Proposal for Permanent Approval of ES 110
1. School: School of Liberal Arts
Program: Ethnic Studies
Course Number: ES 110
Course Title: Youth Cultures, Identities and New Ethnicities
Upper Division Status: This course requires at least two of the listed guidelines:
The pre-requisite for this course would be ES 001, Soc 002, Soc 004, WaGS 001
or permission of instructor. The upper-division nature of this course requires
students to have mastered some lower-division level course (i.e., Soc 2, 4, or
WaGS 1) that address the historical roots of oppression, the social construction
of race, the socio-political conditions underlying today’s multicultural society,
the complex interdependent relationships that develop across ethnicity and to
have a preliminary understanding of privilege, power, and oppression dynamics
operating across social positions (i.e., race, gender, religion, class, able
bodieness, etc.). Students will apply theoretical meanings that construct
categories of “youth” across varying social positions, space and time and through
individual and institutional interactions.
2. Justification for the course:
Critical youth studies is an important contribution to the field of Ethnic Studies.
Understanding the historical and social conditions of race and ethnicity in the
United States relies upon theoretical frameworks that include young people as
cultural citizens and active contributing members of society. The goals of the
course are: 1. To identify youth as a social position that intersects across race,
class, gender and sexuality. 2. To understand how the social construction of
youth operates across time and space. 3. To examine how youth studies coupled
with participatory action research, method and pedagogy contributes to the lives
of young people specifically and society in general. Originally the course was
offered as a special topics class listed under Soc 135, which cross listed with
Ethnic Studies and Women and Gender Studies. The course can center on one
ethnic youth group (i.e., Chicana/o youth cultures and identities; African
American youth cultures and identities, Asian American youth cultures and
identities, etc.) or span across multiple youth ethnic groups (i.e., Youth Cultures,
Identities and New Ethnicities). Whether focused on one ethnic group (or
multiple) the course discusses the social and historical construction of youth and
youth cultures in the United States coupled with the individual and institutional
conditions that frame “Youth” across multiple social positions (i.e., race, religion,
gender, sexuality, class, etc). Students will be able to repeat the course for credit
as topics change (e.g. student could earn credit for a version focused on Asian
American youth cultures and identities and then again for a second offering
focused on African American youth cultures and identities; or they could take it
first as a course with a broad, culturally comparative approach and then earn
credit again for another version that delves deeply into a single culture. This
course fits with the learning goals of the Ethnic Studies program to: (a)
Understand the history and social theories relevant to a critical understanding of
African American, Latino, Native American, and Asian American/Pacific Islander
ethnic groups; and (b) Apply these theoretical and analytical frameworks to
understand an increasingly complex, multicultural and interdependent world. In
addition to supporting Ethnic Studies learning goals the course has been
approved for core curriculum designation under American Diversity and has also
met criteria for CILSA’s Social Justice designation. The course also fulfills
multidisciplinary upper division Ethnic Studies minor requirements listed as
Ethnic Groups and Identity and/or Socioeconomic and Inequality.
3. Student Population: The course is open to all students, provided they have
taken the prerequisite course. The prerequisite introductory course (ES 1)
has consistently had enrollments between 20 and 32 students. Students from
almost all majors across campus have taken ES 1, ranging from Sociology and
Psychology to Business Administration and Math majors. The Ethnic Studies
program anticipates this class will attract 20-25 students across diverse
disciplines. For example when the course was offered as a special topics
class in Sociology there were 28 students enrolled. The class fulfills upper
division elective requirements for some majors (i.e., Sociology and WaGS)
and minors (i.e., Ethnic Studies). Also as previously mentioned the course
has been approved for core curriculum designation under learning goals of
American Diversity. The course also has received a Social Justice designation
from CILSA.
4. Relationship to Present College Curriculum: There are several introductory
courses that discuss theoretical frameworks (i.e., resistance, agency, social
construction, cultural citizenship) but do not center the lives of youth or the sociocultural and historical conditions that frame young people across social positions
(i.e., race, ethnicity, gender, etc.). Central to the Ethnic Studies curriculum are
youth social movements of the civil rights era coupled with contemporary youth
activism that address race and ethnicity. This course extends discussion and
applies youth cultural theoretical frameworks that are only marginally introduced
in ES 1(Introduction to Ethnic Studies) affording a deeper and more complete
understanding of the field.
5. Any extraordinary implementation costs: None. There are no special
equipment needs or unusual classroom requirements associated with this course
6.
