Chabot College
Fall 2007
Course Outline for Ethnic Studies 1
INTRODUCTION TO ETHNIC STUDIES
Catalog Description:
1- Introduction to Ethnic Studies
3 units
An introduction to the historical and socio-cultural experiences of racial and ethnic groups in the
United States. Focus will be on key issues such as immigration, political stratification, employment
discrimination, Americanization, class, racial and ethnic identity, and gender roles that have shaped
relations in American society. Study is inter- and multidisciplinary. A comparative approach covering
African American, Mexican American, Asian American, Native American and Middle Eastern
American. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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describe the historical and contemporary experience of ethnic minorities in the United
States;
discuss major social issues identified by racial/ethnic minorities including racism and
prejudice based on racialization;
make predictions of future racial/ethnic dynamics in the United States;
compare and contrast the immigration experience between ethnic groups;
develop an awareness for and toleration of racial and ethnic diversity;
identify use of racial/ethnic stereotype in a global context;
compare the intersection between ethnic groups in race, class and gender in the context
of United States institutions;
explain the significance of power as a crucial variable in racial/ethnic conflict;
analyze theories, development and values of ethnic groups;
identify and explain relevant theoretical models of ethnic acculturation, adaptation and
assimilation;
read and interpret case studies of the various ethnic groups and their development in the
United States;
explain issues of multiculturalism and pluralism in American society.
analyze structures of colonization, domination and marginality.
Course Content:
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Historical background of the major factors affecting the experiences of the various
racial/ethnic groups
Racialization of the Americas
Immigration and labor patterns
Americanization programs and melting pot theory
Ethnic consciousness and social identity
Variations in family patterns, social class, education, occupations, political participation,
etc.
Social activism and social movements
Examining film as a medium of expressing issues of race, class and culture
Social class and ethnicity
Historical and literary writings
Power struggles between minorities and among minorities vis-à-vis the dominant society
Ethnic culture as expressed through religion, art, music, food, literature and belief/values
Methods of Presentation:
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Lectures with discussion
Chabot College
Course Outline for Ethnic Studies 1, Page 2
Fall 2007
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Film Presentations
Group assignments
Guided discussions
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
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Typical Assignments
a.
Write a three-page paper comparing and contrasting the immigrant experience of
three ethnic groups
b.
Write a research paper on Americanization programs
c.
Collect a minimum of six news articles in a file folder that illustrates issues of
immigration policies and their impact on ethnic communities
d.
Write a three-page analysis of a film shown in class (for example Mississippi
America) identifying and discussing at least five significant social variables that
contributed either positively or negatively to the outcome of events documented
in the film.
e.
Participate in group discussions on issues such as immigration, family, American
values and gender.
f.
Comparative discussion of religious practices and attitudes.
g.
Select a controversial issue such as affirmative action in college admission and
identify and discuss the pros and cons in a three-page analysis of this issue
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Exams and quizzes, including a final examination
b.
Evaluation of student written work
c.
Class participation
d.
Write 2-3 page analytical paper on some issue affecting ethnic peoples such as
immigration.
e.
Written reports on visits to local museums and art galleries
f.
Conduct internet and library research projects on ethnic groups for class
presentation
g.
Critical reviews on written texts and articles on ethnic groups and their depiction
in American society
Textbooks(Typical):
Native Nations: Cultures and Histories of Native North America, Nancy Bonvillain,
Prentice Hall Publishing Company, 1996, or latest edition
A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America, Ronald Takaki, Boston, Little, Brown and
Company, 1993, or latest edition
Origins and Destinies: Immigration, Race, and Ethnicity in America, Silvia Pedraza and Ruben G.
Rumbaut, Eds., Wadsworth Publishing, 1996, or latest edition
Race, Class and Gender: An Anthology, Margaret Andersen and Patricia Hill Collins, Eds.,
Wadsworth Publishing, 1996, or latest edition.
Special Students Materials:
None.
tf: Word/Ethnic Studies 1
New: 11-16-2006