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

The minor in Ethnic Studies is available for students pursuing majors in other disciplines.

Ethnic Studies (ETHS)

ETHS 101 – Introduction to Ethnic Studies     3 credit hours

This course focuses on the historical development, perspectives, and cultural expressions of U.S. minority groups. Consideration will be given to key concepts including race, ethnicity, nationality, class and power, and the interactions among them.

ETHS 370 – Research in Ethnic Studies     1-3 credit hours

Under faculty guidance, students will conceive and carry out a semester-long project of research or creative activity in Ethnic Studies. It may be possible to cross-list this research course with compatible research/independent study courses from other disciplines.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: ETHS 101

ETHS 450 – Senior Seminar in Comparative Ethnic Studies     3 credit hours

A capstone coures for students minoring in Ethnic Studies. Utilizing the projects developed by students in ETHS 370, this interdisciplinary seminar will draw connections between prior Ethnic Studies courses and student research while examinng contemporary theory, issues, and events through lecture and seminar discussion.
Prerequisite: ETHS 101 and ETHS 370