Library Resources: See attached
7. Course Credit and grading options: ES 110 is designed as a lecture/discussion
course. Students who complete the course will receive 1 course credit. Students
will meet in class for 3 hours, 15 minutes per week throughout an academic
semester. There will be a minimum of two hours of student work expected outside
of class for every hour of in-class instruction. Grading options include: Letter
grade or pass/fail option.
8. Pre-requisites: ES 001, Soc 002, Soc 004, WaGS 001 or permission of
instructor.
9. Course description working for appropriate College Catalog: This course is
an introduction to the field of Critical Youth Studies that discusses the social
constructions of youth culture and identity across time, space and social historical
movements. The course focuses upon key concepts and theories of youth that
intersect across social positions (i.e., race, gender, sexuality, class and ethnicity)
in the U.S. Prerequisites for ES 110 include one of the following: ES 001, Soc
002, Soc 004, WaGS 001 or permission of instructor.
10. Course Content: See attached syllabus
11. Review of Experimental Offering: David Quijada originally taught the course as
a special topics course in the Sociology Department (Soc 135), which was crosslisted in Ethnic Studies and Women & Genders Studies. The course was later
taught as an experimental pilot course in Ethnic Studies, which was cross-listed
with Sociology and Women and Genders Studies. The course if accepted for
permanent approval will continue to be cross-listed with the Sociology
department and Women and Genders Studies program.
Youth Cultures, Identities and New Ethnicities
Professor: David Quijada
Email: david.quijada2@stmarys-ca.edu
Phone: 925 631-4898
Office: Filippi Academic Hall 240-12
Office Hours:
If U.S. Society continues to treat youth –particularly young people of color–as potential criminals
and undermines their contributions to social justice, then democracy, freedom, and fairness will
only be wishful ideals in times of increasing disparity and despair (Ginwright, Cammarota &
Noguera, 2005, p. 25).
The crucial lesson for us to draw here is that we need a different view of human beings. If not,
the young will soon hit us over the head with one (Willis 1990, p.12).
Young people are active in the construction and determination of their own social lives, the lives
of those around them and of the societies in which they live (James & Prout 1990, p. 8).
Youth Culture is non-political only because it has been defined that way (Corrigan & Frith 1975,
p. 231).
Course Description and Objectives
This class explores youth experiences with culture and identity across race, class, gender, and
sexuality. In addition to understanding the social, cultural, and historical conditions that position
young people as deviant, over-sexed, apathetic and resistant, this class discusses how youth create
culture that contributes to theirs and others socialization in society. In this capacity, the class
discusses how youth (past and present) produce knowledge that informs what is popular culture,
citizenship, art, politics and identity while resisting mainstream representations that have
constructed them as other (i.e., gang member, teen mother, drug dealer, etc). Students will
develop skills to interrogate and map “identity,” that has been constructed for and by “youth”
across local and global contexts, socializing discourses and within community and familial
institutional settings.
Learning Objectives:
• Comprehend what is meant by the social construction of Youth and discuss how it intersects
with social positions (i.e., race, class, gender and sexuality)
• Interrogate general assumptions underlying concepts of race and ethnicity through critical youth
studies.
• Differentiate discussions of race and ethnicity across institutional, global and individual
contexts that affect the lives of young people.
• Discuss young people as active contributing members of society through citizenship, cultural
competency and intercultural alliances.
• Locate and discuss how one’s individual social position, power and privilege operate within
debates over youth and the intersection of social positions (race, age, gender, sexuality, class).
• Analyze aspects of social diversity (e.g., ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, gender, sexual
orientation, religion, age, ability, and political identity) and how they affect society in the U.S.
• Explain how social categories and structures of power may affect the human person.
Required Readings
Lesko, N. and S. Talburt, Eds. (2012). Keywords in Youth Studies: tracing affects, movements,
knowledges. New York, Routledge.
Taft, K. J. (2011) Rebel Girls: Youth Activism & Social Change Across the Americas. New York:
New York University Press.
E- Fierce (2006). the sista hood on the mic. New York: Atria books
Course Requirements and Description of Assignments
A guidelines sheet for each assignment will be made available during the semester. All
assignments must be double spaced and typed.
