Descriptions from the 2007-08 Course Catalog
Please check the Class Schedule for classes offered this year.
ETST 121
Traditional East Asian Civilization
An introductory survey of East Asia from the dawn of indigenous civilization to the 16th century. Focus on the growth of a Sinitic center and its interaction with the sedentary and nomadic peoples on its Inner Asian and Pacific rims. Emphasis on the diverse peoples and societies of the area and the historical processes that bound them together through a common tradition. 6 units. Also listed as History 160, East Asian Studies 140.
ETST 200
Race and Ethnicity in the United States
An interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity in the United States. The course examines the development of racial and ethnic categorization; patterns of stratification; and the role of political, cultural, and economic forces in shaping ideas about race and ethnicity. The course will explore the social consequences of race and ethnicity with particular attention to racial and ethnic tolerance, discrimination, and institutional racism. The Civil Rights Movement, affirmative action, and immigration policies will be analyzed, as well as connections between ethnic stratification, class, and gender. Other topics will vary from term to term. 6 units.
ETST 210
Expressions of Ethnicity
An introductory course in which film, theatre, literature, visual arts, and music are analyzed in an effort to explore the many ways in which ethnicity is expressed, reflected, and constructed in American culture. Issues of identity, authenticity, impersonation, commodification, stereotypes, integration, and audience will be raised. 6 units.
ETST 221
Europe in the Age of Nationalism, World War, and Totalitarianism, 1851-1990
An examination of European history from the Age of National Unification through the collapse of the Soviet Empire. Topics include imperialism, the two World Wars, the Russian Revolution, fascism, totalitarianism, mass nationalism, and the reemergence of eastern and central Europe. 6 units. Also listed as History 275. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
ETST 222
History of the American West
This course examines realities and images of the frontier/western experience from exploration and settlement of North America through the present. Included are native and immigrant groups, technology, transportation, agriculture, mining, and urbanization, as well as effects of the frontier on national character. 6 units. Also listed as History 330. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
ETST 223
Nationalism in Modern History
An examination of the idea and the reality of nationalism in modern history. Among the questions we will ask are: Is nationalism a modern phenomenon, or does it have pre-modern origins? Is it compatible with democracy and human rights or fundamentally hostile to them? Is it primarily a European phenomenon transplanted to other places, or are there indigenous roots of nationalism throughout the world? We will attempt to answer these questions by reading theoretical works on nationalism from a variety of disciplines and by examining historical case studies. 6 units. Also listed as History 295. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing, HIST 115, or consent of instructor
ETST 230
Ethnography of Sub-Saharan Africa
Through an intensive study of a small number of African societies, this course explores key areas of inquiry that have concerned anthropologists working in Africa and the role Africa has played in the history of anthropology and the development of anthropological theory. Readings will consist of class ethnographies and contemporary ethnographies exploring post-colonial transformations. Topics include colonialism, post-colonialism, and African viewpoints on magic, religion, gender, war, human rights, and politics. 6 units. Also listed as Anthropology 362. Prerequisite: ANTH 110 or 140
ETST 231
Urban Communities of the United States
An exploration of the contemporary dynamics of the city in the United States using ethnographic accounts of particular urban communities. Attention to the concept of community, the dynamics of urban space, the roles of ethnicity and social class, and current policy issues. Students conduct research in the local area. 6 units. Also listed as Anthropology 376.
ETST 240
Sociology of Education
An examination of the social foundations of education in the United States with particular attention paid to the cultural, political, and economic functions of education in modern society. Other topics include the reproductive function of schooling in a society divided along lines of race/ethnicity and class, schools as sites of cultural production, and the historical tension in the U.S. between “equality” and “excellence” in education. Practicum of 25 hours required. 6 units. Also listed as Education Studies 340. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
ETST 241
Ethnicity, Cultural Diversity, and Education
A study of the experience of children and adolescents from different ethnic, cultural, and economic groups. Emphasis on understanding the social consequences of these differences and how such differences affect educational achievement and attainment. The sources and educational effects of individual, institutional, and systemic racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and discrimination will also be examined. Practicum of 25 hours required. 6 units. Also listed as Education Studies 350. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
ETST 250
Race, Law, and Representation in U.S. Politics
This course examines theories of political behavior and political representation through the lens of racial and ethnic politics in the United States. We focus particularly on the role of race in legislative representation, political campaigns, and minority voting rights, answering the question, “Does race affect political outcomes?” 6 units. Also listed as Government 225. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; GOVT 110 or ETST 200 recommended
ETST 251
Immigration and Refugees: Changing the Face of Europe
An examination of the impact of immigration and refugee policy on the politics, culture, and society of European countries, especially Great Britain, France, and Germany. 6 units. Also listed as Government 255.
