Math and Science Bldg. (38), Room 136
Phone: 805.756.1707
https://ethnicstudies.calpoly.edu
Department Chair: Jenell Navarro
Academic Programs
| Program name | Program type |
|---|---|
| Comparative Ethnic Studies | BA |
| Ethnic Studies | Minor |
| Indigenous Studies in Natural Resources and the Environment | Minor |
Ethnic Studies is an intellectual and political project that uses inter- and multidisciplinary approaches to understand and transform enactments of power, to which, in the modern era, productions of race and ethnicity have been central. The aim of Ethnic Studies is to provide students with an understanding of the historical processes (including slavery, capitalism, genocide, colonialism, nativism, war) that form the United States as a nation-state and as an imagined community, and their differential impact on diverse communities within local, national, and global contexts. The field of Ethnic Studies critically attends to research methodologies and frameworks of knowledge to examine how these legacies impact access to political power, allocate economic resources, and influence cultural expression. Ethnic Studies courses draw from and engage with a number of academic fields, including: post/decolonial studies, cultural studies, human rights studies, Indigenous studies, migration studies, legal studies, environmental studies, gender studies, sexuality and queer studies, and science and technology studies. Through a critical and comparative study of interlocking and intersecting systems of oppression embedded in the formation of the U.S. nation, students develop a greater understanding of the legacies of racism, discrimination, and inequity in the United States as well as of the movements for social justice. Students also learn about the diverse peoples of the Americas, specifically Indigenous and Latinx Peoples, and the African and Asian diasporas who have been historically displaced, disenfranchised, and silenced. Ethnic Studies seeks to provide a relevant education—one that has a deep commitment to justice, equity, and social and institutional transformation.
Housed in the College of Liberal Arts, the Ethnic Studies Department at Cal Poly encourages critical dialogue about race, ethnicity, and decolonization across the entire university curriculum. The department offers a number of courses that fulfill general education, Ethnic Studies, and United States Cultural Pluralism graduation requirements. A minor in Ethnic Studies is open to all majors and provides a useful complement to the differing types of inquiry used in the wide variety of disciplines throughout the University.
Undergraduate Programs
BA Comparative Ethnic Studies
It is expected that students who demonstrate the foregoing learning outcomes will be better prepared to understand the social, cultural, political, historical, and economic factors that have shaped their own social and occupational identities, as well as the social and occupational identities of others. This knowledge should better prepare students to work, collaborate, and interact more responsibly and effectively in an increasingly diverse and globalized workplace and world.
Degree Requirements and Curriculum
Ethnic Studies Minor
An Ethnic Studies minor provides students with special competence in the histories and experiences of historically marginalized communities in the United States, and with the critical skills with which to understand their complex social issues. Students majoring in subjects across the university curriculum find Ethnic Studies useful, particularly when their interests require a deeper understanding of race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality in the United States and beyond. The minor prepares students for careers in education, government, and community organizations among other areas; and, prepares them for graduate and professional schools in areas such as the law, social work, health, and the arts and sciences.
Minor Requirements
Indigenous Studies in Natural Resources and the Environment Minor
An interdisciplinary minor sponsored by the departments of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences and Ethnic Studies. For more information, see the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences section.
ES Courses
ES 112. Race, Culture, and Politics in the United States. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F,W,SP,SU
2020-21 or later: GE Area D1
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D1
USCP
Interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity as created by historical processes and American institutions (social, political, economic, legal and cultural institutions). Attention to interlocking systems of race, class, gender and sexuality. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ES/HNRS 112. Fulfills GE D1 and USCP.
ES 114. Introduction to Ethnic Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
USCP
Racial equality movements, including the history of Ethnic Studies (1960's & 70's), and the social practices, institutions, cultural representations/discourses, and public policies that construct and reinforce racism, racist ideology, and pseudo-scientific conceptions of race and intersections with gender and class. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills USCP.
