Course Descriptions
Note: This information is specific to catalog years 2008-2010.
200 - Issues on Race, Ethnicity, and Multiculturalism (3)
Students practice the techniques of critical reading and thinking, of expository writing, and of oral expression through an in-depth examination of race, ethnicity and multiculturalism and its impact on American cultural, political, and social institutions. They examine the principles of thinking, speaking, and writing with a view to the multitude of purposes for which these activities are crucial. Satisfies GE, category Al (Written and Oral Analysis). Prerequisites: completion of GE categories A2 and A3.
210 - Ethnic Groups in America (4)
Survey and analysis of the diverse experiences of major ethnic groups in their present socioeconomic and political position in American society as depicted in literary, historical, anthropological, and sociological studies. Satisfies ethnic studies in GE, category D 1 (Individual and Society). This course satisfies one of the core requirements of the AMCS major. May be taught with a focus on California experience.
255 - Ethnicity in the Humanities (3)
A general survey of the major artistic and expressive developments in the United States with reference to native ethnic minority populations. This course satisfies .one of the core requirements of the AMCS major. May be taught with a focus on California experience.
330 - Ethnicity and History: (Subtitle) (3)
A historical examination of the cultural, social, economic, and political evolution of ethnic minorities within American society. May be taught with a focus on California experience. Topics subject to change.
339 - Ethnic Groups and American Social Policy (3)
The impact of American social policies on ethnic minorities. Topics include public policy issues related to employment, immigration, education, mental health, and minority children and families. The impact of major court decisions affecting public policy and ethnic minorities will also be examined. Course might be taught from single ethnic group's perspectives. Satisfies upper-division ethnic studies in GE, category D1 (Individual and Society). Cross-listed as CALS/ NAMS 339. Topics subject to change.
345 - Folklore and Ethnicity (3)
Methods and materials dealing with the traditional expressive culture of American ethnic groups: oral literature, festivals, children - s games, customs and beliefs. Includes training in collecting oral traditions and in the analysis of folklore texts and contexts. Topics subject to change. May be repeated for credit.
350 - Ethics, Values, and Multiculturalism (3)
An examination of theories of race, ethnicity and multiculturalism and their impact on American thought and practice. Meets ethnic studies and upper-division GE requirements in humanities, Area C3. This course satisfies one of the core requirements of the AMCS major.
355 - Language and Ethnicity (3)
A study of language as an ethnic marker; language and ethnic identity; language and national revival; bilingualism and bi-dialectism; standard and nonstandard speech; foreign accents; linguistic assimilation vs. language retention. Satisfies upper-division ethnic studies in GE, category C4 (Ethnic Studies in Comparative Perspectives). Crosslisted as CALS 426. Topics subject to change. May be repeated for credit.
360 - Ethnic Literature (3)
A survey of the representative novels, short stories, essays, biographies, and poetry of various ethnic authors in the United States. Thematic focus will vary from semester to semester. Topics subject to change. May be taught with a focus on California ethnic literature. Satisfies upper- division ethnic studies in GE, category C2 (World Literature).
370 - Topics in Ethics/Multicultural Studies (4)
A course enabling students to conduct in-depth study of a specific area of ethnic culture. The course may cover subject topics such as Asian-American Cinema, Multicultural autobiography, or African-American music. Topics subject to change. May be repeated for credit with instructor's permission.
374 - The Multiracial Experience (4)
A general survey of the historical and contemporary experience of people claiming more than one racial or ethnic background. Emphasis will be given to interracial relations, the impact of political and social factors, and the cultural expressions of the multiracial experience.
376 - African American Experience (4)
A historical examination of the African American experience from the pre-Colonial period to the present. This course will pay special attention to the cultural and sociological aspects of African American history with a particular focus on the impact of gender and class. This class asks students to use historical anaylsis to understand race relations in the 21st century.
377 - Asian American Experience (4)
A course designed to explore areas of contemporary, historical, or artistic concern as these affect the Asian American Experience. Advanced studies and/or research projects will be discussed and analyzed.
381 - Research Assistantship (2-4)
Student assistance to help faculty with research on the experiences of people of color in America. Topic matter and research agenda will be discussed with faculty. By individual arrangement with faculty sponsor.
385 - Facilitation Training (2-4)
Facilitation pedagogy training in active learning situations within established courses. Prerequisite: junior/senior with satisfactory completion of either AMCS 210 or 255. By individual arrangement with instructor.
