Ethnic Studies Program

Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary minor degree program that explores the impact of race and ethnicity on the creation of identity, justice, and power. Students apply critical theories of race and intersectionality to understand systems of discrimination in a complex society, gaining a multicultural competency to work with populations that are both diverse and inclusive.

A required introductory course provides a conceptual approach to the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, and sexuality while also offering a thematic study of American ethnic groups and how they continuously shape and reshape American identity through immigration, assimilation, and cultural diversity. To complete the minor, students choose five specifically-designated Ethnic Studies courses which will be useful in their major fields of study. These courses, approved as elective credits from departments across the disciplines, enhance students' education by addressing the theoretical and practical use of ethnic studies related to their particular subject areas.

Students in the arts, business, counseling, education, humanities, pre-law, pre-medicine, science, and social sciences will benefit from this minor since it promotes cross-cultural understanding and social justice in a globally diverse and rapidly changing job market. Students’ ability to articulate the significance of human diversity for themselves and for society prepares them to work successfully in their chosen career.

For more information contact:

Dr. Sandra Loughrin, Director
Women's, Gender & Ethnic Studies Program
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE 68849

loughrins2@unk.edu

Ethnic Studies (ETHS)