Ethnic Studies Course Descriptions

Ethnic Studies 1: Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3 Units)
An introduction to the historical and socio-cultural experiences of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Focus will be on key issues such as immigration, political stratification, employment discrimination, Americanization, class, racial and ethnic identity, and gender roles that have shaped relations in American society. Study is inter- and multi-disciplinary. A comparative approach covering African American, Mexican American, Asian American, Native American and Middle Eastern American.

Ethnic Studies 2: Contemporary Ethnic Minority Families in the U.S. (3 Units)
Examination of the diversity of contemporary United States ethnic minority families with an emphasis on comparison and contrast. Family dynamics and processes will be the primary focus within the context of ethnicity. Adaptation and responses to dominant group social constructs and social structures will also be examined. Groups to include: African American; Asian American; Mexican, Central and Latin American; Native American; Middle Eastern American.

Ethnic Studies 3: Introduction to Muslim American Studies (3 Units)
An examination of the diversity of Muslim communities in the United States with an emphasis on comparing and contrasting their histories, cultures and experiences. Topics include: patterns of migration; religious beliefs and practice; acculturation and assimilation; political involvement; education and employment; 9/11 and its aftermath; relations with the broader Muslim world. 

Ethnic Studies 10: Introduction to Asian American Studies (3 Units)

An examination of the experiences and perspectives of Asian Americans from mid-1800s to the present. Major topics will include immigration, law, citizenship, racialization, colonialism, imperialism, war, family, political involvement, social movements, education, and employment. Provides a comparative context for understanding the panethnic movement. May not receive credit if Sociology 10 has been completed. 

Ethnic Studies 21:
African-American History 20th Century (3 Units)
Survey of major themes and issues in of the history of the United States, focusing upon African Americans and the gendered racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity within the nation. Emergence of the country from the Civil War and Reconstruction, tracing such themes as industrialization, immigration and migration, Progressivism, the nation at economic crisis and at war, the rise of social movements and the social and political backlash against them, and the evolving diversity of the nation. Analysis of the role of the local, state, and federal governments and the Constitution as institutions of both consistency and change. May not receive credit if History 21 has been completed

Ethnic Studies 22: Mexican American History and Culture (3 Units)
A suurvey of Mexican American history from pre-Columbian period through the present. Special emphasis on Mexican Americans role in the political, economic, social and geographic development in the United States. Major topics include European colonization, native cultures and slavery, the U.S. Mexican War, World War I and World War II., industrialization, immigration and labor, and the Civil Rights Movement. This course includes analysis of the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court Rulings, and California state and local government issues related to the rights of Mexican Americans. May not receive credit if History 22 has been completed

Ethnic Studies 25: American Indian History and Culture (3 Units)
Historical survey of American Indians in the United States from earliest times to the present day. Emphasis on Indian societies and cultures, Indian relations with predominant cultures, Indian movement for self-preservation, and historical background necessary to understand contemporary problems of the Indians. Emphasis on the Indians of California and the West. May not receive credit if HIS 25 has been completed.