Associate of Arts in Ethnic Studies

Program Overview

The American Ethnic Studies program at this institution delves into the history, contributions, and challenges faced by diverse ethnic communities in the United States, California, and the Santa Barbara area. It focuses on Black, Mexican-American, and Native American cultures, fostering an understanding of their heritage and experiences. The program aims to equip students with critical thinking skills to analyze the role of institutions in social inequality and the impact of race, class, and gender on society.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The American Ethnic Studies Department examines the heritage, contributions and problems of the United States, California, and the Santa Barbara area's diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural communities.
The program emphasizes Black, Mexican-American, and Native American cultures, aiming to foster an appreciation for different heritages through a critical examination of their history and experiences.
• Objectives:
• Analyze the role of the state in maintaining social inequality through institutions.
• Explain how race, class, and gender roles create and sustain society within institutions.
• Explain how social forces influence the life experience of individuals.
• Explain the major theoretical perspectives in American Ethnic Studies.

Outline:

• Course List:
• Department Requirements (6-8 units):
• ASAM 101: Comparative Asian-American History, 1849-1965
• ASAM 102: Contemporary Asian-American History
• BLST 101: The African-American in U.S. History To World War II
• BLST 102: The African-American in U.S. History, From Civil Rights Movement To Present
• BLST 102H: The African-American in U.S. History, from Civil Rights to Present, Honors
• CHST 101: Mexican-American (Chicano) History In The U.S.
• CHST 102: The Chicano And Latino In U.S. History, From The 1960's To The Present
• ETHS 101: The Immigrant Experience in the U.S.
• ETHS 101H: The Immigrant Experience in the U.S., Honors
• ETHS 121: Women of Color In The U.S.
• CHST 121: The Chicana And Other Latina Women
• ETHS 122: Arab-American/Middle Eastern Women In The U.S.
• Culture and Society Courses (6 units):
• BLST 103: African-American Culture
• CHST 103: Mexican-American (Chicano) Culture
• ETHS/SOC 107: Racism In America
• ETHS 109: U.S.-Mexico And Other Borderlands
• ETHS 110: Contemporary Ethnic Communities
• Literature and Arts Courses (3 units):
• BLST 113: African-American And Afro-Caribbean Literature In The U.S.
• CHST 113: Introduction to Chicano/Mexican-American Literature
• CHST 115: Introduction To Mexican Literature
• Music and Arts Courses (3 units):
• BLST 111: The African-American Music Experience