Programs Offered
Bachelor's Degree
Minor
Certificate
The Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder draws on a tradition of culturally sustaining pedagogy and engaged scholarship to examine how race and the interrelated categories of culture, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, class, sexuality, religion and legal status impact the lives of people locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The foundation of Ethnic Studies is comprised of four pillars of interrelated areas of scholarly research and pedagogy: Africana, Asian American, Chicanx/Latinx, and Native American & Indigenous studies. Our interdisciplinary department offers an undergraduate major and minor in ethnic studies, and an undergraduate certificate in critical sports studies.
Study Abroad
The Department of Ethnic Studies encourages students to participate in the study abroad programs offered through the Education Abroad office. The experience of studying abroad prepares students to live in an increasingly connected world. Students learn invaluable skills for their future careers, form important cross-cultural relationships, and gain an international perspective that prepares them for the world beyond graduation.
Education Abroad offers over 300 pre-approved programs for students at CU Boulder, including many excellent options for Ethnic Studies majors and minors. There are numerous programs and courses available abroad which focus on social justice, Indigenous peoples, diaspora studies and more.
CU Boulder partners with several study abroad organizations that offer summer, semester and full-year programs in many locations around the world, most notably in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Programs of special interest include study abroad in Australia, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, South Africa, Spain and Taiwan.
For more information about studying abroad, students are encouraged to attend Study Abroad 101: Your First Step. This 30-minute session is offered in-person and online multiple times each week and covers the basics of studying abroad as a CU Boulder student. Information on all CU-approved programs is available at the Education Abroad website. Students should always consult with their academic advisor prior to choosing their study abroad program.
Faculty
While many faculty teach both undergraduate and graduate students, some instruct students at the undergraduate level only. For more information, contact the faculty member's home department.
Aldama, Arturo James
Associate Professor, Chair; PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Belknap, Joanne Elizabeth
Professor Emerita; PhD, Michigan State University
Browsh, Jared Bahir
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Carroll, Clinton R.
Associate Professor, Associate Chair; PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Dupris, Joseph
Visiting Assistant Professor; Ph.D., University of Arizona
Ho, Jennifer
Professor; PhD, Boston University
King, William M.
Professor Emeritus
Lawson, Angelica Marie
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Arizona
Maeda, Daryl Joji
Professor; PhD, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Nyeck, S.N.
Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of California-Los Angeles
O'Neal, Shawn Trenell
Teaching Assistant Professor; M.A., University of Colorado Denver
Ordaz, Jessica
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of California, Davis
Rabaka, Reiland
Professor; PhD, Temple University
Rios, Gabriela
Assistant Professor; PhD, Texas AM University
Sepúlveda, Enrique
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of California, Davis
Sohi, Seema
Associate Professor; PhD, University of Washington
Upadhyay, Nishant
Assistant Professor; PhD, York University
Villanueva, Nicholas
Assistant Professor, Associate Chair; PhD, Vanderbilt University
Walker, Deward E. Jr
Professor Emeritus
Courses
ETHN 1022 (3) Introduction to Africana Studies
Overview of Africana studies as a field of investigation, its origins and history.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 1023 (3) Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Studies
Introduces critical terms, issues, and questions that inform the discipline of American Indian Studies. Examines "historical silences" and highlights how American Indian scholars, poets, and filmmakers use their work to address/redress historical subjects, and represent their Native communities.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 1025 (3) Introduction to Asian American Studies
Examines the various factors that define minority groups and their positions in American society using Asian Americans as a case study. Emphasizes the perspectives and methodologies of the discipline of ethnic studies.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Core Curr: Contemporary Societies
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Asian American Studies
ETHN 2001 (3) Foundations of Comparative Ethnic Studies: Race, Gender and Culture(s)
Introduction to the study of race, ethnicity and gender in the United States. Overview of concepts, theories and analytic frames that shape the interdisciplinary field of Ethnic Studies. Focuses on historic, institutional, legal and cultural issues that impact African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Chicanas and Chicanos, European Americans, Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in the U.S.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 2004 (3) Themes in American Culture 1
Enables students to explore various themes in pre-1865 American culture. Examines these themes, which vary each year, in their social context.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: United States Context
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: American Studies
ETHN 2013 (3) Critical Issues in Native North America
Explores a series of issues including regulations of population, land and resource holdings, water rights, education, religious freedom, military obligations, the sociopolitical role of men and women, self-governance, and legal standing as these pertain to American Indian life.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Core Curr: United States Context
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 2014 (3) Themes in American Culture 2
Enables students to explore various themes in post-1865 American culture. Examines these themes, which vary each year, in their social context.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: United States Context
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: American Studies
ETHN 2044 (3) Crime and Society
Explores issues related to crime, the criminal justice system, and crime-related public policy. It addresses what we know about crime and how we know it, how our society responds to crime, how the institutions designed to address crime (police, courts, corrections) function, and diversity in experiences with the criminal justice system.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: SOCY 2044
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 2053 (3) Introduction to BIPOC Horror