392 - Ethnic Images in Film and Media (3)
An examination of representative and significant works, tracing the evolution of ethnic images in cinema and media from their earliest to latest manifestations. Topics subject to change. Satisfies upper division ethnic studies in GE, category C 1 (Ethnic Studies in the Fine Arts).
395 - Community Involvement Program (1-4)
This course is intended to provide students with practical experience in various ethnic community organizations and health and social service agencies, including recreation programs, tutoring programs, day care centers, senior citizen centers, legal aid offices, homeless shelters, etc.
399 - Student Initiated Course (1-4)
Student initiated and instructed courses on topics that enrich or extend current departmental offerings.
405 - Ethnic Families in America (3-4)
An analysis of family and community structure and function from a multicultural perspective. Psychological, sociological and anthropological literature on ethnic families will be examined.
420 - Sexism and Racism in the United States (3-4)
A historical overview of racism and sexism as they affect women of color, focusing on issues in which racism and sexism intersect, e.g., affirmative action, abortion, sterilization, violence against women, and other issues. Cross listed as WGS 375. Topics subject to change.
430 - Topics in Multicultural History (4)
Subjects will vary by semester, but this course will concentrate on topics and periods in American Multicultural history. Students will be required to do a research project in this course. Students will also be asked to review primary documents in American Multicultural history. May be repeated for credit with instructor's permission.
431- Ethnic History of California (4)
A historical examination of the major ethnic and racial groups in California and their influence on the Californian present and future. This course will look at environmental, social, demographic, geographical, sexual, political, and economic issues specific to California and it's minority populations.
432 - Health and Culture (3-4)
An analysis of cultural and ethnic influences on health and health behavior, with an emphasis on developing strategies for bridging cultural disjunctions between health professionals and their clients, and for improving health care delivery to an ethnically diverse population. Topics subject to change. May be repeated for credit.
439 - Civil Rights and Human Rights Law (4)
A studey of major court decisions, legal battles, and/or social movements that have influenced American's understanding of the civil rights and human rights that govern our society. This course will engage student understanding of the relationship between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Course may use a multicultural perspective or focus on a single racial or ethnic group.
445 - Multiculturalism and Education (3)
An analysis of the philosophical and definition issues related to pluralistic education; developing resources germane to this philosophy and the guidelines constituting the foundation for multiethnic educational programs and ethnic studies.
460 - Multiethnic Children's Literature (3)
A study of multi-ethnic children's literature. Stories from folklore and literature are used to exemplify cultural images and traditions.
470 - Advanced Studies in Ethnic Culture (4)
A course enabling students to conduct in-depth study of a specific area of ethnic culture. The course may cover subject topics such as Asian Ameican cinema, multicultural autobiography, or African American music. Topics subject to change. May be repeated for credit with instructor's permission.
475 - Globalization and Race in the United States (4)
The United States, as one of the destination countries of diasporic peoples in this era of globalization, has often responded to the crisis of globalization through racialization. This course emphasises the importance of understanding this crisis and explores the possiblities of creating anti-racist strategies and new social movements.
476 - Selected Topics in African American Studies (4)
Subjects will vary by semester but this course will concentrate on topics and periods in African American history. Students will be required to do a research project in this course. Students will also be asked to review primary documents in African American history. Topics subject to change. May be repeated for credit with instructor's permission.
477 - Selected Topics in Asian American Studies (4)
A course designed to explore areas of contemporary, historical, or artistic concern as they affect the Asian American experience. Advanced studies and/or research projects will be discussed and analyzed. Topics subject to change. May be repeated for credit with instructor's permission.
480 - Research and Methodology (4)
Survey of research and methodological tools used in the study of American ethnic groups. Special attention is given to the problems of objectivity and bias and the political and moral implications of quantitative and field research. This course satisfies one of the core requirements of the AMCS major.
481 - Special Topics (1-4)
Please refer to current Schedule of Classes.
485 - Senior Seminar (4)
Directed studies in a seminar setting on a particular topic or theme. Combined secondary reading and original research leading to the completion of a research project. Please see Schedule of Classes for the topics selected by the instructor.
487 - Senior Thesis (4)
Students in the major, with faculty supervision, may elect to write a thesis in order to qualify for graduation with distinction in American Multicultural Studies.
Prerequisite: AMCS 480.
495 - Special Studies (1-4)
Independent study. Prerequisite: AMCS 210 or 255; a core upper division course; approval of supervising faculty member and approval of department chair.
499 - Service Learning Internship (1-4)
Course provides students with practical experience in various ethnic community organizations and in health/social service/educational settings. Includes recreation programs, tutoring programs, day care centers, cultural arts organizations, civic promotion organizations, etc.