American Multicultural Studies
Department Office
Nichols Hall 214
707 664-2486
www.sonoma.edu/depts/amcs
Department Chair: Larry Hajime Shinagawa
Administrative: Coordinator Perce Smith
James E. Gray / Health and Culture, Aging and the Life Cycle, Cultural Anthropology, Urban Race Relations, Gender and Race
Larry Hajime Shinagawa / Social Demography, Intermarriage, Ethnic Identity, Social Policy, Ethnic Politics, Multiculturalism, Asian American Studies
Course Plan / Sample Four-Year Program for Bachelor of Arts in AMCS / Integrated Program Bachelor of Arts/Teaching Certification in AMCS / Sample Four-Year Program for Bachelor of Arts/Teaching Certification in AMCS / Minor in American Ethnic Studies / Individual Course Descriptions
Programs offered:
Bachelor of Arts in American Multicultural Studies
Minor in American Ethnic Studies
American Multicultural Studies (AMCS) is devoted to the interdisciplinary study of ethnic and racial minority groups in the United States. A variety of courses focus on the historical, sociological, cultural and ideological aspects of American ethnicity.
The program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they will need to meet the ongoing challenge of living in a culturally and ethnically diverse society. AMCS students receive basic instruction in how to recognize and engage the underlying assumptions that guide our thinking about race, ethnicity and multiculturalism. They will explore arts and literature; language and philosophy. Additionally, they will examine historical, political, social, educational, economic and cultural developments that affect ethnic and racial minority communities in the United States.
Through a critical study of the significance of the constructions of ethnicity and race in shaping social relationships in the United States, AMCS students are introduced to modes of intercultural learning and understanding that help them to develop the knowledge and sensitivities needed for the enhancement of multicultural communication. By examining the arts, literature, language, and philosophy of ethnic groups, students learn to appreciate the moral and aesthetic values of others. Moreover, through an interdisciplinary approach, they come to a clearer view of the historical importance of ethnic identity in America and a deeper understanding of the impact ethnic groups have had on Americans generally, their social thought, practice, and institutions.
Future Careers
AMCS offers an innovative four-year B.A./teacher credentialing program. Students who complete the pre-approved curriculum will receive a simultaneous B.A. and CLAD certification. This academically rigorous program will allow students to receive both their Bachelor of Arts and a teaching certification in four years. With this program future teachers will be able to avoid an additional year of postgraduate training. Our program combines classes in AMCS and education, and provides extensive field training so students will use pedagogical theory as well as practical experience. They will have the preparation needed to instruct and mentor an increasingly diverse student population.
The major prepares individuals to function effectively in the fields of education, personnel administration, business, law, human resources, public health, public relations, social services, and environmental planning. It provides a sound foundation for graduate work in many traditional disciplines and emerging multidisciplinary fields of inquiry. The Department of American Multicultural Studies, through its major and minor, has the following goals:
- To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity to function effectively in a culturally diverse society.
- To provide knowledge of the contributions that ethnic and racial minorities have given to American society and culture.
- To make students sensitive and aware of the problems and issues facing ethnic and racial minorities.
- To develop within students an appreciation of the richness and diversity of ethnic arts and humanities.
- To develop students' skills in research methods, computer applications and basic social statistics, and thereby enable students to analyze the problems and issues facing ethnic and racial minorities.
- To develop students' skills in communication, particularly in intercultural settings, and to demonstrate the application of these skills in tools of research, in pedagogy and in real-life situations.
- To develop a diverse pool of teachers to meet the needs of an increasingly multicultural student population.
- To provide students with research, community internship, and editing/teaching facilitation opportunities focused on ethnic studies, multicultural education, and multicultural studies.
- To provide the expertise in areas that will allow students to pursue professional and graduate training so they can serve diverse communities, act as a bridge between different cultural groups, and effect constructive social change.
Each semester the Department of American Multicultural Studies publishes a brochure listing all course offerings in AMCS. Copies of the brochure may be obtained in the AMCS Department office.
Students must complete AMCS 210 or AMCS 255 with a 2.5 or better (or equivalent transfer course) to be admitted to the major. Each student majoring in AMCS is assigned a faculty advisor and consults with the advisor on progress toward the degree. Upon acceptance into the major, a transfer student's records will be reviewed to articulate the courses that are equivalent to those offered within AMCS, CALS or NAMS at Sonoma State University.
Bachelor of Arts in
American Multicultural Studies
Admission into the Major
| Degree Requirements | units |
|---|---|
| General education | 51 |
| Major core requirements (up to 6 units may be applied to GE) | 14 |
| Areas of concentration for major | 12 |
| CIP/Service learning | 3 |
| Major electives | 7 |
| General electives | 33 |
| Total units needed for graduation | 120 |
Students graduating with a B.A. in American Multicultural Studies must take a minimum of 36 units within AMCS or supporting courses from CALS, NAMS or related course work in other departments in order to fulfill the requirements of the major. The majority of the courses must be fulfilled within AMCS. Please see the course catalog description for any prerequisites and fulfillment requirements.
