ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary program that uses cross-cultural comparative methods to explore the diverse histories and cultures of ethnic groups in the US to examine the formation of identities and societies in local, national, and global contexts, and to analyze the social, cultural, and political sources of bias and discrimination.
Spring 2014 Course Offerings
ETHN 2001: Introduction to Ethnic Studies:(FC:HU) Face to Face
MWF 3:00 pm-3:50 pm | Bate 1011 | Instructor: Dr. Joyce Middleton
In this course, we will explore ethnicity and race in the United States by examining our own experiences as well as scholarly explorations of the concepts. Our goal will be to develop a critical framework that will help us better understand our multicultural society. Questions we will consider include:
·What is race?
·What is ethnicityand what constitutes membership in an ethnic group?
·How does ethnicity relate to race and how are they perceived in the U.S.?
·What is Ethnic Studies?
·How have concepts of policies toward, and treatment of, ethnic groups changed over time?
·How can Ethnic Studies help us understand better the past, present, and, importantly, the future, in the U.S.?
Our class will focus on Ethnic representations such as African American, Asian American, Native American, Latinos, and European American. In various ways, our readings will examine and complicatethe Ethnic experiences of race, whiteness, immigration, gender, nationality, geography, and language in the U.S.
Our readings and films will examine and complicate the ways that we think about Ethnic experiences of race, whiteness, immigration, gender, nationality, geography, and language in the U.S.
*This course satisfies the Cultural Diversity Requirement and the Humanities Foundation Credit Requirement.
THEA 2501: Latino Theatre and Drama: MW 8:00 am-9:20 am |Messick Theatre Arts Center 215| Instructor: Dr. Hector Gaza
This course is a survey of Latino Theatre History and Drama. The course will emphasize the connection between societal and cultural phenomena and theatrical/dramatic practices specific to contemporary US Latino experience.
Readings
Culture Clash in America
Out of the Fringe: Contemporary Latina/Latino Theatre and Performance
Puro Teatro: A Latina Anthology
Zoot Suit: A Bilingual Editionby Luis Valdez
Early Worksby Luis Valdez
*This course satisfies the Cultural Diversity Requirement and the Humanities Foundation Credit Requirement.
ETHN 3502: The Mexican Border (FC:SO) : TR 9:30 am-10:45 am |Speight 301| Instructor: Dr. Lee Maril
Based upon research by the course professor since 1978, this course focuses on the Mexican borderlands including its people, its culture, its history, and its vital importance to American society. While illegal drugs and illegal immigration are an important ingredient to increased border violence, this 2,000 mile wide region is not defined only by blood but by the unique bi-cultural aspects of the citizens of Mexico and the U.S. Boasting a rich history filled with creativity in the arts, literature, and film, Mexico remains this country's most important trading partner and political ally. Understanding and demystifying this borderland region--filled with misleading stereotypes--is a crucial step to further comprehending Mexico's contribution to this country and the U.S.'s vital interests in Mexico.
Readings
The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea
The Fence: National Security, Public Safety, and Illegal Immigration along the U.S.-Mexico Borderby Lee Maril
Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter's Journey Through a Country's Descent into Darkness by Alfredo Corchado
Two Nationals Indivisible: Mexico, The United States, and the Road Ahead by Shannon K. O'Neil
ETHN 5500: Studies in Ethnicity/
HIST 5520: History of Arab-American Women Through Literature
ONLINE | DE | Instructor: Dr. Mona Russell
This course will explore the history of Arab-American Women through the lens of their own writings. Students will utilize post-colonial theory to understand the notion of hybrid identity. We will examine theory, history, autobiography, and fiction. Authors covered include Laila Ahmed, Jean Said Makdisi, Laila Halaby, Mohja Kahf, Diana Abu Jabr, Naomi Shihab Nye, Suhair Hammad, Elmaz Abinader, and Samia Serageldin.
*This course satisfies the Cultural Diversity Requirement and the Humanities Foundation Credit Requirement.
