Ethnic Studies

College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the cultures, languages, historical, and contemporary issues relating to African Americans, Asian Americans, Chicanx-Latinx, and Native Americans. The program directs students to critically examine the cultural contributions made by these groups to world civilization and to American society. Ethnic Studies challenges all students to analyze existing generalizations, theories, and concepts about racial and ethnic groups in order to develop valid generalizations, concepts, and theories about the people and their experiences. Students are encouraged to actively work to eliminate problems based on discrimination.

Students are also encouraged to blend professional area studies with Ethnic Studies. For example, a student may major in Ethnic Studies and minor in Business Administration. Similarly, students with a degree in Engineering Technology may minor in Ethnic Studies and emerge well-prepared professionally to assume middle management and supervisory positions in a diverse society. Ethnic Studies majors and minors enter careers and professions in both the public and private sectors. Program advising and other information can be obtained from the Ethnic Studies Office.

Degree Programs

BA in Ethnic Studies (Asian American Studies)

BA in Ethnics Studies (Chicanx/Latinx Studies)

BA in Ethnic Studies (General Studies)

BA in Ethnic Studies (Native-American Studies)

BA in Ethnic Studies (Pan African Studies)

BA in Ethnic Studies (Teachers in Bilingual Education)

BA in Ethnic Studies (Teachers in Urban Settings)

Minor in Ethnic Studies

Minor in Asian American Studies

Minor in Chicanx and Latinx Studies

Minor in Native American Studies

Certificate in Pan African Studies

Special Features

  • A student who majors in Ethnic Studies will not only have a strong background in one of the seven areas of specializations but will also gain broad background knowledge of other ethnic groups. Each program area develops its major focus in coordination with other program areas.
  • Ethnic Studies encourages students to actively participate in community service learning projects. These projects afford students such opportunities as working directly with community-based organizations and/or agencies, local high schools, and/or middle schools.
  • Ethnic Studies regularly sponsors cultural programs providing an opportunity for learning more about the experiences of the social groups framing the content of the Ethnic Studies program.

Career Possibilities

The rich educational experience of Ethnic Studies majors and minors are excellent preparation for careers and professions in the public and private sectors, as well as graduate school. Ethnic Studies majors and minors enter government service, politics, community/social service, business, public school teaching/administration, higher education teaching/administration, social work, counseling, law, journalism, and much more.

Contact Information

Dr. Annette Reed, Department Chair
Rena Horse, Administrative Support Coordinator
Amador Hall 463
(916) 278-6646
www.csus.edu/ethn

Faculty

BAKER, BRIAN

BOSTON, MARTIN

FIGUEROA, JULIE

FONG, TIMOTHY

GEORGE III, CLARENCE

GOW, WILLIAM

GREEN, RICKY

MOORE, ANDREA

RAMIREZ, ELVIA

REED, ANNETTE

SOZA WAR SOLDIER, ROSE

VARGAS, MARIA

YAMASHITA, WENDSOR