Ethnic Studies

College of Ethnic Studies

Dean: Dr. Grace Yoo

Ethnic Studies and Psychology Building, Room 210
Phone: (415) 338-1694
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Jason Ferreira

Program Scope

The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies increases students’ knowledge and understanding of the experiences of people of color. The program provides training in techniques for the analysis of historical and contemporary social issues related to these experiences, and the curriculum develops students’ capacity to structurally assess, plan, and evaluate social policies aimed at the resolution of these issues. Although the focus remains primarily on the condition of Asian Americans, African Americans, Latinos, and American Indians, the program is increasingly concerned with mixed race studies, sexuality studies, diaspora studies, postcolonialism, theories of racial formation, the experiences of other communities of color, and theory/practice of resistance and social movements. The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies is collectively administered by the Chairs' Council of the College of Ethnic Studies.

The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies is designed to prepare individuals for advanced graduate work leading to the doctorate or professional roles in teaching, research, and administration within both the public and private sectors. The theoretical and conceptual tools of several disciplines are critically utilized and analyzed. The program applies cutting-edge analyses, such as cultural studies, postcolonial, feminist, and queer perspectives, to instruction, research, and community involvement. Both scholarly and activist engagements with the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area communities of color are encouraged and expected.

Career Outlook

The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies is designed to be a versatile degree—one that is inclusive rather than exclusive of employment opportunities. These possibilities range from ethnic-oriented teaching, community research, multicultural resource development, to practical application in the business and technical fields. Program graduates are also eligible to apply for teaching positions at the California community colleges in ethnic studies and related fields.

Graduates with this increasingly sought after expertise have begun establishing an impressive employment history. Approximately 25 percent of graduates go directly into teaching at community colleges or four-year institutions. An additional 25 percent enter various professional fields, including K-12 teaching, youth-related social programs, and community advocacy research.

Approximately 50 percent of the graduates proceed on to doctoral studies in a wide range of subject areas, including ethnic studies, anthropology, sociology, American studies, health education, multicultural education, communication studies, and African American studies. Although the graduate program only has been in existence since 1988, alumni of the M.A. in Ethnic Studies have gone on to Ph.D. programs at a broad array of prestigious institutions. These include various University of California campuses, Temple University, Stanford, Yale, Purdue, the University of Michigan, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Hawaii, and Harvard University.

Professor

Antwi Akom (2004), Professor in Africana Studies. Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania.

Falu P. Bakrania (2005), Professor in Race and Resistance Studies. Ph.D. Stanford University.

Joanne Barker (2000), Professor in American Indian Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz.

Teresa Carrillo (1993), Professor in Latina/Latino Studies. Ph.D. Stanford University.

Jeffrey Duncan-Andrade (2004), Professor in Latina/Latino Studies, Professor in Race and Resistance Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley.

Russell Jeung (2002), Professor in Asian American Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley.

Mai-Nhung Le (1997), Professor in Asian American Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley.

Jonathan H.X. Lee (2009), Professor in Asian American Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Santa Barbara.

Katynka Martinez (2007), Professor in Latina/Latino Studies. Ph.D. University of California at San Diego.

Isabelle Pelaud (2001), Professor in Asian American Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley.

Valerie Soe (1997), Professor in Asian American Studies. M.F.A. School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Amy Sueyoshi (2002), Professor in Race and Resistance Studies, Professor in Sexuality Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles.

Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales (2000), Professor in Asian American Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles.

Dorothy R. Tsuruta (1997), Professor in Africana Studies. Ph.D. Stanford University.

Wesley Ueunten (2007), Professor in Asian American Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley.

Grace Yoo (1996), Professor in Asian American Studies. Ph.D. University of California, San Francisco.

Associate Professor

Rabab Abdulhadi (2007), Associate Professor in Race and Resistance Studies. Ph.D. Yale University.

Robert Keith Collins (2006), Associate Professor in American Indian Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles.

Jason Ferreira (2005), Associate Professor in Race and Resistance Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley.

Melissa Guzman-Garcia (2016), Associate Professor in Latina/Latino Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Santa Barbara.

Eric Pido (2011), Associate Professor in Asian American Studies. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley.

Assistant Professor

Doñela C. Wright (2016), Assistant Professor in Africana Studies. Ph.D. Temple University.

