Ethnic Studies
Chair: Rachel Harding
Business Operation Coordinator: Alexandria Joo
Office: Plaza Building, Ste. 102
Telephone: 303-315-7205
Fax: 303-315-7206
Overview
Ethnic Studies programs are designed to help students majoring in the liberal arts and sciences develop a sophisticated and broad understanding of ethnicity and its role in contemporary American society. They provide students with the theories and concepts needed to comprehend and interpret relations between and among ethnic groups in the United States. Students are better prepared to live and work in a diverse society when educational institutions foster a positive learning environment in which differences contained within various U.S. communities can be studied not as a social problem, as is often the case, but for their history of struggles and contributions.
The interdisciplinary nature of the ethnic studies program curriculum provides students the opportunity, through academic investigation, to develop a greater understanding of the cultural diversity of the present-day United States and to acquire skills needed in professional and social service fields. This multidisciplinary, comparative approach to contemporary and historical research methodologies provides the basis for students to analyze the diverse social, economic, political and cultural facets of ethnic groups in the United States. Special emphasis is given to new perspectives that recover the history, creative expression of underrepresented groups.
Programs and courses reflect prevailing thought in ethnic studies, draw parallels between various groups in the United States and link the studies of their ancestral origins with current and historical research on race and ethnic relations in the United States. They reflect critical analysis of the dominant perspectives through which ethnic groups have been described and perceived. Also investigated are the intersections of ethnicity with structures of political, educational, gender, business and economic, social and cultural power, all of which are emphasized through the study of materials and works by and about previously excluded groups. The cultural processes through which ethnic groups have sustained or altered their cultural identities are emphasized, as well as the pressures faced by members of various ethnic groups to maintain traditional values and conform to mainstream U.S. society.
Students may earn Latin Honors in the following way:
Cum Laude
Students must achieve a GPA of 3.3 in ALL CU Denver courses and a GPA of 3.5 in all ETST course
Magna Cum Laude
Students must achieve a GPA of 3.5 in ALL CU Denver courses and a GPA of 3.7 in all ETST courses
Summa Cum Laude
Students must achieve a GPA of 3.7 in ALL CU Denver courses and a GPA of 3.85 in all ETST courses.
Undergraduate Information
Ethnic Studies Major
Click here for information about the requirements for the Major in Ethnic Studies.
Ethnic Studies Minor
Click here for the requirements for the Minor in Ethnic Studies.
Undergraduate Certificates
Click here for information about the Undergraduate Certificate in American Indian Studies.
Click here for information about the Undergraduate Certificate in African American Studies.
Click here for information about the Undergraduate Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies.
Click here for information about the Undergraduate Certificate in Latinx Studies.
Faculty
Associate Professors
Faye Caronan, PhD, University of California, San Diego
Rachel E. Harding, PhD, University of Colorado, Boulder
Associate Professors Clinical Teaching Track
Katherine Mohrman, PhD, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Elizabeth Garcia, PhD, University of California Berkeley
Assistant Professor
Chad Shomura, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Senior Instructor
Dennis Green, ABD, University of New Mexico
Emeritus Professors
Paula Espinoza, PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Donna Martinez, PhD, University of Washington
Ethnic Studies (ETST)
Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students
Typically Offered: Fall.
Multi-disciplinary survey of contemporary and historical research analyses of the diverse social, economic, political, and cultural facets of African American, American Indian, Asian American, and Latino communities and cultures. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-SS3.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Social Sciences; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-SS3, Soc Behav Sci:Hmn Behav, Cul.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Surveys race and ethnicity, facts and myths about great populations, and the social and cultural sources of bias and discrimination. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course introduces students to the broad range of the interdisciplinary fields of Chicanx and Latinx Studies by examining the Chicanx and Latinx experience including history, identity, politics, immigration, labor, literature, and popular culture. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Social Sciences.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Surveys the history of African Americans. Study interpretations, and analysis of major problems, issues, and trends affecting the African American population from pre-slavery to the present. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-HI1.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: GT courses GT Pathways, GT-HI1, History; Denver Core Requirement, Humanities.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
This is an introductory course that will examine how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been represented in American popular culture and how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have sought to challenge and complicate those dominant cultural images to define themselves and their diverse experiences. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Humanities.
