\u2026 the interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity, as understood through the perspectives of major underrepresented racial groups in the United States. As a student, you will draw upon many disciplines and areas of thought to comprehend the sociocultural, intellectual, and historical experiences that inform the construction of racial, gender, and cultural identities.\u00a0 You will question the origin and continuity of race and racism, and perhaps discover your own area of research and action that can affect social justice for all.<\/p>\n
Ethnic studies emerged in universities across the nation during the 1960s as a result of social reform movements for equity and empowerment of racial minorities. \u00a0Scholars developed research perspectives shaped partially by histories of oppression in the U.S. as well as by the intellectual and cultural resources and traditions of Black, Asian, Chican@, and Native American groups.\u00a0 Fifty years ago there were virtually no courses reflecting the literature, art, culture, and politics of these racialized groups, and what was taught was negative or harmful.\u00a0 Since the conclusion of the Civil Rights movement, ethnic studies programs have provided the means to address racial and ethnic concerns in a productive manner, and have contributed to critical analyses of such traditional fields such as:<\/p>\n
Ethnic studies is critical because it provides a multidisciplinary lens through which new approaches to learning will emerge. It produces culturally competent, global citizens; provides graduates and scholars a professional, competitive advantage in the workforce; and represents diverse perspectives of reality in a globalized world.<\/p>\n
Being an effective citizen in today\u2019s world means:<\/p>\n
We aim to:<\/p>\n
The Ethnic Studies Program was established in 2000 through the efforts of five faculty members from the Commission on Ethnic Diversity. The program is governed by a steering committee consisting of the Director, full-time and affiliated faculty, and an administrative representative.<\/p>\n
The ethnic studies program will enhance your major and professional options by:<\/p>\n
But more importantly, a background in ethnic studies will:<\/p>\n
The Mural at Murdoch (Oct. 7, 2011)<\/strong><\/p>\n View a short video<\/a> of the dedication of \u201cThe Historic Southside Mural\u201d at the Murdoch Community Center, Flagstaff, Arizona\u2014which was completed in the Fall 2011 by Prof. Ricardo Guthrie and community artists and residents.<\/p>\n “A Southside Story” (LBM Studios: 2011)<\/strong><\/p>\n “Precious Knowledge”<\/strong><\/p>\n “The danger of a single story”<\/strong><\/p>\n \nIs the Ethnic Studies program right for you?<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n