A CSU Ethnic Studies professor stands with two students in front of a "Black Lives Matter" poster.

The minor in Ethnic Studies provides an opportunity for students to take a group of courses that address the impact of race, culture, class, gender, and sexuality in shaping institutions, social relations, and identities. Regardless of the main area of students’ academic focus and career aspirations, a minor in Ethnic Studies will be advantageous as employers and organizations increasingly look for individuals capable of communicating across difference and addressing issues of equity and justice.

For more information on the minor, please visit the department website.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program of study, students will:

  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of key concepts shaping racial and ethnic formations and structures.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the social histories and cultural experiences of racial and ethnic groups.
  3. Select and model respectful engagement with diverse populations.
  4. Apply an understanding of the value of social consciousness and personal responsibility.
  5. Develop critical thinking, writing, and reading skills to their intellectual and personal pursuits.

Effective Spring 2024

Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.

Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.

Students in the Ethnic Studies minor must earn a minimum grade of C (2.000) for all Ethnic Studies courses required for the minor.

ETST 100Introduction to Ethnic Studies (GT-SS3)3
ETST 305Ethnicity, Class, and Gender in the U.S.3
Select one course from each of the following categories: 1
Critical Histories in Ethnic Studies:3
African American History (GT-HI1)
Asian American History (GT-HI1)
Chicanx History and Culture (GT-HI1)
Native American History (GT-HI1)
Creative Expressions and Social Change:3
Introduction to Native American Literature
Introduction to Chicano Literature
Introduction to Indigenous Studies (GT-AH2)
African American Creative Expression (GT-AH1)
Racial Representations of Black Athletes
African American Studies
Ethnicity and Film--Asian-American Experience
Black Cinema and Media
Gynaehorror--Horror Films, Race, Female Body
Advanced Topics in African American Studies
Queer Creative Expressions
Indigenous Film and Video
Latinx Creative Expression
Native American Literature
Chicanx Film and Video
Intersectionality and Coalitional Politics:3
Introduction to Queer Studies
La Chicana in Society
Introduction to Critical Disability Studies
Queer Studies and Women of Color
Queer Indigenous Studies
Indigenous Women, Children, and Tribes
Indigenous Consciousness and Gender
Black Feminism(s)
Disability, Race, Gender in the Environment
Community Organizing and Institutional Change:3
Border Crossings--People/Politics/Culture (GT-SS3)
Contemporary Indigenous Issues
Culture of Care in Schools
Asian-Pacific Americans and the Law
African American Resistance and Self-Creation
Contemporary Chicanx Issues
Asian American Social Movements, 1945-Present
Global Environmental Justice Movements
Race Formation in the United States
Development in Indian Country
Latinx Routes to Empowerment
Federal Indian Law and Policy
Inclusive Sport Organizations
Global Race, Power, & Resistance:3
West Africa in Global and Local Perspective
Antisemitism Uncovered--Rhetoric to Violence
Latinx Populations in the U.S.
Study Abroad--Ghana: Youth Development, Transnational Perspectives
Caribbean Identities
The Modern Caribbean
Africa and African Diaspora
Indigenous Knowledges
Program Total Credits:21
1

Select a minimum of 9 upper-division credits (300-400 level).