ES 134. Writing & Rhetoric. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area A2
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area A1
Writing and rhetorical strategies and practices that produce sound academic writing; foregrounds a process-based, recursive approach to writing. 4 Lectures. Fulfills GE Area A2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
ES 145. Reasoning, Argumentation, & Writing. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area A3
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area A3
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for student on the 2019-20 or an earlier catalog). Recommended: Completion of GE Area A1 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for student on the 2019-20 or an earlier catalog).
Principles of reasoning and argumentation. Application of these principles to written and oral communication. Effective use of research methods and sources. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area A3 with a grade of C- or better.
ES 200. Special Problems. 1-4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.
Supervised investigation, including a written report, of a topic chosen with prior approval of instructor. Total credit limited to 4 units.
ES 215. Planning for and with Multiple Publics. 4 units
How the social/spatial relationships among racial/ethnic and gender groups are expressed in terms of human settlement patterns, civic involvement and everyday negotiations. Ways in which segregation and marginalization are expressed in western and non-western contexts. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CRP/ES 215. Fulfills USCP.
ES 252. Global Origins of Race in the U.S.. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
GE Area F: Ethnic Studies
Explores global origins of race in the U.S. including forced slavery, removal, displacement, and migration of Native Americans, Latinas/os, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area F.
ES 253. Introduction to American Indian Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
GE Area F: Ethnic Studies
Introduction to social, political, economic, legal, and cultural traditions of American Indians in the U.S. Special attention to the interlocking systems of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area F.
ES 254. Introduction to African American Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
GE Area F: Ethnic Studies
Introduction to social, political, economic, legal, and cultural traditions of African Americans in the U.S. Special attention to the interlocking systems of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area F.
ES 255. Introduction to Latino/a/x Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
GE Area F: Ethnic Studies
Introduction to social, political, economic, legal, and cultural traditions of Chicanas/os and Latinas/os in the U.S. Special attention to the interlocking systems of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area F.
ES 256. Introduction to Asian American Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
GE Area F: Ethnic Studies
Introduction to social, political, economic, legal, and cultural traditions of Asian Americans in the U.S. Special attention to the interlocking systems of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area F.
ES 270. Selected Topics. 1-4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Open to undergraduate students and consent of instructor.
Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.
ES 300. Chicano/a Non-Fiction Literature. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C.
Overview of contemporary Chicano/a non-fiction literature since 1848. Thematic concerns, literary criticism, literary techniques, historical and socio-cultural factors influencing non-fiction Chicano/a literary genres. Instructor reserves option to select non-fiction genres to be studied. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 301. Latina/o Literature of the United States. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C.
Latina/o literature written by/for/about Latinas/os in the United States. Topics include literary representation of Latinos/as in the U.S. related to race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, etc. Primary focus on Latina/o literary texts in the mid 20th to early 21st centuries. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 302. Chicana/o Literature. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C.
Chicana/o literature written by/for/about Chicanas/os in the United States. Topics include literary representation of Chicanos/as in the U.S. related to race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, etc. Primary focus on Chicana/o literary texts in the mid 20th to early 21st centuries. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 303. Latina/o Poetry and Politics. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C.
Significant Latinx/a/o poetry and poetics from the 19th century to the present. Topics include genre, form, content, politics, and poetics of Latina/o writers of poetry; comparisons/contrasts of different Latina/o ethnic poets and their poetry in different historical periods. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 304. Race & American Literature. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
GE Area F: Ethnic Studies
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
Comparative approach to the Native American, African American, Asian American and Latina/o literary canons. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area F.
ES 308. Fire and Society. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Prehistorical and historical record of human use of and attitude toward fire. Mythology and religion of fire. Traditional, cultural and ethnic variations and their influence on modern U.S. institutions involved in managing fire. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ES/NR 308. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
ES 310. Hip-Hop, Poetics and Politics. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course in GE Area D.
Dynamics of hip-hop culture, its historical development, political significance, and social influence. How hip-hop exemplifies cross-cultural hybridization within not only Black communities nationally and internationally, but also amongst indigenous, Latino/a, and Asian peoples in the U.S. and beyond. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 311. Beyoncé: Race, Feminism and Politics. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; completion of GE Area D1; and completion of one USCP course.
Employing an Ethnic Studies lens, Beyoncé body of work and image will serve as a lens through which to explore pop constructions and representations of race, gender, and sexuality as well as the use of those intersecting identities as political tools. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.