Historical overview of segregation, landmark court cases and immigration policy in the education of Chicano/as in Colorado and nationally from 1920 to the present. The intersection of these issues in the education of undocumented students is also examined. Cross-listed with TCED 2400. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Surveys core issues contributing to racial or ethnic minority differences in health status. Historical and contemporary U.S. health and social policy, including the areas of environmental health, sexual and reproductive health, children and immigrants, are examined. Cross-listed with PBHL 3002. Term offered: fall. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Why is "Nonviolence" central to many of the religious traditions of South Asia? What has nonviolence looked like historically and how has its meaning and practice changed in the modern world? In traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, the practice of nonviolence relates to ethics through concepts of "karma"-our actions. This course begins with an investigation of the theories of karma and the roles they play in these traditions' ideas about the self, the other, and the world. We will take a focused look at the way each tradition regards the idea and practice of ahimsa, nonviolence, as both an ethical and personal good. That is, how does each tradition consider what is proper social action and how do they relate it to the attainment of salvation (i.e. moksha, nirvana)? The course puts Indian thought in conversation with western philosophies to question how we might develop a critical vocabulary for the comparative study of ethics. Turning to the modern era, we will examine Gandhi's philosophy and practice of nonviolent action in the anti-colonial struggle for India's independence, as well as how Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King adapted Gandhi's ideas to the struggle for civil rights in the US. Finally, we will examine recent critiques of nonviolence from American philosophers, activists, and communities of color to see ways that nonviolence continues to play a role in rethinking major issues for fostering equality and equity in the US and global contexts, including policing and religious and ethnic nationalism. Cross-listed with HIST 3003, INTS 3003, PHIL 3003, RLST 3003, and HIST 5003. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Analysis of images and perceptions of American Indians in American culture, as seen in politics, education, film, photography, advertising, art, literature and the media. Note: Students may not earn credit for this course if they have earned credit for ETST 2036. Term offered: fall, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Cultural Diversity.
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
Surveys core issues shaping health experiences and health status of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. Historical and contemporary U.S. health and social policies that have directly impacted AAPI health and well-being in the United States are examined. Students will also engage with community leaders and partners committed to AAPI communities. Cross-listed with PBHL 3060. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
An historical analysis of person's descendant from Mexico and Latin America. Areas of focus include ethnohistorical backgrounds, current interrelations, and social movements in both rural and urban groups. Other topics include: cultural patterns, identity maintenance, social reforms and problems of national incorporation. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
Examines how communities in diverse world regions preserve tradition, share knowledge, and respond to influences both within and outside of their immediate environments. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, International Perspectives.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Examines specific issues related to multiracial, multicultural and mixed heritage families in the U.S., including historical, sociocultural, economic and political factors involved. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
The best of contemporary Latin American novels. Examines how U.S. policies in Latin America affect literary creation. Note: Taught in English. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course examines historical and contemporary experiences of Africans and people of African descent in various parts of the world – with a special focus on African immigrants in the US, Black Americans with generational roots in the USA, Blacks in Europe and Afro-Latin Americans. The course incorporates perspectives from history, literature, religious studies, visual art, political science, sociology and anthropology in an effort to provide a range of materials that address the diversity and complexity of the experiences of Africans and people of African descent. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Covers the historical trajectory of hip hop music and culture from inception, aims to restructure stereotypes and offer a deeper perspective into how hip hop defines the identities of individuals as well as the consciousness of the masses within society. