American Studies.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by Asian American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of those groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
- critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in Asian American communities.
- critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by Asian Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
- describe and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and the practices and movements in Asian American communities to build a just and equitable society.
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); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2026); Cal-GETC Area 4 (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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self- determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in Asian American Studies.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by Asian American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of those groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
- critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in Asian American communities.
- critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by Asian Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
- describe and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and the practices and movements in Asian American communities to build a just and equitable society through evaluating the progress made in policy from a racially biased system to one of redress and justice, acknowledging areas where gaps remain.
- reflect on personal beliefs and understandings, recognizing biases and striving for a deeper, more nuanced comprehension of the Asian American experience in relation to policies.
- apply knowledge of historical policies to analyze long-term effects on the socio-economic and political standing of Asian Americans through constructing well-founded arguments regarding the potential future of policy reform and its implications for Asian Americans.
- differentiate between the effects of policies on diverse subgroups within the Asian American community, such as Pacific Islanders, East Asians, South Asians, and Southeast Asians.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in Native American Studies.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by Native American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of those groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
- critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in Native American communities.
- critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by Native Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
- describe and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and the practices and movements in Native American communities to build a just and equitable society.
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; Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2026)
- 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethnocentrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in American Indian/Native American Studies; this includes examining how ethnocentric and eurocentric ideas have shaped government policy and public perception of American Indian/Native American people, tribes, and communities.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by American Indian/Native American scholars and communities to describe, explain, and assess critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived experiences and social struggles with an emphasis on agency, group affirmation, survival, and self-determination for tribes in the United States.
- critically analyze how institutionalized racism and eurocentric local, state, and federal policies and laws impact and influence American Indian/Native American tribal governance, laws, policies, tribal sovereignty, economic independence, identity, community welfare, and lead to contemporary challenges.
- examine the intersection of race and racism with class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and age in American Indian/Native American communities.
- critically review how resistance to settler colonialism, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by American Indians/Native Americans, are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics. This includes assessing the ethical implications and consequences of past and current policies and laws and examining how resistance and advocacy inform contemporary strategies for sovereignty, cultural survival, economic independence, and community well-being.
- actively engage in anti-racist and anti-colonial practice and movements in American Indian/Native American communities by designing, implementing and evaluating informed proposals, policy recommendations or community initiatives that support equity, empathy, inclusion, cultural survival, policy reform, and advance transformative change for Native communities and to build a diverse, multi-ethnic, and just society.
- analyze and examine the relevance of specific ways that American Indian culture, religion, society, and policy impact one another.
- describe historical and contemporary trends and instances within Federal, State and Tribal governance, including treaties and the application of constitutional law.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in Latina and Latino American Studies.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by Latina and Latino American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of those groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
- critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in Latina and Latino American communities.
- critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by Latina and Latino Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
- describe and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and the practices and movements in Latina and Latino communities to build a just and equitable society.
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)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2026); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2026); Cal-GETC Area 4 (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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self- determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism; and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and practices and movements as analyzed in Chicana/o Latina/o communities to build a just and equitable society.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by Chicana/o Latina/o American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of those groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
- critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in Chicana/o Latina/o American communities.
- critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by Chicana/o Latina/o Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
- examine the underlying motivations and implications of key policies and laws, distinguishing between their stated objectives and their actual outcomes. Differentiate between the effects of policies on various subgroups within the Chicano and Latino communities, recognizing diversity within.
- identify key policies and laws that have historically and contemporarily affected Chicanos and Latinos in the U.S. and how various policies influence the experiences of Chicanos and Latinos in specific sectors such as education, labor, health, and immigration by examining major movements and events that shaped Chicano and Latino advocacy.
- reflect on personal biases and preconceptions about Chicanos and Latinos, and demonstrate an increased appreciation for the complexity and diversity of their experiences by valuing the contributions and resilience of Chicanos and Latinos in the face of policy challenges.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- design and discuss a proposal of study with a supervising ethnic studies instructor.
- demonstrate the ability to independently pursue a course of study or project in ethnic studies.
- prepare a final report or project incorporating results of study or activities.
ETHNS 499 Experimental Offering in Ethnic Studies
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
This program is part of the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Meta-Major.