Professor Smith presenting Cultural Appropriation seminar to a packed audience.

Ethnic Studies at Lawrence

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 US, 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.

Ethnic Studies Major

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 “read-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.

New Senior Seminar in Ethnic Studies 2019-20 (Winter Term 2020 - TR 9:00-10:50am)

ETST 600: Senior Seminar (taken in the winter of the senior year)

Senior majors in Ethnic Studies must take ETST 600 unless, in advanced consultation with an Ethnic Studies advisor, the student completes one of the two other senior experience options:

  • Off-Campus Program experience incorporating a major research project
  • Student Teaching Practicum: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages OR Teaching in ethnically diverse K-12 classrooms or programs

Core Courses in Ethnic Studies for Academic Year 2019-20

See the class schedule on the web for the list of all Ethnic Studies courses.

Fall Term 2019

  • ETST 100: Introduction to Ethnic Studies (MWF 1:50 – 3:00; J. Smith)
  • ETST 300: Contemporary Native American Perspectives (TR 12:30 – 2:20; B. Miller)

Winter Term 2020

  • ETST 301: Theories of Race & Ethnicity (TR 2:30 – 4:20; J. Smith)
  • ETST 600: Senior Seminar (TR 9:00 – 10:50; J. Smith)

Spring Term 2020

  • ETST 210: Expressions of Ethnicity (MWF 9:50 – 11:00; K. Hoffmann)
  • ETST 302: Research Methods in Ethnic Studies (TR 9:00 – 10:50; J. Smith)
  • ETST 336: Decolonization, Activism and Hope (TR 12:30 – 2:20; B. Miller)
  • ETST 400 Sociology of Latinx Americans (TR 2:30 – 4:20; J. Smith)

See the class schedule on the web for the list of all Ethnic Studies courses.