1. Attendance/Participation (50 points, unexcused absence is -5 points): It is essential to
attend class regularly and remain in class for the entire period. Your active participation and
contribution towards class discussion and activities is important to your success and that of
others. Come to class prepared to discuss weekly assigned readings. The material discussed in
class is supplemental to the required readings and it is your responsibility to obtain this
information if you miss class. There will also be group discussions and in-class activities that
cannot be made up. Your grade will be reduced if you miss more than one class. As part of
your participation (unless otherwise stated) you will be responsible for developing a burning
question and bringing a sign or symbol that engage the week’s readings. On select weeks,
students will be asked to select a chapter to map and discuss (see Debriefing/Mapping Youth
Cultures).
2. Burning Question (50 points) Unless otherwise stated, each day student’s will generate a
burning question and will post this assignment on moodle before class begins. This
assignment asks that you: (i.) Ask a question from the days reading that can stimulate
discussion; (ii.) Identify a quote from the text that helps contextualize your question (cite
page number); and (iii.) Bring it close to home: briefly explain your question and connect
your question to either your life, or a previous class discussion (1-2 paragraphs).
3.
Accounting for Youth (25 points) Each week, 2-3 students will identify a contemporary
issue that impacts young people in the United States. The group will debrief and illustrate the
issue, cite a source to reference the issue and pose questions to facilitate classroom
conversation that references readings from class. Each member of the group will write a 1page description of the issue that includes: a citation; questions; a connection to youth studies
and to a previous reading.
4. Debriefing/Mapping Youth Cultures, 1x (see participation/attendance points): On select
weeks, students will organize themselves into groups and identify a question or concern from
the week’s reading. Students will facilitate discussion that debrief their concerns by creating a
cultural map of meaning that illustrates, performs and/or speaks to the contours of the
debates. Their map can cut across all, some or one reading. Your map can experiment with
visuals (i.e., photography, sketch, collage, graffiti, etc.) but should also include key words,
phrases and direct quotes. The idea is to visually represent and map out readings and to use
your map as a “constructed talking tool” to discuss terms, concepts, and debates reflected in
the readings. Each map should also include a legend that illustrates how to “read” the map.
The purpose of this assignment is to grapple with issues raised in the readings by mapping the
issue, arguments, questions and concerns and to have students (those not presenting) edit and
extend the maps of meaning. Students who present maps will also be asked to write and turn
in a 1-2 page legend or outline that summarizes their map, questions and concerns (Students
must consult with the professor prior to facilitating discussion).
5. Youth Logs (see final assignment for points) During the semester, students will document
their (in)direct experiences with youth and youth culture. Youth logs are daily short entries
of how “youth” is seen, heard, experienced and/or constructed in our everyday lives. Youth
logs include: (i.) time and date; ( ii.) location; (iii.) description of incident. If no incident is
experienced on a specific date than students should list the date and type N/A (not
applicable).
6. "Reflecting Upon/Accessing Youth Cultures, 3-5 pages, (50 points): How do I access
youth cultures? What childhood memories and assumptions define, compete and challenge
my understanding of youth cultures? This paper narrates your experience with youth by
revealing power and “adult roles” that positions your relationship to youth. Discuss how you
will grapple with your developing position as an adult ally to youth and the underlying
privileges you bring to this position.
7. Critical Reflective Analysis of “Sistahood on the Mic,” 3-5 pages, (50 points): This is not
a summary of the book but rather an investigation of how youth cultures and identities
intersect across race, class, gender and sexuality in the lives of the main characters. What
competing youth identities and experiences emerge and how do the main characters differ,
relate, and connect to these cultural experiences? What are the major socio economic and
educational implications emerging from their lived experiences and how do they grapple with
such challenges? Use course readings to expand your analysis of youth cultures and identities
constructed in the story
8. Final Product (100 points): The final assignment is a creative product you create that
centers your inquiry, is supported by data you collect (Youth Logs) and that references the
relevant literature in Critical Youth Studies. Central to this assignment is your written
analysis, discussion of data and literature review. Recall a literature review must center a
question and should either support, extend or contradict existing literature found in critical
youth studies.
Note: If students have a research project or thesis that investigates youth culture, draws upon
course readings, does not fit into the contours of the final product and can be completed in a
semester, they are encouraged to consult with the professor towards developing an alternative
final product
Grading: Your final grade is based on a total of 325 points. (A = 95%; A- = 90-94%; B+ = 8789%; B = 84-86%; B- = 80-83%; C + = 77 -79%; C = 74-76; C- = 70-73; etc.)