Mainstream horror often centers on white fears and problematic representations of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). This class will take a different approach by highlighting horror created by BIPOC in films, novels, and comics. Employing a critical Ethnic Studies lens, focusing on the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability, we will interrogate the various and changing meanings of fear, fright, and despair and how they inform culture, identity, and community.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
ETHN 2203 (3) American Indians in Film
Surveys the image of American Indians in American (especially Hollywood) film with an emphasis on "revisionist," or ¿breakthrough¿ films. It follows the creation of "the Hollywood Indian" from early literature to contemporary motion pictures. Films are analyzed within historical, social, and artistic contexts, and examined in terms of the impact their images have exerted upon American society at large, as well as Native communities. Near the end of the course we will look at what happens when Native Americans write, direct, and act in their own independent films.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: CINE 2203
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 2215 (3) The Japanese American Experience
Surveys the Japanese American experience, emphasizing post-WWII developments. Gives attention to intragroup diversity having to do with generation, ethnicity, ecology, and gender.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Asian American Studies
ETHN 2232 (3) Contemporary African American Social Movements
Examines selected case studies of African American collective behavior in a historical context. Emphasizes an in-depth investigation of the continuing African American struggle for social/democratic rights.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Core Curr: Contemporary Societies
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 2242 (3) African American Social and Political Thought
Introductory course designed to acquaint students with historical and contemporary thinking, writings, and speeches of African Americans.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Core Curr: Contemporary Societies
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 2304 (3-4) Introduction to Social Justice
Provides undergraduate students with an understanding of how social systems, primarily the educational and health care systems, are key to understanding injustices and criminalization. Topics covered will include trauma and victimization, food and housing justice, educational justice, physical and mental health justice, mass incarceration, #BlackLivesMatter and restorative justice.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: American Studies
ETHN 2432 (3) African American History
Surveys African American history. Studies, interprets and analyzes major problems, issues and trends affecting African Americans from about 1600 to the present.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: HIST 2437
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Core Curr: United States Context
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 2500 (3) Race, Ethnicity, and Language
Explores the relationship between race, ethnicity, and language and how they are co-constructed. How do speakers of different racial and ethnic groups use language differently, and what are the social implications of these different language varieties? Discusses the implications of ethnolinguistic variation on racial stereotypes, education, and the law.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: LING 2500
Recommended: Prerequisite LING 1000.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
ETHN 2536 (3) Survey of Chicana/o History and Culture
Through historical and social scientific studies, novels, autobiographies, testimonies, films, music, and art, this course will provide students a survey of Chicana/o history and culture. Historical overviews of Chicana/o peoples from Mesoamerica; the Spanish Conquest; the historical presence of Chicana/o peoples in the Southwest; the rise of the Chicana/o student and community movements; immigration issues; and the gender, sexuality, and criminalization issues.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Core Curr: United States Context
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 2546 (3) Chicana and Chicano Fine Arts and Humanities
Provides foundation for study of Chicano literature, music, the plastic arts, theatre and film. Also introduces aesthetic and critical concepts and their applications in Chicana and Chicano studies.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 2703 (3) Native American and Indigenous Religious Traditions
Studies the religious lifeways of diverse Indigenous peoples in North America. The course considers how these religious lifeways facilitate healing, movements of social protest, and efforts for self-determination in response to ongoing forms of colonialism. Students will critically explore the impact of colonial structures on Native American religious traditions, such as missionization, and evaluate the meaning of decolonization as both a pathway and goal supporting Native liberation.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: RLST 2700
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Core Curr: Ideals and Values
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 2713 (3) American Indian Literature
Surveys historical and contemporary North American Native American literature. Examines the continuity and incorporation of traditional stories and values in Native Literature, including novels, short stories and poetry.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ENGL 2717
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 2732 (3) Introduction to African American Literature
This course traces the roots of contemporary African American writings through the Harlem Renaissance to early Black poetry and slave narratives. Students will explore how African American authors have used genre, language, and publication to question intersections of race, gender, sexuality, class, nation, empire, colorism, and freedom in US and African American history.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ENGL 2737
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 2746 (3) Introduction to Chicana/o/x Literature
This class explores the diverse and vibrant writings of Chicana/o/x authors from today back through a time when places like Colorado and California were part of Mexico. Readings consider how Chicana/o/x authors have used concepts such as Greater Mexico, Aztlán, la frontera, and Chicanidad to question intersections of language, race, class, gender, sexuality, indigeneity, nation, violence, and empire.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ENGL 2747
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 2761 (3) Race, Empire, and the Postcolonial
When did the sun set on the British Empire? In the twentieth century, countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean fought for their independence and built their own literary and cultural traditions while grappling with the legacies of empire. This course explores how authors from these new nation-states wrote about racial oppression; global economic inequalities; the promise of new national identities; the lingering effects of colonialism; and the use of English as a literary language.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ENGL 2767