ES 312. Race & Media Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
GE Area F: Ethnic Studies
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
Engagements with qualitative analysis, social, cultural, and political theories, and power relations related to the representations of Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and Latinas/os in the contemporary mass media in the United States. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area F.
ES 320. African Americans in Popular Culture. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course in GE Area D.
Cultural studies analysis of the representations of, and counter-representations by, American racial/ethnic groups, with particular emphasis on African Americans. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 321. Native Americans in Popular Culture. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course in GE Area D.
Cultural studies analysis of the representations of, and counter-representations by racial/ethnic groups, with particular emphasis on Native Americans. The cultural images of Native peoples in the United States that have characterized relationships. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 322. Asian Americans in Popular Culture. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course in GE Area D.
Cultural studies analysis of the representations of, and counter-representations by, American racial/ethnic groups, with particular emphasis on Asian-Americans. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 323. Latina/os in Popular Culture. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SU
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course in GE Area D.
Cultural studies analysis of the representations (racializing images and discourses) of, and counter-representations by, American cultural/ethnic groups with particular emphasis on Mexican Americans/Latinos. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 324. Chicana/o Film. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C.
Exploration of how Chicanas/os and their experiences are represented in major films by/for/about them in the United States. Topics include visual/popular culture and film theories, race and representation; film genre; key film concepts. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 325. African American Gender & Sexuality. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
USCP
Prerequisite: One lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: ES 112 or ES 212.
Issues around genders and sexualities that influence the social, political, economic and cultural development of Black America, and challenging anti-Black thought on Black sexual expression. Special attention given to racism, intersectionality, and myths about Black sexuality and gender conventions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills USCP.
ES 326. Native American Architecture and Place. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C.
The role of culture and setting in the construction of spatial, material and landscape concepts and artifacts, through the introduction of selected North American cultures, with focus from 1300 AD through contemporary time. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ARCH/ES 326. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 330. The Chinese American Experience. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course in GE Area D.
History and current status of Chinese Americans, with emphasis on the international contexts, organizations and institutions of Chinese America, and on Chinese Americans' demographic compositions, spatial patterns, and cultural, socioeconomic, and political adaptation experiences. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 335. The Filipina/o American Experience. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course in GE Area D.
An interdisciplinary examination of the historical development of Filipina/o American identities and communities. The social, cultural and political institutions that have influenced Filipina/o immigration, participatory citizenship, activism and cultural practices. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 340. Cultural Production and Ethnicity. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SU
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C. Recommended: Completion of an Ethnic Studies (ES) course.
Culture and ethnicity as key factors in the production, perception, and interpretation of art and the humanities. Critical analysis of cultural attitudes and knowledge in expressive arts and cultural production, and of the contexts of cultural production as reflective of ethnicity. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
ES 345. Queer Ethnic Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Theories, research and methods focused on the interlocking systems of sexuality, race, racialization, and ethnicity in local, national and comparative global/transnational contexts. Relationships between racialization and heteronormativity; queer of color critique; queer migration; decolonizing queer organizing, theory, and knowledge production. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ES/WGQS 345. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP. Formerly WGS 345.
ES 350. Gender, Race, Culture, Science & Technology. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area B
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area B5, B6, or B7
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; completion of GE Area B2; and one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Recommended: STAT 130, 217, 218, 251, 301, 312, or 321.
Examines the complex relationships between gender, race, culture, science, and technology via intersectional quantitative and qualitative inquiry, centering the perspectives/contributions of historically marginalized people in the U.S. Explores, evaluates, and develops proposals to create more diverse, equitable, ethical, humane science/technology. Course may be offered in classroom-base, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as ES 350/HNRS 353/WGQS 350. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog); and USCP. Formerly WGS 350.
ES 351. Gender, Race, Class, Nation in Global Engineering, Technology & International Development. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
Cross-cultural exploration of the intersections of gender, race, class, nation in the global engineering workforce, small- and large-scale technological systems, and international development programs; special attention to 21st century challenges and efforts to create more socially responsible engineering and technology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ES/WGQS 351. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Formerly WGS 351.