Masters

Certificate

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

ETHS 100 Introduction to Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

History, objectives, and philosophy of Ethnic Studies as a political project and academic field. The relational examination of communities of color/indigenous nations and their experiences with structures of power and traditions of resistance. [CSL may be available]
(This course is offered as ETHS 100 and RRS 100. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • D1: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

ETHS 101 First Year Experience in Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Foundations of intellectual, academic, and career preparation for majors and minors in the College of Ethnic Studies.

ETHS 102 Basic Achievement Techniques (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in another specified course may be required.

Examination and application of basic skills development among diverse students. Use of appropriate strategies and methods to support the intellectual and spiritual advancement of the student. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (ABC/NC grading; CR/NC allowed)

ETHS 110 Critical Thinking and the Ethnic Studies Experience (Units: 3)

Basic skills involved in understanding, criticizing, and constructing arguments by using materials reflective of experiences of Indigenous and racialized groups in the U.S.
(This course is offered as ETHS 110 and RRS 110. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • A3: Critical Thinking
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities

ETHS 115 Introduction to Craft, Activism, and Resistance in Communities of Color (Units: 3)

Introduction to craftwork by communities of color that engages with the politics of representation. Engage in hands-on crafting while learning about the histories of activism in communities of color.

ETHS 116 Algebra and Statistics for Social Justice (Units: 4)

Prerequisite: First-year math advising module.

Using topics such as education equity, income inequality, racism, and white supremacy and gender inequality to examine data using statistics. Statistical concepts covered include but are not limited to: organization of data, sample surveys, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability distributions, normal approximations, and statistical inference. Includes a one-unit algebra supplemental component. [Formerly A U 116]

Course Attributes:

  • B4: Math/QR
  • Social Justice

ETHS 117 Statistics for Social Justice (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: First-Year Math Advising Module. Students who elect to take additional support should concurrently enroll in ETHS 116.

Using topics such as education equity, income inequality, racism, and white supremacy and gender inequality to examine data using statistics. Statistical concepts covered include but are not limited to: organization of data, sample surveys, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability distributions, normal approximations, and statistical inference. [Formerly A U 117]

Course Attributes:

  • B4: Math/QR
  • Social Justice

ETHS 120 Educational Justice, Health Equity, and Academic Success (Units: 3)

Focus on educational justice, public health, and social justice. General education skills -- writing, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning -- will be systematically reinforced. [Formerly PH 120/ETHS 120, H ED 120/A U 120]

Course Attributes:

  • E1 LLD Pre-Fall 2019
  • C2: Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

ETHS 221 Health and Social Justice - Burning Issues, Taking Action (Units: 3)

Social and economic injustices as root causes of the uneven distribution of disease. Current health issues, the process for influencing policy, and the skills to effectively advocate for health and social justice.
(This course is offered as PH 221 [Formerly H ED 221] and ETHS 221 [Formerly A U 221]. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • D1: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

ETHS 241 Health and Social Movements in the United States in the 20th Century (Units: 3)

Examination of history during the 20th century with a special emphasis on health and social justice issues. Focus on the main historical periods and events, with a lens of the "people's history narrative" that brings out voices historically silenced.
(This course is offered as PH 241 [Formerly H ED 241] and ETHS 241 [Formerly A U 241]. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • U.S. History
  • D2: Social Sciences: US Hist.
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

ETHS 300GW Writing in Ethnic Studies - GWAR (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Asian American Studies, American Indian Studies, Africana Studies, and Latina/Latino Studies majors; GE Area A2.

Foundations of writing in the disciplines of Ethnic Studies: Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, and Latina/Latino Studies. Draws on the behavioral and social sciences, the humanities, and the creative arts to prepare students for advanced work in Ethnic Studies, and careers requiring breadth and depth of knowledge. (ABC/NC grading only)

Course Attributes:

  • Graduation Writing Assessment

ETHS 499 Culminating Experience Continuous Enrollment (Unit: 0)

ETHS 500 Introduction to Race, Ethnicity, and Health (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or permission of the instructor.

Explore the critical health issues affecting racial and ethnic groups in the US. Examine ways in which the health status of these populations is rooted in the socio-cultural, political, economic, and environmental influences of US society.

