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Academic Year 2003/2004


Introduction to Ethnic Studies
AMST 217 SP

This course provides an introductory overview of the study of race, ethnicity, and culture in the United States. We will focus on the historical, sociological, and political movements that affect the arrival and settlement of African, Asian, European, American Indian, and Latino populations in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This course will study specific histories unique to each group as well as the similarities of their experiences. Utilizing theoretical and discursive perspectives, we will discuss and explore the experiences of these groups in the United States in relation to issues of immigration, population relocations, government and civil legislation, ethnic identity, gender and family relations, class, and community.

MAJOR READINGS

THE HOUSE THAT RACE BUILT, Ed. Wahneema Lubiano
RACE, RIGHTS AND THE ASIAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, Angelo Ancheta
RACIAL FORMATION IN THE UNITED STATES, Howard Winant and Michael Omi
A DIFFERENT MIRROR: A HISTORY OF MULTICULTURAL AMERICA, Ronald Takaki
AMERICAN INDIAN SOVEREIGNTY AND THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT: THE MASKING OF JUSTICE, David E. Wilkins
LATINO CULTURAL CITIZENSHIP: CLAIMING IDENTITY, SPACE, AND RIGHTS, Eds. William V. Flores and Rina Benmayer
THIS BRIDGE CALLED MY BAC K, WRITINGS BY RADICAL WOMEN OF COLOR, Eds. Cherrie Moraga and Gloria Anzaldua

Films and Videos:
BLACK IS, BLACK AIN'T
SIEMPRE, PALANTE, SIEMPRE
SAVAGE ACTS
ACT OF WAR: THE OVERTHROW OF THE HAWAIIAN NATION

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Students are required to complete all course books and articles, in-class and homework assignments, and response papers that address the weekly readings. There will be an in-class mid-term exam and a take home final exam. Besides the occasional in-class assignments, students are required to submit two reading response papers (5-7 pages each). Class evaluation will be based on class attendance, assignments and participation (50%), a mid-term exam (20%), and the final exam (30%).

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS AMST    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004


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