ETST 270
History of Catholicism in America
An examination of the history and development of Catholicism in America from the Colonial Period through the present day. Themes to be addressed include: the roles of women, characteristics of material culture, devotional practices, racism and ethnic discrimination, “threats” to the Republic, and continuities and discontinuities between American Protestant culture and Catholicism. 6 units. Also listed as Religious Studies 275. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
ETST 290
African-American Art
This course traces the artistic and social legacy of African-American art from the 18th century to the present day. Specifically, it focuses on the ways in which artists used creativity to confront, deny, or complicate understandings of racial identity and racism. 6 units. Also listed as Art History 272.
ETST 320
Empire and Nation in Russian History
The course examines the history of ethnically diverse territories referred to as “Russia” from early modern times to 1991. Themes include the formation of the Russian empire, its transformation into the Soviet Union, and its partial collapse in 1991; the meaning of “empire,” “nation,” and “ethnicity” in historical context; and the interaction of Russians with non-Russian peoples in Ukraine, the Baltic States, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. 6 units. Also listed as History 315. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor; HIST 320 or 325 recommended
ETST 321
Race Relations in the United States, 1865-Present
An examination of relations between black and white Americans since Emancipation. Topics will include Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow, the Great Migrations, the Civil Rights Movement, urban unrest, and white backlash. 6 units. Also listed as History 345. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and HIST 132
ETST 322
Modern Japanese History, 1868-2000
A discussion course on modern Japanese history from the Meiji Restoration of 1868 to the present. This course focuses on Japanese efforts to build a new, westernized state and society compatible with Japan’s traditional “national polity” and to find a new role in modern East Asia and the world. 6 units. Also listed as History 365, East Asian Studies 365. Prerequisite: HIST 165
ETST 325
Ethnicity in Latin America
Explores the coming together of distinct Native, African, and European ethnicities in Latin America, and the resulting creation of new ethnicities. We examine how race has been understood in Latin American history and how attitudes toward race have fundamentally shaped the history of the region. 6 units. Also listed as History 378. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; HIST 178 or HIST 179 recommended
ETST 330
Indians of North America
A cultural study of the Indians of North America, including examination of the impact of European ideas and technology on Indian societies. Emphasis on environmental adaptations, levels of social and cultural complexity, problems of historical interpretation, and the methods and theories of ethnology and their applications to North American cultures. 6 units. Also listed as Anthropology 350. Prerequisite: ANTH 110
ETST 331
Ethnography of Latin America
An introduction to the ethnography of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Special attention to constructions of ethnicity, religion, gender, and nationalism and how these issues have shaped communities and nation-states. The course focuses on clashes over cultural practices as experienced and told by Latin Americans. 6 units. Also listed as Anthropology 352. Prerequisite: ANTH 110 or consent of instructor
ETST 332
Ethnography of the Middle East and North Africa
Introduction to the diversity of social organization and cultural practice in the Middle East and North Africa. Focus on contemporary Arab and Islamic societies and their ethnic and religious minorities. Topics include tribalism, colonialism, gender, religious practices, migration, and the politics of identity. 6 units. Also listed as Anthropology 358. Prerequisite: ANTH 110 or consent of instructor
ETST 360
Survey of African American Literature
A survey of African American literature from slave narratives through contemporary literature. Readings include works by Harriet Jacobs, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Richard Wright, Amiri Baraka, Audre Lorde, and Toni Morrison. 6 units. Also listed as English 260. Prerequisite: ENG 150 or its equivalent or sophomore standing
ETST 380
“Ideal Immigrants”? The German Experience in America (in English)
This course explores what it used to mean to be German in the United States and what it means today: bratwurst, beer, and Oktoberfest. Students will consider issues raised by 19th-century immigration that still reverberate in Germany and America: cultural pluralism vs. assimilation, linguistic diversity vs. single national languages, citizenship vs. “guest” workers. Taught in English. German majors and minors may participate in a two-unit tutorial in which discussions and some course readings will be in German. 6 units. Also listed as German 445.
