Major: Ethnic Studies, General
What do we mean when we say race? What about ethnicity? How has the immigrant experience changed in the last hundred years? How does a history that includes the enslavement, displacement, and exclusion of people of color shape the
You'll study ethnic groups from every angle to arrive at a greater understanding of our diverse world. To do so, you'll take classes in disciplines that range from history, political science, economics, and sociology to literature, music, and art history.
Ethnic studies majors examine race and ethnicity, focusing on a comparative and interdisciplinary study of the history and culture of minorities in the United States.
Did You Know?
- This major is often referred to as comparative ethnic studies.
Are You Ready To...?
- Chart your own course by choosing a lot of electives
- Take part in passionate discussions on controversial topics
- Explore your own thoughts and feelings closely
- Read complex texts by Marxists, feminists, and other theorists
- Compare the literature of different ethnic groups
- Study the way immigrants help shape the
- Go out into the community to gather firsthand information
- Research and write a senior thesis
It Helps to Be...
An independent, open-minded, and critical thinker. You'll be challenged to question everything and draw your own conclusions.
College Checklist
- Will you have the chance to concentrate on a particular topic or approach, such as African Americans; history; or race, ethnicity, and gender?
- How many classes does the ethnic studies program offer?
- If professors from various other departments teach classes in the program, how accessible will they be outside of class?
- What opportunities will you have to conduct independent research?
- Are professors researching subjects that interest you?
Did You Know?
- Minorities accounted for one-third of the
Course Spotlight
Racism will be a central theme in your studies, and you might decide to take a course devoted to the topic. Like many courses taken by ethnic studies majors, your racism class might be offered by a department other than ethnic studies. For example, you might take a philosophy course that surveys past and present thinking on racism. Or you might take a history class that investigates the role racism played in shaping the
Whichever approach your class takes, you'll be asked to look closely at yourself and your society in an attempt to understand how racism operates today. You can expect to do a lot of reading and writing as well as thoughtful communicating. In fact, class participation will probably count for a hefty portion of your grade.
