Ethnic Studies
Chair: Faye Caronan
Program Assistant: Sothary Chea M.S
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.
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
Clinical Teaching Track Assistant Professor
Katherine Mohrman, PhD, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Senior Instructors:
Dennis Green, ABD, University of New Mexico
Professor Emeritus:
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
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: GT courses GT Pathways, GT-SS3, Soc Behav Sci:Hmn Behav, Cul; Denver Core Requirement, Social Sciences.
This course introduces students to the broad range of the interdisciplinary field of Chicana/o Studies by examining the Chicana/o experience including history, identity, politics, immigration, labor, literature, and popular culture. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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
Exposes students to those areas of intellectual, social, cultural, economic, political, and educational concerns relevant to the African American experience. Principally an introductory survey of primary issues currently affecting the African American population. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Introduces students not only to the first genocide of the twenty-first century, in which over 400,000 ethnic Sudanese have been forcibly wiped out and millions displaced, but also studies the root cause of genocide and some of the past genocides. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Explores the history and culture of a distinct group of African Americans known as Gullah/Geechee, whose ancestors were brought to the U.S. as part of a specialized and often illegal slave trade that existed in coastal South Carolina and Georgia. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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.
Virtually all Americans are susceptible to the blatant and subtle socializing and conditioning effects of the modern media (film, television, the internet). Explains the variety of cultural values transmitted through the media, with particular emphasis on racial issues. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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
Introduces American Indian literature and other expressive forms, with emphasis on their aesthetic, linguistic, psychological, and historical properties, as well as the contemporary social and cultural influences upon native authors and their material. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Surveys the relationships between Indian and non-Indian peoples, particularly in the context of the unique interaction between tribes and the federal government. Cross-listed with RLST 2680. 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. Repeatable. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
Experiences involving application of specific, relevant concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Prereq: 15 hours of 2.75 GPA. Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
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.
Max hours: 1 Credit.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
Examines the legal and political history of the U.S. in relation to American Indian Nations. Focuses on specific laws and Supreme Court cases in federal Indian law, with analysis of U.S. policy. There will be some comparison with Indian policies of other countries. Cross-listed with PSCI 3214. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Explores the history and development of the various major religions, cultures, and ethnic groups in the Middle East, their evolution and interaction in the U.S., and the historical impact and influence of the region, which continues to this day. Study of the region is timely and relevant due to U.S. involvement in various conflicts and peace efforts. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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
This dynamic course combines aspects of urban studies and sociology. Contemporary cultural factors of the minority ghetto experience are investigated as elements in urban crisis. Emphasis is placed on possible solutions through government agencies and community organization. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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.
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
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 SOCY 3297 and HIST 3297. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Explores shamanic religious traditions across the world. This form of religion, involving spiritism, animism, trance states, and "mind power," is the oldest and most widespread religion in world history. Cross-listed with RLST 3300. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Examines specific topics on Asian Americans to be selected by the instructor and the students. Detailed study of subjects relating to the Asian American experience and communities. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Surveys the creation of colonial empires by Spain and Portugal, 1492-1808. Topics include Native American responses to European incursions, women in colonial society, and slavery in Latin America. Cross-listed with HIST 3350. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Readings in this course examine the experiences of men and women in different generations; how each group attempts to maintain traditional values in a foreign land, to assimilate, and to forge a new identity. Includes short stories, poetry, essays, and novels by leading Asian American writers. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Explores the impact of U.S. rule on the Southwest, paying particular attention to legal, economic, and social changes that created new political and cultural identities in the Southwest. Cross-listed with HIST 3365. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
The literature of social protest of various ethnic groups is examined from a literary perspective and with reference to political and social theories. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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
Exposes students to research on Latinos/as in the areas of intelligence and achievement, language and learning ability, attitudes, perception and motivation. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Examines processes of change in values, roles, and relations of Asian American women, using contemporary and historical readings that address problems such as generational differences, assimilation, and changing roles. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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.
Detailed study of subjects related to American Indian experience and communities. Note: Specific topics to be selected by the instructor and students. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
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
The effects of racism on the personality of participants in racist cultures. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Cultural Diversity.
Mexican Americans in Colorado from the 1800's to the present. Topics include founding of Colorado towns, labor strikes, farm worker issues, land and water rights, the Chicano Movement and political power. 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: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Repeatable. Max Hours: 12 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
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. 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
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
Critical Whiteness Studies provides a deeper analysis of race that accounts for both sides of the race coin: the plight of people of color AND how Whites are complicit. This class looks deeper into how race operates within White contexts and how that impacts people of color so we bridge how Whites AND people of color can work together towards a racially equitable society. Cross listed with EDFN 4001 and EDFN 5001. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: junior standing or higher
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
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
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
Designed to familiarize students with the critical issues of Mexican political, economic and social history. Traces the emergence of independence and the difficult consolidation of an independent nation state. Cross-listed with HIST 4411, 5411. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
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
Examines African American politics in the U.S.; the role of African American interest groups, structure and function of African American political organizations, goals and political styles of African American politicians, trends, and the future of African American politics in the United States. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Analysis of the social, cultural, and economic factors that affect political behavior of Latinos. Special attention is paid to the Mexican American cultural heritage and to relations between Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans. Cross-listed with PSCI 4554. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Examines various contemporary issues in ethnic studies regarding Chicanos/as and Latinos/as. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Students explore advanced topics in Ethnic Studies. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Surveys major tribal styles of the North American continent. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Covers various types of societies and civilizations that have existed in sub-Saharan Africa. Explores foragers, pastoralists, agricultural societies, chiefdoms, kingdoms, and empires, as these emerged and interacted with each other. Details their ideas and social orders, including the following topics: race, ethnicity, kinship, politics, economics, religion, magic, witchcraft, sorcery, marriage, age, gender, stratification, art, literature and oral traditions. Also addresses the impact of colonialism, the rise of nations, changes in the post-colonial period, warfare, and the impact of globalism on Africa today. Prereq: Upper division standing. Cross-listed with ANTH 4730 and 5730. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: junior standing or higher
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.
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.
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
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.