Course Attributes:

  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Social Justice

ETHS 570 Senior Capstone for Race, Ethnicity, and Health (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to senior Race, Ethnicity, and Health majors.

Synthesis and integration of coursework in Race, Ethnicity, and Health. Application of concepts through an individual and/or collaborative senior project. Possible projects include research papers, portfolios, or presentations. May include work with community organizations.

ETHS 580 Senior Capstone for Online Degree in Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to senior Ethnic Studies online majors.

Synthesis and integration of coursework in the Ethnic Studies online program. Application of concepts through an individual and/or collaborative senior project. Possible projects can include research papers, portfolios, or presentations. May include work with community organizations.

ETHS 647 Understanding Health Disparities Among Underserved Communities (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to upper-division Race, Ethnicity, and Community Health majors or permission of the instructor.

An introduction to understanding health disparities in underserved communities. Emphasis on breast cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and hypertension and the socioeconomic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and cultural impact of the disease. Focus on understanding the clinical aspects as well as the psychosocial impact upon patients in communities of color.

ETHS 675 Variable Topics in Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or permission of the instructor.

Examination of variable issues and topic in ethnic studies. Topics to be specified in the Class Schedule. May be repeated when topics vary for a total of 9 units.

ETHS 685 Projects in the Teaching of Ethnic Studies (Units: 1-4)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing and permission of the instructor.

Academic service-learning practicum/internship experience as an undergraduate instructional aide. Participation in the teaching of a regular instructionally-related class. Limited to undergraduate students only. (Students may earn a maximum of 4 units toward the baccalaureate degree for any course(s) numbered 685 regardless of discipline.)

ETHS 697 Field Research or Internship in Ethnic Studies (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor*.

Development of research methodology of Third World societies in the U.S. Gathering materials through non-written sources such as artifacts, oral evidence, and participation-observation. May be repeated for a total of 6 units with departmental approval. [CSL may be available]

ETHS 699 Independent Study (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisite: Permission of the adviser, instructor, and program coordinator.

Supervised individual study of a particular inter-ethnic problem in ethnic studies. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

ETHS 710 Theories and Issues in Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate Ethnic Studies students and permission of the instructor.

Concepts and theories in ethnic studies. Identifies, analyzes, and critically reviews American history and the experiences of people of color.

ETHS 711 Topics in Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to graduate Ethnic Studies students or permission of the instructor.

Examine major currents and theories in Ethnic Studies. Topics to be specified in the Class Schedule. May be repeated when topics vary.

Topics:

  1. Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Studies
  2. Critical Mixed Race Studies
  3. Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies
  4. Queer Ethnic Studies
  5. Ethnic Studies Pedagogy

ETHS 720 Research Methods in Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: A basic statistics course and permission of the instructor.

Research methods pertaining to African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos/Latinas, and American Indians in Third World critical perspective: a research proposal, data collection analysis, interpretation, and statistical summarization. Includes examples from the Third World experience.

ETHS 750 Ethnic Studies Community Practicum (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Philosophies, strategies, and methods in community studies. Evaluation of alternatives in terms of issues facing Third World communities. Internship in a community-based agency or organization. Seminar, 2 units; activity, 1 unit.

ETHS 820 Advanced Research Seminar in Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ETHS 720 or permission of instructor.

Seminar on advanced research in ethnic studies. Key elements in developing a research or creative work project.

ETHS 885 Graduate Projects in the Teaching of Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate Ethnic Studies students and permission of the instructor.

Academic service-learning practicum/internship experience as an undergraduate instructional aide. Participation in the teaching of a regular instructionally related class.

ETHS 895 Field Study (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and graduate major advisor; approval of Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) and Culminating Experience (CE) forms by Graduate Studies prior to registration.

(CR/NC, RP grading only)

ETHS 896 Directed Reading in Ethnic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate Ethnic Studies students and permission of the adviser.

Intensive directed reading in ethnic studies under the supervision of a faculty member.

ETHS 898 Master's Thesis (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) and approval of graduate major adviser. ATC and Proposal for Culminating Experience Requirement forms must be approved by the Graduate Division before registration.

(CR/NC grading only)

ETHS 899 Independent Study (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisite: Permission of the graduate coordinator and supervising faculty member. Enrollment by petition and limited to graduate students in the program.

Individual research into an issue in Ethnic Studies.