Ethnic Studies

Faculty

Lynn Verduzco-Baker, Program Chair and Associate Professor.
B.A., California State University, Fresno; M.S., Ph.D., University of Michigan. Appointed 2011.

Dominick N. Quinney, Assistant Professor.
B.S., Ph.D., Michigan State University. Appointed 2013.

Elizabeth Barrios, Assistant Professor.
B.A., Knox College; Ph.D., University of Michigan. Appointed 2016.

Marcella D. Cervantes, Assistant Professor.
B.S., University of Houston - Downtown; M.S., University of Oregon; Ph.D., University of Washington. Appointed 2017.

Eric D. Hill, Associate Professor.
B.A., Oglethorpe University; Ph.D., Arizona State University. Appointed 2010.

Introduction

Ethnic Studies is both the comparative study of ethnicity and the study of the culture and history of particular ethnic groups within the United States and other countries. As the study of ethnicity, ethnic studies examines factors that account for the creation and maintenance of ethnic identity, the development of ethnic stereotypes and prejudice, and the quality of ethnic relations. In regard to particular ethnic groups, ethnic studies encourages the exploration of the specific histories, values and contributions of the country’s many constituent groups. Ethnic studies also provides the means to identify the prejudices and assumptions that have shaped traditional scholarship in the academic disciplines and to correct these biases.

Career Opportunities

Knowledge of ethnic traditions and ethnic relations is sought after in many fields including but not limited to politics, social services, business, law, medicine and psychology-related careers. This demand recognizes both that America is an increasingly multicultural society and that business people and professionals need to know these multiple groups in order to serve them better.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Major

Institutional and structural inequality: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding that social institutions impact the opportunities available to people in different racial and ethnic groups.

Diversity: Students will be able to describe keys aspects of the culture, history, contributions and/or identities of a variety of ethnic groups.

Social Inequality: Students will be able to explain how the social categories of race, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality are interconnected and constructed in ways that continue to perpetuate inequality, discrimination, and stereotypes in the US and beyond.

Application of ethnic studies theory: Students will be able to apply ethnic studies theories to analyze social phenomena and institutional arrangements.

Research methods: Students will be able to explain the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods.  They will be able to design and carry out data collection, analysis and presentation of findings focused on race, ethnicity, nationalism, migration, or transnationalism within a local and global perspective.

Critical thought to action: Students will engage in hands-on experience with other racial or ethnic communities, in ethnic communities elsewhere in the United States, or in study and research in ancestral communities, or multi-ethnic communities outside the United States.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Minor

Institutional and structural inequality: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding that social institutions impact the opportunities available to people in different racial and ethnic groups.

Diversity: Students will be able to describe keys aspects of the culture, history, contributions and/or identities of a variety of ethnic groups.

Social Inequality: Students will be able to explain how the social categories of race, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality are interconnected and constructed in ways that continue to perpetuate inequality, discrimination, and stereotypes in the US and beyond.

Application of ethnic studies theory: Students will be able to apply ethnic studies theories to analyze social phenomena and institutional arrangements.

Research methods: Students will be able to explain the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods.

Programs

• Ethnic Studies, B.A.

• Ethnic Studies Minor