ES 360. Ethnicity and the Land. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area C. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course and introductory natural resources course.
Comparative study of how race and culture shape landscapes, and how social hierarchies allocate the use of natural resources and the burdens of environmental pollution. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ES/NR 360. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 380. Critical Race Theory. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.
History and evolution of the critical race theory movement. Defining issues of the field; in particular, the relationship between race, power and the law. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 381. The Social Construction of Whiteness. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D. Recommended: Lower-division Ethnic Studies (ES) course in GE Area D..
The investigation of the social construction of race in the United States through historicizing the category of 'whiteness.' Why 'white' was invented as a racial category and how white privilege has been sustained through social, political, economic and legal practices. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
ES 382. Racial Capitalism. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
GE Area F: Ethnic Studies
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
Advanced investigation of the theoretical and historical linkages between race, economic exploitation, and struggles for liberation. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area F.
ES 390. Research Methodology in Comparative Ethnic Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; STAT 217; ES 112; and three courses from ES 241, ES 242, ES 243, ES 244.
Theory and practice of research methodology in comparative ethnic studies. Topics include the scientific method, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and ethical practices. Research report prepared from start to finish, including database searching, collecting pilot data, and proper formatting of a research report. Issues of race in research practice and use foregrounded throughout. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
ES 400. Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates. 1-4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of department chair.
Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units.
ES 406. Indigenous Peoples and International Law and Policy. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: ES 253; and NR 141 or NR 142; and junior standing required.
Interdisciplinary examination of the evolution of international law effecting indigenous peoples in the U.S. and in the Americas. Development of international legal and sociological norms and their impact on human rights of indigenous peoples with particular attention to environmental issues. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ES/NR 406.
ES 410. Advanced Topics in Comparative Ethnic Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: ES 390.
Selected topics and issues in comparative ethnic studies. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable for a maximum of 8 units. 4 seminars.
ES 450. Fieldwork in Comparative Ethnic Studies. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: ES 390.
Supervised project based on fieldwork in comparative ethnic studies. 4 seminars.
ES 461. Senior Project. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: ES 390 and departmental approval.
Completion of a project under faculty supervision. Results presented in a formal paper or project.
ES 470. Selected Advanced Topics. 1-4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: At least one course in Ethnic Studies and consent of instructor.
Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1-4 lectures.
Ryan Buyco
B.A., George Washington University, 2010; M.A., University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2013; Ph.D, Cornell University, 2019.
Dan C. Castilow II
B.A., Morehouse, 2004; M.A., Tulane University, 2014; Ph.D., 2020.
Lydia Heberling
B.A., Point Loma Nazarene University, 2006; M.A., San Diego State University, 2014; Ph.D., University of Washington, 2021.
Denise A. Isom
B.S., B.A., University of California, Davis, 1989; M.A., 1992; Ph.D., Loyola University, Chicago, 2003.
Jane L. Lehr
B.A., University of Rochester, 1997; M.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2002; Ph.D., 2006.
Jorge Moraga
B.A., California State University, Northridge, 2012; M.A., 2012; Washington State University, Ph.D., 2017.
Jose Navarro
B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 2002; M.A., University of Southern California, 2008; Ph.D., 2012.
Jenell R. Navarro
B.A., Oklahoma Baptist University, 2001; M.A., Claremont Graduate University, 2007; Ph.D., 2011.
Elvira Pulitano
Laurea (B.A.), Universitá di Messina, Italy, 1993; University of New Mexico, 1997; Ph.D., 2002.
Alpen Razi
B.A., University of Toronto, 2008; M.A., 2009; Ph.D., 2015.
Gabriel Soldatenko
B.A., Arizona State University, 1999; M.A., Binghamton University, SUNY, 2002; Ph.D., 2010.
MT Vallarta
B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 2013; M.A., University of California, Riverside, 2016; Ph.D., 2022.
Grace I. Yeh
B.A., Duke University, 1995; M.A., Georgetown University, 2000; M.A., University of California, Los Angeles, 2003; Ph.D., 2007.
San Luis Obispo, California 93407