Major Core Requirements
| Complete the following 14 units: | ||
|---|---|---|
| AMCS 210 | Ethnic Groups in America | 4 |
| AMCS 255 | Ethnicity in the Humanities | 3 |
| AMCS 350 | Ethics, Values and Multiculturalism | 3 |
| AMCS 480 | Research and Methodology | 4 |
| Total units in the major core | 14 Units | |
Areas of Concentration
Students must take all of their concentration courses either from the arts and humanities plan or from the behavioral and social sciences plan. Each plan's courses will constitute the student's area of concentration in AMCS.
A. Arts and Humanities Plan (12 units)
| Choose from the following: | ||
|---|---|---|
| AMCS 315 | Ethnic Music and Dance | 3 |
| AMCS 330 | Ethnicity and History: (Subtitle) | 3 |
| AMCS 331 | Ethnic History in California | 3 |
| AMCS 345 | Folklore and Ethnicity | 3 |
| AMCS 355 | Language and Ethnicity | 3 |
| AMCS 360 | Ethnic Literature | 3 |
| AMCS 390 | Ethnic Theater | 3 |
| AMCS 392 | Ethnic Images in Film and Media | 3 |
| AMCS 445 | Multiculturalism and Education | 3 |
| AMCS 460 | MultiEthnic Children's Literature | 3 |
| Or | ||
B. Behavioral and Social Sciences Plan (12 units)*
| Choose from the following: | ||
|---|---|---|
| AMCS 330 | Ethnicity and History: (Subtitle) | 3 |
| AMCS 331 | Ethnic History in California | 3 |
| AMCS 335 | The Demography and Geography of Cultural Diversity in America | 3 |
| AMCS 339 | Ethnic Groups and American Social Policy | 3 |
| AMCS 355 | Language and Ethnicity | 3 |
| AMCS 376 | PanAfrican Cultures | 3 |
| AMCS 377 | Asian American Experience | 3 |
| AMCS 405 | Ethnic Families in America | 3-4 |
| AMCS 425 | Men/Women and Power in Interpersonal Relationships | 3 |
| AMCS 432 | Health and Culture | 3-4 |
| AMCS 435 | Ethnicity and the Life Cycle | 3 |
| AMCS 445 | Multiculturalism and Education | 4 |
| AMCS 455 | Civil Rights and Human Rights Law | 3 |
*At least two of the courses in the area of behavioral and social sciences must come from the AMCS Department. Other remaining courses can come from other departments at Sonoma State University. MATH 165 Elementary Statistics or MATH 141 Ethnomathematics is a prerequisite for the behavioral and social sciences plan area.
CIP/Service Learning
Students are required to complete at least 3 units of credit by being involved in a Community Involvement Program (CIP) or service learning opportunity. For further information about the CIP and service learning opportunities, please examine our brochure listing the specific CIP and service learning opportunities available for credit through AMCS.
Major Electives
Any course within AMCS that has not been used to fulfill the core and plan requirements may serve as an elective course. With the consent of a faculty advisor up to 7 units of major electives or supporting courses may be taken from other departments and programs.
Optional Courses in Related Fields and Departments
A maximum of three classes (9-12 units) may come from outside AMCS to fulfill the unit requirement of the major. These courses may be taken from CALS, NAMS, WGS, or other departments and programs at Sonoma State University upon consent of the faculty major advisor. Any course within AMCS that has not been used to fulfill the general and concentration requirements may serve as an elective course. Courses in CALS, NAMS, and other academic programs and departments may be considered for elective credit for the degree upon consent of the major advisor, especially for those students pursuing a double major.
Honors Program (6 units)
Students who maintain a 3.5 average or higher in the major at the end of their junior year may elect to enter into a program conferring graduation with distinction in American Multicultural Studies. The program requires a two-semester sequence of courses including completion of an honors thesis during the senior year. The department believes in the distinction program because it provides the opportunity for the exceptional student to carry out original research and draft a paper based upon such research. Such a program prepares students to go on with their graduate or professional education.
