Ethnic Studies Major/Minor Requirements

Ethnic Studies at Lawrence is the critical and interdisciplinary examination of race and ethnicity. Through a focus on the experiences and expressions of people of color in and beyond the U.S., students explore current and historical issues pertaining to race and ethnicity in both domestic and global contexts. Students learn how ethnic groups identify themselves on the basis of national origin, family heritage, shared historical experience, customs and traditions, and/or language. They critically examine how constructions of race and racism are still embedded in institutions and everyday life. Students gain skills enhancing their own ability to negotiate multi-ethnic and interracial relationships and to thrive in diverse communities and workplaces.

The Ethnic Studies major offers foundational courses that introduce students to central concepts and current approaches to Ethnic Studies theory and methods. In consultation with an Ethnic Studies faculty advisor, students will select a set of electives that reflect their individual interest in certain topics or current debates, specific ethno-racial communities, geographic areas, or historical time periods. In a community-based learning experience, students will bridge academic learning and “real-world” practice through service learning, internships, volunteer work, or student-teaching. Finally, for their Senior Experience, students may choose from three options designed to bring reflection and focus to their Ethnic Studies experience.

Students who major in ethnic studies will learn to critically review debates over definitions of race and ethnicity. They will learn to articulate a variety of disciplinary perspectives and will demonstrate familiarity with a range of theoretical approaches in discussions of race and ethnicity. And they will relate the impact of race and ethnicity on the lives of people in contemporary society.

The major in ethnic studies requires the following:

1. The following introductory courses:
   1. ETST 110: Introduction to Ethnic Studies
   2. ETST 210: Expressions of Ethnicity
2. The following theory and methods courses:
   1. ETST 302: Research Methods in Ethnic Studies
   2. ETST 402: Theories of Race and Ethnicity [NOTE: ETST 301, taken during an academic year before 2022-23, meets this requirement]
3. Five six-unit elective courses, representing coursework from at least two different departments and including at least two upper-division courses numbered in the 400s-500s other than ETST 402.
4. Required social justice or community-based learning experience in an off-campus site (local, domestic, or global) accompanied by a reflection
   1. A non-credit bearing requirement that students may fulfill through work-study, volunteering, interning, or service-learning in a community or organization. Students may fulfill this requirement for elective credit if completed as part of an internship or community-based learning.  The Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee approves social justice or community-based learning proposals and evaluates written reflections upon completion. The deadline for completion is third week of winter term in a student's senior year (though students are encouraged to complete this requirement sooner).

In consultation with an Ethnic Studies faculty advisor, students may choose one of three senior capstone options:

1. ETST 600: Senior Seminar
2. Off-campus program experience incorporating a major research project on social justice, race, or ethnicity.
3. Student teaching practicum teaching English to speakers of other languages OR Teaching in ethnically diverse K-12 classrooms or programs

1. ETST 110: Introduction to Ethnic Studies
2. One of the following courses:
   1. ETST 210: Expressions of Ethnicity
   2. ETST 302: Research Methods with Communities of Color
   3. ETST 402: Theories of Race and Ethnicity [NOTE: ETST 301, taken during an academic year before 2022-23, meets this requirement.]
3. Three six-unit electives drawn from at least two departments and reflecting individual interest in certain topics or current debates, specific ethno-racial communities, geographic areas, or historical time periods.
4. One six-unit upper-division seminar (courses numbered in the 400s-500s)