Course Descriptions
Note: This information is specific to catalog years 2006-2008. Updated
catalog information will be posted in the Fall.
200 - Issues on Race, Ethnicity, and Multiculturalism (3)
Fall, Spring
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.
201 - Career Planning for Nontraditional Students (3)
Fall
This course is aimed at providing students interested in employment or continued education upon graduation with information about job opportunities and the necessary skills for job seeking. Current trends in the labor market will be reviewed. resume preparation, interviewing skills, presentation of self, and the importance of follow-up action will be stressed.
210 - Ethnic Groups in America (4)
Fall, Spring
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)
Fall, Spring
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.
315 - Ethnic Music and Dance (3)
Spring, odd years
An in-depth study of the musical and dance traditions of major ethnic groups in the United States. Special emphasis will be given to the forms of expression as cultural identification and affirmation for members of ethnic groups.
330 - Ethnicity and History: (Subtitle) (3)
Fall
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.
331 - Ethnic History in California (3)
Spring
A historical examination of the social, economic, and political evolution of ethnic minorities within California society.
335 - Demography and Geography of Cultural - Diversity in America (3)
Fall, every third semester
An overview of the geographic and demographic diversity of the ethnic minority populations in the United States. Special emphasis will be on migration, immigration, and social indicators of ethnic well-being.
339 - Ethnic Groups and American Social Policy (3)
Fall, Spring
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)
Spring, even years
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)
Fall, Spring
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)
Fall, Spring
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)
Fall, Spring
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).
376 - Pan-African Cultures (3)
Fall
The history of Third World people in their African and Caribbean nation-states as well as in America has been shaped by the twin forces of imperialism and neocolonialism. These two models as well as an in-depth examination of African American cultures in the western hemisphere will be addressed. Topics subject to change. May be repeated for credit.
377 - Asian American Experience (3)
Spring
A general survey of the historical and contemporary experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. Special emphasis is given to the impact that international politics and economics have had on domestic policies in shaping much of the experiences of Asian Pacific Americans. Topics may change. May be repeated for credit.
381 - Research Assistantship (2-4)
Fall, Spring
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)
Fall, Spring
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)
Fall, Spring
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)
Fall, Spring
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)
Spring, even years
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)
Spring
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.
425 - Men/Women and Power in Interpersonal - Relationships (3)
Spring, even years
A senior seminar on the interpersonal dynamics between men and women. Emphasis will be given on the interplay of racial, class, and gender inequalities as they affect the power relationships between and among ethnic minority men and women. Topics subject to change.
432 - Health and Culture (3-4)
Fall, odd years
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.
435 - Ethnicity and the Life Cycle (3)
Spring
An integrated examination of life span development among individuals in American society from a multicultural perspective. This course examines physiological, social and psychological aspects of life span development, cultural/ethnic attitudes, adolescence, adulthood, aging and the aged, death and dying, cultural and ethnic support systems for age groups in ethnic communities, and strategies for improving health and social services for various age groups. Topics subject to change.
445 - Multiculturalism and Education (3)
Fall
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.
450 - Multicultural Resources Development (3-4)
Spring
Development of library research skills and critical thinking and writing in regard to ethnic issues in the United States. Practical hands-on workshop and editorial environment. This course is recommended to all majors. May be repeated for credit.
455 - Civil Rights and Human Rights Law (3)
Spring, odd years
A study of the impact of laws on the sociocultural, political and economic development of ethnic groups in a multicultural society.
460 - Multiethnic Children's Literature (3)
Fall, off years
A study of multi-ethnic children's literature. Stories from folklore and literature are used to exemplify cultural images and traditions.
466 - Selected Topics in African American Studies (3-4)
Fall, Spring
A course designed to explore areas of contemporary, historical or artistic concern as they affect the African American experience. Advanced studies and/or research projects will be discussed and analyzed. Subject matter will vary.
467 - Selected Topics in Asian American Studies (3-4)
Fall, Spring
A course designed to explore areas of contemporary, historical or artistic concern as the affect the Asian American experience. Advanced studies and/or research projects will be discussed and analyzed. Subject matter will vary.
475 - Senior Seminar (4)
Fall
Directed studies in a seminar setting on a particular topic or theme. Combines secondary reading and original research leading to the completion of a research project. Please see Schedule of Classes for the topic selected by the instructor.
475H Senior Honors (4)
Spring
Senior year course for the final submission of a honors research thesis on a subject of cultural diversity in the United States. Students must have completed AMCS 475 satisfactorily before undertaking the course.
480 - Research and Methodology (4)
Fall, Spring
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)
Fall, Spring
Please refer to current Schedule of Classes.
495 - Special Studies (1-4)
Fall, Spring
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)
Fall, Spring
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.