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Exploration of the African American family social institution. Emphasis on historical roots and African influence is still enmeshed in the functioning of the family in modern society. Factors responsible for the ability of the family to meet the challenging society. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Introduction to leading issues in the study of transnational media. The course will focus on the global media environment in the early 21st century, diverse countries, a variety of media, and social issues. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, International Perspectives.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Studies the process that has rendered certain groups poor for generations. Studies African Americans, Whites, Chicanos/as and Latinos/as, and other ethnic groups that have lived in this society in a state of poverty. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
Introductory-level course surveys the social history of Asian American groups from the mid-19th century to the present. Examines immigration patterns, the development of communities, social and economic problems, and anti-Asian movements and activities. Cross-listed with HIST 3297. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Indigenous nations in North America comprise hundreds of diverse cultures. This course examines U.S. Indian policy and how indigenous nations responded; how they creatively adapted, and resisted cultural change; and how they continue to persist culturally, socially, and politically. Cross-listed with HIST 3396. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Topics vary from term to term, based upon interest and availability of instructors in specialized areas. Term offered: spring. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Examines the contemporary Asian American experience, including the adaptation of new immigrants or refugees, economic and educational problems, ethnic identity, intermarriage, anti-Asian discrimination and other civil rights issues, and recent political activism. Cross-listed with SOCY 3697. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
The effects of racism on the personality of participants in racist cultures. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Cultural Diversity.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Designed experiences involving application of specific, relevant concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Prereq: Students must have junior standing and at least a 2.75 GPA and must work with Experiential Learning Center advising to complete a course contract and gain approval. Department consent required. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Prereq: Junior standing or higher and at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This course is reserved for CU Denver faculty-led study abroad experiences. The course topic will vary based on the location and course content. Students register through the Office of Global Education. Repeatable. Max Hours: 15 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 15.
Emphasizes the acquisition of a variety of data or information collection and analytic skills, especially those applicable to historical and social inquiry in ethnic studies. Cross-listed with ETST 5000. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course investigates ideologies and practices of race, caste, ethnicity, and gender at the foundations of several contemporary religious nationalist movements in Asia and the US. The course focuses first on the ways that religious ideologies and practices of gender help to define and police the borders of race, caste, and ethnicity as social identities. We will examine how these ideologies emerge in religious texts and how they have been challenged in literature and practice, both historically and in the modern era, while privileging the works, voices, and perspectives of women and queer caste-oppressed and racialized philosophers, activists, and thinkers. The course then seeks to give students conceptual and theoretical foundations to understand the relationship between race/caste/ethnicity and gender in religious nationalisms, while presenting case studies from Asia and the US to reflect on and challenge these models. Students will have the opportunity to conduct further research into these issues in Asia, the US, and other parts of the world. Cross-listed with HIST 4002, CHIN 4002, INTS 4002, RLST 4002, and HIST 5002. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
In this course, we will consider the social and legal construction of race and immigration. We will also explore how immigrants have been racialized both historically and in the current moment. In addition, we will consider the role of culture in shaping the immigrant experience and immigrant outcomes. Restriction: Junior standing or higher or instructor permission. Cross-listed with SOCY 4020, SOCY 5020 and ETST 5020. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: junior standing or higher
Typically Offered: Spring.