Behavioral and Social Sciences Concentrations
Sample Four-Year Program for
Bachelor of Arts in AMCS
Freshman Year: 30 units
| Fall Semester (15 units) | Spring Semester (15 units) |
|---|---|
| GE ENGL 101 (A2) (3) | GE AMCS 255 (C4) (3) |
| GE PHIL 101 (A3) (3) | GE AMCS 200 (A1) (3) |
| GE Elective (B1,C1,C2) (9) | GE Electives (B4, D2, D3) (9) |
Sophomore Year: 30 units
| Fall Semester (15 units) | Spring Semester (15 units) |
|---|---|
| GE AMCS 210 (D1) (3) | GE Elective (B3) (3) |
| GE Elective (B2) (3) | GE Elective (D4) (3) |
| Electives (9) | GE Electives (9) |
Junior Year: 30 units
| Fall Semester (15 units) | Spring Semester (15 units) |
|---|---|
| AMCS 330 (3) | AMCS 480 (4) |
| AMCS 350 (C3) (4) | AMCS Concentration (6) |
| GE Electives (D5, E) (8) | AMCS Elective (3) |
| Elective (2) |
Senior Year: 30 units
| Fall Semester (15 units) | Spring Semester (15 units) |
|---|---|
| AMCS Concentration (6) | AMCS Elective (4) |
| AMCS Elective (3) | Electives (11) |
| Electives (6) | |
| Total semester units: | 120 |
Integrated Program Bachelor of Arts/Teaching Certification in AMCS
Admission into program Please see requirements for admission into the major
| Degree Requirements | units |
|---|---|
| General education | 51 |
| Major requirements (up to six units may be applied to GE) | 14 |
| Areas of concentration for major (up to six units may be applied to GE) | 12 |
| CIP/Service learning | 3 |
| Major electives | 7 |
| Education classes (up to six units may be applied to GE) | 46 |
| Total units needed for graduation | 124 |
Since this is an intensive program, students must closely follow the schedule below in order to complete a B.A. and CLAD certification in four years. Students must also pass the CBEST exam in order to take required Education courses. Several courses have equivalents that may be substituted for required classes. Please see assigned faculty advisor for a list of course equivalents. Students are required to consult with a faculty advisor every semester to ensure a timely graduation.
Sample Four-Year Program for
Bachelor of Arts/Teaching Certification in AMCS
Freshman Year: 28 units
| Fall Semester (15 units) | Spring Semester (13 units) |
|---|---|
| GE ENGL 101 (A2) (3) | GE AMCS 255 (C4) (3) |
| GE MATH 100 (B4) (3) | GE PHIL 101 (A3) (3) |
| EDUC 250 (3) | GE POLS 200 (D4) or equivalent (3) |
| GE AMCS 210 (D1) (3) | GE GEOL 102 (B1) or equivalent (3) |
| GE BIOL (B2) (3) | EDUC 295 or equivalent (1) |
Sophomore Year: 30 units
| Fall Semester (14 units) | Spring Semester (16 units) |
|---|---|
| GE AMCS 200 (A1) (3) | Foreign Language 102 (3) |
| GE HIST 242 (D3) (3) | Foreign Language 100L (1) |
| Foreign Language 101 (3) | MATH 300 (4) |
| GEOG 203 (3) | AMCS 315 or equivalent (2) |
| Community Involvement (2) | AMCS 355 or equivalent (3) |
| GE GEOG 302 (D5) (3) |
Junior Year: 34 units
| Fall Semester (16 units) | Spring Semester (18 units) |
|---|---|
| GE BIOL 314 (B3) or equivalent (3) | GE AMCS 360 (C2) or equivalent (3) |
| GE EDUC 417 (D1) (3) | GE CALS 403 (E1) or equivalent (3) |
| AMCS 480 (4) | AMCS 350 (3) |
| AMCS 435 (3) | EDMS 410 (4) |
| EDMS 460 (3) | EDMS 461 (4) |
| AMCS 395 (1) |
Senior Year: 32 units
| Fall Semester (17 units) | Spring Semester (15 units) |
|---|---|
| GE AMCS 392 (C1) or equivalent (3) | EDMS 482 (12) |
| KIN 400 (3) | EDMS 480 (3) |
| EDMS 462 (4) | |
| EDMS 472 (2) | |
| EDMS 473 (2) | |
| EDMS 476 (3) | |
| Total semester units: 124 |
Minor in American Ethnic Studies
Students must complete 20 units to fulfill requirements for a minor in American Multicultural Studies with the option of three concentrations: American ethnic studies, African American studies, and Asian American studies. Courses graded CR/NC are not applicable to minors awarded by the AMCS Department. Core requirements
| AMCS 210 Ethnic Groups in America | 4 |
|---|---|
| AMCS 255 Ethnicity in the Humanities | 3 |
| AMCS 330 Ethnicity and History: (Subtitle) | 3 |
| AMCS 350 Ethics, Values and Multiculturalism | 3 |
| Total units in the minor core | 13 |
| Concentration electives | 7 |
| Total units in the minor | 20 |
Minors are also required to include two upperdivision courses in a single area (i.e., humanities or social sciences) with a concentration in one field of study: African American studies, Asian American studies or ethnic studies.
Double Majors and Minors
Students are strongly encouraged to investigate a double major or minor to complement traditional disciplines such as anthropology, education, English, economics, history, geography, management, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and political science. The AMCS degree was specifically designed to encourage double majors. By combining the interdisciplinary and comparative area study of American Multicultural Studies with a traditional discipline or with another interdisciplinary program such as Hutchins or Global Studies, students broaden their minds and enhance their educational and career opportunities.