Course Policies:
Academic Misconduct:
Saint Mary’s College expects every member of its community to abide by the Academic Honor
Code. According to the Code, “Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of College policy
because, among other things, it undermines the bonds of trust and honesty between members of
the community.” Violations of the Code include but are not limited to acts plagiarism. For more
information, please consult the Student Handbook at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/your-safetyresources/student-handbook. Always remember to acknowledge any words or ideas which are not
your own. When in doubt how to reference your sources of information please ask. This means
doing your own work, in your own words and using proper citation of work by others (both ideas
and direct quotes). Violations of the Honor Code will be submitted to the Academic Honor
Council on campus. The following websites might also be of assistance when thinking of
plagiarism and citation: http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/QuotingSources.html,
http://www.umuc.edu/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/modules/plagiarism/guidelines.html(quiz),
http://education.indiana.edu/%7Efrick/plagiarism/item1.html(quiz)
Course Content and Conduct:
You may disagree with the content of this class. Please review the syllabus carefully to see if the
course is one that you are committed to taking. This class incorporates social and political issues
that intersect with race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. Although class discussions,
readings, films, lectures, course content and subject may disagree with your personal position and
“everyday” understandings --this should not prevent yourself or the entire class from critically
engaging with new ideas and from asking questions. Diverse opinions, that blend experiences
with academic scholarship and research are important and will be respected. The entire class will
take responsibility for discussing, listening, and respecting each other’s contributions. Please
avoid personal insults when disagreeing with others and turn the ringer off on cell phones.
Student Disability Services
Student Disability Services extends reasonable and appropriate accommodations that take into
account the context of the course and its essential elements for individuals with qualifying
disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Student Disability Services
Office at (925) 631-4358 to set up a confidential appointment to discuss accommodation
guidelines and available services. Additional information regarding the services available may be
found at the following address on the Saint Mary’s website: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/sds
Late/ Incomplete Assignments:
Assignments need to be turned in on time and must be complete. Partially completed assignments
will not be accepted. Only in emergency cases will late assignments be accepted and this should
be discussed with the instructor prior to due dates.
Course Schedule:
The following course schedule is subject to change during the semester.
Week 1: Introducing Youth Studies, who we are, what the course is, asking questions
Monday
Introductions: who we are, maps, slam books, signs & symbols
Wednesday
7 Technologies of Youth: Lives Vs. Categories (Key Words)
Friday
Section I (Key Words)
Week 2: History: Constructing youth and youth culture
Monday
Biology/ Nature & (Dis)ability: (Key Words)
Wednesday
Juvenile Justice & Leisure, (Key Words)
Friday
Middle School, School-to-Work & Surveillance, (Key Words)
Week 3: Research: Regulating knowledge about youth and youth culture
Monday
Section II, Commodification & Culture, (Key Words)
Wednesday
Ethnography & Histories, (Key Words)
Friday
Peer Groups & Transnational Governance, (Key Words)
Week 4: Society, Population and Government
Monday
Section III, Age & Disorderly, (Key Words)
* Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
“My Social Position” Paper is due (submit via moodle) *
Generation & Resistance, (Key Words)
Subculture & Trans, (Key Words)
Week 5: Cultural Citizenship
Monday
Section IV & Democracy, (Key Words)
Wednesday
Hijab & Human Rights, (Key Words)
Friday
Malls & Sex Education, (Key Words)
Week 6: Cultural Mobilities and Transnationalization
Monday
Section V, Health & Immigrant, (Key Words)
Wednesday
Internet & Musicking, (Key Words)
Friday
Sexuality & TV and Film (Key Words)
Distribute E-Fierce guidelines
Week 7: Youth and Youth Cultures in One Life Story
Monday
1/3 E- Fierce (2006) the sista hood on the mic
Wednesday
1/3 E- Fierce (2006) the sista hood on the mic
Friday
1/3 E- Fierce (2006) the sista hood on the mic
Week 8: Easter Recess
Monday: no instruction
Wednesday: no instruction
Friday: no instruction
Week 9: Cultural Production
Monday
No instruction
Wednesday
Section VI, Cultural Production & Hybridity, (Key Words)
Friday
Safe Spaces & Street Children, (Key Words)
Week 10: Subjective Identities and new ethnicities
Monday
Style, Youth Violence & Section VII (Key Words)
* Tuesday
E-Fierce paper is due (submit via moodle) *
Wednesday
The Erotic, Innocence & NGO’s, (Key Words)
Friday
Nostalgia & Teacher Movies, (Key Words)
Week 11: Activism
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Rebel Girls, Chapter 1
Rebel Girls, Chapter 2
Rebel Girls, Chapter 3
Week 12: Transformation, Participation and Action
Monday
Rebel Girls, Chapter 4
Wednesday
Rebel Girls, Chapter 5
Friday
Rebel Girls, Chapter 6
Week 13: Participatory Action Research and Products
Monday
Rebel Girls, Chapter 7
* Identify Final Product*
Wednesday
Rebel Girls, Chapter 8
Friday
Youth Activism & Youth Participatory Action Research, (Key Words)
Week 14: Production Stages
Monday
Youth products
Wednesday
Recaps
Friday
Presentations/ Performances
Week 15: Final Exams
* Final Product will be discussed and is due
Youth Cultures, Identities, and New Ethnicities (ES 110)
Review of Library Resources
Patty Wade Fall 2015
Collections
The library has been working steadily over the years to build collections to support
research in ethnic studies. Additionally, librarian subject selectors in other areas continue
to add titles relating to ethnic groups within their own subject areas. Overall, the library
should be able to support this course without additional funds at this time.
