Ethnic Studies | Lawrence University

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.

New Ethnic Studies Major Starting 2018-19

The Ethnic Studies major will offer 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. For their senior experience, students will choose from three options designed to bring reflection and focus to their Ethnic Studies experience.

Courses in Ethnic Studies

The 2018- 2019 Class Schedule will contain the complete list of courses cross-listed in Ethnic Studies.

Fall 2018
ETST 401: Sociology of Black Americans (MWF 1:50-3:00)
ETST 346: Indigenous Music & Art: Identity, Loss, and Healing (TR 12:30-2:20)

Winter 2019
ETST 110: Introduction to Ethnic Studies (MWF 9:50-11:00)
ETST 300: Perspectives of Contemporary Indigenous Women (TR 12:30-2:20)
ETST 301: Theories in Race and Ethnicity (MWF 1:50-3:00)

Spring 2019
ETST 210: Expressions of Ethnicity (MWF 1:50-3:00)
ETST 302: Research Methods in Ethnic Studies (TR 9:00-10:50)
ETST 310: Social Justice & Critical Geography (MWF 11:10-12:20)
ETST 336: Decolonization, Activism & Hope: Changing The Way We See Native America (TR 12:30-2:20)

Major Requirements

1. The following introductory courses:
a. ETST 110: Introduction to Ethnic Studies (6 units)
b. ETST 210: Expressions of Ethnicity (6 units)

2. The following theory and method courses:
a. ETST 301: Theories of Race and Ethnicity (6 units)
b. ETST 302: Research Methods in Ethnic Studies (6 units)

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.

4. Required social justice or community-based learning experience at an off-campus site (local, domestic, or global) accompanied by a reflection

5. Senior Experience (6 units)
In consultation with an Ethnic Studies faculty advisor, students may choose one of three senior capstone options:
a. ETST 600: Senior Seminar (6 units)
b. Off-campus program experience incorporating a major research project
c. Student Teaching Practicum: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, OR Teaching in ethnically diverse K-12 classrooms or programs)

6. C average in the major

Minor Requirements

1. Introduction to Ethnic Studies (6 units)

2. One of the following courses:
a. ETST 210: Expressions of Ethnicity
b. ETST 301 (or 350): Theories of Race and Ethnicity (6 units)
c. ETST 302 (or 380): Research Methods with Communities of Color (6 units)

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)

5. C average in the minor