Ethnic 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)
ETST 1111 - First Year Seminar (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 2000 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 2024 - Race and Ethnic Relations (3 Credits)
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
ETST 2108 - Introduction to Chicanx and Latinx Studies (3 Credits)
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; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-SS3, Soc Behav Sci:Hmn Behav, Cul.
Typically Offered: Spring.
ETST 2155 - African American History (3 Credits)
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: Denver Core Requirement, Humanities; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-HI1, History.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
ETST 2357 - Asian American & Pacific Islander Cultures (3 Credits)
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; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-AH2, Arts Hum: Lit Humanities.
ETST 2400 - Issues in Chicano/a Education (3 Credits)
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
ETST 3002 - Ethnicity, Health and Social Justice (3 Credits)
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 Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
ETST 3003 - From Buddha to #BlackLivesMatter: The Past and Future of Nonviolence (3 Credits)
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" in 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, HIST 5003 Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
ETST 3036 - American Indian Cultural Images (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3060 - AAPI Communities and Health (3 Credits)
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
ETST 3108 - Chicano/a and Latino/a History (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3110 - Indigenous Studies (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3125 - Multiracial Families and Communities (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3129 - Contemporary Latin American Literature (3 Credits)
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
ETST 3155 - The African Diaspora (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3211 - Hip Hop Music & Culture (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3230 - African American Family (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3272 - Global Media (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3274 - Power, Poverty, Culture (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3275 - Latina Feminisms (3 Credits)
Feminist movement(s) and identities have historically been attributed to white women in the United States. Intersectional feminism has made interventions into the mainstream image of feminism, problematizing and expanding the definitions and identities of feminist activism and activists. This course aims to situate Latina women within feminism by looking at their histories, discourses, and practices through a feminist lens. Through interdisciplinary readings we will explore how Latinas theorize about feminism through their lived experiences; have practiced feminist activism and advocated for feminist issues; and articulate Latina feminist identities. Term offered: Spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
ETST 3278 - Latina Narratives (3 Credits)
In this course we will explore how Latinx women navigate citizenship and belonging in the United States as represented in the literary narratives of Latinx women. Given the historical anti-immigrant discourse that has existed in this country and which has targeted Latinx populations in particular ways, how do Latinx women (re)define citizenship and belonging for themselves. We will focus on literary narratives representing various Latinx groups in order to also explore how the particular historical backgrounds of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and Peruvian Immigrants, and their respective experiences of (im)migration to the United States influence their experiences of citizenship and belonging. Furthermore, we will use an intersectional feminist approach in our analysis, looking at how race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect to construct national identities. Term offered: Fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
ETST 3297 - Social History of Asian Americans (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3350 - Colonial Latin America (3 Credits)
ETST 3396 - History of the American Indian (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3574 - Topics in Ethnic Studies (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3697 - Contemporary Asian American Experience (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3704 - Culture, Racism and Alienation (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3840 - Independent Study: ETST (1-3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3939 - Internship (1-3 Credits)
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.
ETST 3995 - Global Study Topics (1-15 Credits)
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.
ETST 4000 - Research Methods in Ethnic Studies (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4002 - Race, Gender and Religious Nationalisms in Asia and the US (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4020 - Race, Culture and Immigration (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4030 - Race, Religion and Belonging in the United States (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4144 - Indigenous Political Systems (3 Credits)
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
ETST 4146 - Indigenous Politics (3 Credits)
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
ETST 4156 - The Arab-Israeli Peace Process (3 Credits)
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
ETST 4165 - Cultural Diversity Awareness in the Workplace (3 Credits)
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
ETST 4220 - African-American Literature (3 Credits)
ETST 4297 - Theorizing the Transpacific (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4305 - Women of Color Feminisms (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4411 - Modern Mexico (3 Credits)
ETST 4457 - American Political Thought (3 Credits)
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
ETST 4574 - Special Topics (3 Credits)
Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
ETST 4722 - Communicating Latinx Cultures (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4768 - Chicano/Chicana Narrative and Social History (3 Credits)
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
ETST 4840 - Independent Study: ETST (1-3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4880 - Directed Research (1-6 Credits)
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.
ETST 4960 - Capstone in Ethnic Studies (3 Credits)
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.
ETST 4995 - Global Study Topics (1-15 Credits)
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.