ETST 381
“Ideal Immigrants”? The German Experience in America
This course explores what it used to mean to be German in the United States and what it means today: bratwurst, beer, and Oktoberfest. Students will consider issues raised by 19th-century immigration that still reverberate in Germany and America: cultural pluralism vs. assimilation, linguistic diversity vs. single national languages, citizenship vs. “guest” workers. Taught in German. 6 units. Also listed as German 446. Prerequisite: GER 312 or consent of instructor
ETST 382
The Literature and Culture of Ethnic Minorities in Germany
Despite a long-term refusal to open itself to immigration, Germany has become a nation of immigrants and asylum-seekers. The course focuses on “Interkulturalität,” an intercultural clash that causes both alienation and intellectual ferment. Examples of texts by Turkish and Italian writers residing in Germany and by ethnic German writers from Rumania provide insight into “interculturality.” 6 units. Also listed as German 447. Prerequisite: GER 312 or consent of instructor
ETST 420
The American Civil War
A comprehensive examination of the Civil War era between 1840 and 1877. Major themes and topics will include the political crisis leading to secession, the military conduct of the war, the end of slavery, the effects of the war on American society, and Reconstruction. 6 units. Also listed as History 470. Prerequisite: Junior standing and HIST 132, or consent of instructor
ETST 430
American Indians on Film
The course examines the ways in which American Indians have been depicted on film. Ethnographic, documentary, and feature films are examined and compared to understand how film has shaped our image of American Indians. 6 units. Also listed as Anthropology 470. Prerequisite: ANTH 350
ETST 480
Latin American Civilization and Culture
A broad introduction to the culture of the Latin American continent and its relations to North American culture. The course presents Latin American civilization, history, economic and political situation, and diverse culture. Emphasis is placed on high cultural manifestations such as art and literature, as well as on the everyday habits of the people. Recommended for students who plan to participate in one of our study-abroad programs in Latin America. 6 units. Also listed as Spanish 400. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
ETST 481
Spanish Civilization and Culture
An overview of Spanish history followed by examination of various aspects of Spanish culture. A broad introduction to the culture of Spain and its relations to North American culture. The course presents Spanish civilization, history, economic and political situation, and diverse culture. Emphasis is placed on high cultural manifestations such as art and literature, as well as on the everyday habits of the people. Recommended for students who plan to participate in one of our study-abroad programs in Spain. 6 units. Also listed as Spanish 405. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
ETST 560
Contemporary British and Post-Colonial Fiction
A survey of contemporary fiction in Britain, with an emphasis on the impact of post-colonial and multicultural writers and perspectives. Authors may include Chinua Achebe, Angela Carter, Keri Hulme, Hanif Kureishi, Patrick McCabe, V. S. Naipaul, Jean Rhys, Salman Rushdie, Amos Tutuola, and Irvine Welsh. 6 units. Also listed as English 507. Prerequisite: Junior standing, ENG 240, or consent of instructor
ETST 561
Literature of the Harlem Renaissance
A study of poetry, fiction, and essays by African American writers from the era of World War I through the 1930s. Authors include Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay, Nella Larsen, W.E.B. Du Bois, and others. 6 units. Also listed as English 510. Prerequisite: Junior standing, ENG 250 or 260, or consent of instructor
ETST 580
Le Roman Québecois
An introduction to the 20th-century Québecois novel, with readings from the works of representative novelists such as Gabrielle Roy, Gerald Bessette, Marie-Claire Blais, Claude Jasmin, Rejean Ducharme, Louky Bersianik, and Yves Beauchemin. Course examines the writers’ depiction of French-speaking Canadian society and their treatment of political, feminist, and literary themes. 6 units.
ETST 582
Hispanic Issues (in English)
This course covers the main cultural issues in the contemporary Hispanic world. It concentrates on both the Hispanics of Latin America and those of the United States. Through theoretical materials as well as literature, film, historical documents, testimony, etc., this course addresses a variety of subjects related to the Hispanic culture. Taught in English. 6 units. Also listed as Spanish 565. Prerequisite: One 400-level course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
ETST 583
Hispanic Issues
This course covers the main cultural issues in the contemporary Hispanic world. It concentrates on both the Hispanics of Latin America and those of the United States. Through theoretical materials as well as literature, film, historical documents, testimony, etc., this course addresses a variety of subjects related to the Hispanic culture. Taught in Spanish. 6 units. Also listed as Spanish 566. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
ETST 584
Black Cultural Nationalisms
A study of the variations of black cultural nationalisms in the works of francophone writers from Africa and the Diaspora. This course examines the writers' challenge to the “Négritude” school and the ways in which they articulate plural and locational black identities to affirm their unique sense of national belonging. Readings from authors such as Senghor, Césaire, Laye, Condé, Chamoiseau, Contant, and Glissant. 6 units. Also listed as French 588. Prerequisite: One 400-level French course or consent of instructor
ETST 190, 390, 590, 690
Tutorial in Ethnic Studies
Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
ETST 195, 395, 595, 695
Ethnic Studies Field Experience
Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
ETST 199, 399, 599, 699
Independent Study in Ethnic Studies
Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required