Books (including ebooks):
Overall, the book collection is adequate to support the needs of this new course. The
library is strong in materials relating to Indigenous Americans, African Americans,
Latino Americans, and Asian Americans, as well as general works on ethnicity race and
racism. Some additional effort should be made to build the collections relating to Pacific
Islanders. Regarding youth studies, particularly as it intersects with race and ethnicity,
the library does have a relatively strong collection; however it would be advisable to
focus more consciously on these areas.
Reference Books:
The library owns a variety of excellent reference sources related to ethnic studies. Some
examples of reference sources related to ethnic studies and youth studies are:
Encyclopedia of Black Studies. Thousand Oaks, CA : SAGE Publications, 2005.
Asian Americans: An Encyclopedia of Social, Cultural, Economic, and Political History.
Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, 2014. [Electronic Resource]
The Praeger Handbook on Contemporary Issues in Native America. Westport, CT:
Praeger, 2007.
Asian American Children: a Historical Handbook and Guide. Westport, CT: Greenwood
Press, 2004.
Encyclopedia Latina : History, Culture, and Society in the United States. Danbury, CT :
Grolier Academic Reference, 2005.
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos & Latinas in the United States.[electronic resource].
New York : Oxford University Press, 2005.
Routledge International Handbook of Race, Class, and Gender. New York, NY:
Routledge, 2015 [Electronic Resource]
Encyclopedia of Race and Racism. Detroit, MI: Macmillan Reference, 2013. [Electronic
Resource]
The SAGE Handbook of Race and Ethnic Studies. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2010.
[Electronic Resource]
Handbook of Youth and Young Adulthood: New Perspectives and Agendas. New York,
NY: Routledge, 2009. [Electronic Resource]
Periodicals:
A search of the Periodicals List under the subject category “Ethnic and Race Studies”
yielded 446 periodical titles. This may be an imperfect count as it relies on the
Periodicals List database’s determination of what belongs in each category. The list
contains a mix of academic and ethnic news titles. Additionally, a search of the list using
the word “youth” revealed a number of potentially useful titles including:
Journal of LGBT Youth
Journal of Youth Studies
Youth and Society
Youth Justice
Adolescence
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
This indicates that we should be able to support research for this course.
Databases:
The library subscribes to over 200 electronic databases many of which contain
information relevant to ethnic studies. However, the following databases will be most
relevant to this course:
EthnicNewswatch
Sociological Abstracts
Anthropology Plus
Women’s Studies International
The library’s Multisearch discovery service which searches across databases, and other
general databases such as Academic OneFile, Omnifile, and Academic Search Complete
will also be of use to students in this course.
Media:
There is no mention of media use in the course proposal. The library purchases many
DVD’s and videos for use in courses and also subscribes to several collections of
streaming video—Films on Demand, VAST, and Kanopy, all of which contain a wealth
of information in video format. If specific videos are needed for this class they can be
purchased as long as the budget can support it.
Information Literacy:
The proposal for this course does not specify the need for library research. It seems
possible that some form of research will be necessary for the “Accounting for Youth”
assignment. The library’s new subscription to the New York Times group pass will be
particularly useful for this assignment, along with the Ethnic NewsWatch database.
Students may need assistance searching these sources. Students may also incorporate
some research in preparation for their “Final Product.” Librarians are always available at
the reference desk to help student with this research. The faculty are also encouraged to
contact the Ethnic Studies librarian to schedule library instruction sessions for the
students if needed.