Race/ethnicity and religion are conconstitutive social and cultural formations that have played a fundamental part in determining the boundaries of belonging of the United States. In this course, students will interrogate when, why and how race/ethnicity and religion have been used to delineate borders, determine citizenship, navigate legal classifications, dictate social mobility, and regulate economic possibilities. We will analyze both primary sources ‐such as sermons, reality TV shows, court cases and graphic images‐as well as scholarly writing to explore how formations of race and religion have shaped notions of belonging in the US nation‐state, thereby constructing the boundaries of the state itself. Cross-listed with ETST 5030, RLST 4030, RLST 5030, HIST 4209 and HIST 5029. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Surveys political theory and practice in indigenous societies in the Americas. Examines the impact of indigenous political thought on Euro-American politics, especially the U.S. Constitution, and explores the contemporary impact of indigenous people on current politics. Cross-listed with PSCI 4144. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Surveys the status of the world's native peoples and nations, and the role of law and politics in the future of indigenous peoples in the global arena. Examines questions of human rights, economic development, and international law and politics. Cross-listed with PSCI 4146, 5145. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Critical analysis of Arab and Israeli perspectives on the on-going peace negotiations in the Middle East. Historical background and religious-cultural aspects of current problems. Prereq: Upper division standing. Cross-listed with PSCI 4156. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: junior standing or higher
This course will analyze the impact and effectiveness of cultural diversity awareness in a variety of workplace settings including educational institutions, businesses, health care organizations, and non-profit organizations. Students will learn how implicit biases and structural inequality impact workplace culture, a work place's productivity, and a work place's ability to fulfill their mission. By the end of the course, students will acquire the skills to advocate for and implement inclusive work place policies. Cross-listed with ETST 5165. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
What is the transpacific? Though this term is most associated with global trade and economic interests, this course will examine the migratory and cultural precedents for this term. What do other perspectives from Oceania and from pacific rim countries offer us to theorize the meaning of the transpacific(s). How might a social and cultural understanding of the transpacific engage with the political and economic understandings of the transpacific undergirded by trade relations? Note: Recommended that ETST 3297- Social History of Asian Americans be completed first. Term offered: spring. Cross-listed with ETST 5297. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course is an overview of women of color feminist theorizing (thinking) and praxis (practice) in the U.S. We will explore these feminisms through the writing, art, and organizing efforts of women and trans, femme, and non-binary people of color with a focus on key themes and concepts including identity, difference, oppression, intersectionality, representation, violence, resistance, empowerment, solidarity, and coalition. Texts for the course highlight key issues in the feminist theorizing and praxis of Black, Latina/x, Chicana/x, Asian (American), Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and Arab (American) women and trans, femme, and non-binary people of color, especially the politics of identity and representation; structural oppressions and violences; and practices of survival, resistance, and activism. Not only will we examine how these feminists have critiqued oppression(s) based on race, class, gender, sexuality, nationality, and religion, (as well as how these systems of domination intersect), but what kinds of approaches, strategies, and changes these thinkers and activists have organized for and promoted. Cross-listed with ETST 5305, WGST 4305 and WGST 5305. Max hours: 3 Credits
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Critical examination of American political life at the intersections of social categories such as race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and Indigeneity. Exploration of key and marginal thinkers through a variety of texts and genres. Cross-listed with PSCI 4457, PSCI 5457, and ETST 5457. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Communicating Latina/o/x Cultures centers historical and contemporary vernacular and institutional discourse sand narratives about, by, and for Latina/o/x people and communities. Drawing on theories, methods, and practices to understand the complexities of Latina/o/x cultures and lives, we will investigate how different actors and activists express and experience borders, migration, dispossession, citizenship, colonialism/coloniality, colorism, white supremacy, environmental racism(including anti-Blackness), mono- and multilingualism, self-determination struggles, power, representation, resistance, and mutual support networks for alternative worldmaking. To situate these concepts and concerns, we will explore contexts and places ranging from Colorado to the Caribbean. Term Typically Offered: Spring. Cross-listed with COMM 4722, COMM 5722, and ETST 5722. Max hours: 3 credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Provides a general, chronological, and thematic introduction to short stories and novels written by U.S. citizens of Mexican descent. Begins with early 20th century narratives by women, continues with the corrido and Post-World War II male writers, and ends with more recent publications by contemporary women writers. Social, historical, and political backgrounds are also emphasized, along with an analysis of the literary techniques and motifs. Cross-listed with ENGL 4768. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max hours: 12 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Students will engage in original research projects supervised and mentored by faculty. Students must work with faculty prior to registration to develop a proposal for their project and receive permission to take this course. Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Provides a broad overview of social research methods pertinent to the study of race, ethnicity, gender, and culture. Explores theories concerning "ethnicity and race" as both social construct and constituent feature of people's identities and lived experiences. Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary major where students make connections across diverse fields of inquiry; this course provides a structure for integrating an interdisciplinary examination of the intellectual, cultural, and social dimensions of racial and ethnic groups. Cross-listed with ETST 5960. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course is reserved for CU Denver faculty-led study abroad experiences. The course topic will vary based on the location and course content. Students register through the Office of Global Education. Repeatable. Max Hours: 15 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 15.