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3015 (3) Asian Pacific American Communities
Covers the concepts, methods, and theories commonly used in community research, as well as substantive information on selected Asian/Pacific American communities. Emphasizes the ethical/political dimensions of community studies.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1025 or ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Contemporary Societies
Arts Sci Core Curr: United States Context
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Asian American Studies
ETHN 3024 (3) Introduction to Critical Sports Studies
Learn to think in an informed and critical way about sports in society. Examine the socio-cultural significance of sports as it relates to topics such as youth, social class, race/ethnicity, gender, identity, and intercollegiate athletics. Readings, class discussions, videos, and guest speakers will help expand our understanding of this important social phenomenon.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3026 (3) Women of Color: Chicanas in U.S. Society
Critically explores the Chicana experience and identity. Examines issues arising from the intersection of class, race, and gender. Focuses on controversies surrounding culture and gender through an analysis of feminism and feminismo.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001 or ETHN 2536.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 3044 (3) Race, Class, Gender, and Crime
Overview of race, class, gender and ethnicity issues in offending, victimization and processing by the justice system. Examines women and people of color employed in the justice system.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: SOCY 3044 and WGST 3044
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3101 (3) Selected Topics in Ethnic Studies
Intensive examination of a particular topic, theme, issue, or problem in ethnic studies as chosen by the instructor.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3102 (3) Selected Topics in African American Studies
Intensive examination of a particular topic, theme, issue, or problem concerning the African American presence, as chosen by the instructor. Sample offerings could include African American Pop Culture, the Civil Rights Movement, or other African American issues.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 3103 (3) Selected Topics in American Indian Studies
Examines a particular topic, theme, issue, or problem in American Indian Studies.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001 or ETHN 2203.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 3104 (3) Selected Topics in American Studies
Critically examines American identity and experiences, past and present, focusing on ethnicity, gender, popular culture, and political culture.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: American Studies
ETHN 3105 (3) Selected Topics in Asian American Studies
Intensive examination of a topic or issue affecting Asian Americans, such as the Japanese American internment during World War II, or Asian American social movements or community organizations.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1025 or ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Asian American Studies
ETHN 3106 (3-6) Selected Topics in Chicana and Chicano Studies
Intensive examination of a particular topic, theme, issue, or problem in Chicana and Chicano studies as chosen by the instructor.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001 or ETHN 2536.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 3136 (3) Chicana Feminisms and Knowledges
Provides insight into the present socioeconomic condition of Chicanas and the concept of feminismo through interdisciplinary study of history, sociology, literary images, and film portrayals.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: WGST 3135
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001 or ETHN 2536.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 3201 (3) Social Justice, Leadership and Community Engagement Internships
Focuses on leadership theories and skills necessary for effectiveness in social justice settings. Students gain understanding of traditional and culturally diverse approaches to leadership and change. Community service required.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: INVS 3100
Requisites: Restricted to Ethnic Studies (ETHN) majors or minors or INVST Community Studies (IVT) subplan students only.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3212 (3) Introduction to Hip Hop Studies
Examines critical questions posed by hip hop culture. Accentuated in this course are hip hop's contributions to the political-economic, philosophical, and sociological study of race, racism, sexism and sexuality. Examines the ways in which hip hop, as a new social phenomenon, cultural force and aesthetic form, have influenced contemporary American and global culture.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 3213 (3) American Indian Women
Explores the experiences, perspectives, and status of American Indian women in historical and contemporary contexts. Examines representations of Indigenous women in mainstream culture. Emphasizes the agency of American Indian women-their persistence, creativity, and activism, especially in maintaining Indigenous traditions.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: WGST 3210
Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1023 or ETHN 2001 or WGST 2000 or WGST 2600.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 3252 (3) African American Urban History
Fosters a better understanding and appreciation of the role African Americans have played in the evolution and shaping of urban America. Employs techniques of urban studies to more effectively assess the many dimensions, subtitles, and insensitivities of life in the city. S. and Afro-American history.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001 and a working knowledge of U.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 3301 (3) Elements of Religion
Explores universal components of religion, as inferred from religions of the world, ranging from smaller-scale oral to larger-scale literate traditions.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ANTH 3300
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3314 (3) Violence Against Women and Girls
Focuses on aspects of the victimization of women and girls that are "Gendered" - namely, sexual abuse and intimate partner abuse. Also explores the importance of race, class, and sexuality in gendered violence.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: SOCY 3314 and WGST 3314
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3403 (3) Indigenous Rights and Red Power Movement
Deals with historical events involving conflicts between the U.S. government and American Indians. Examples include the role of the FBI in the Pine Ridge Sioux Reservation (1972-76) or the 1864 massacre of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians in Colorado territory. Additional courses may relate to tribal governments.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1023 or ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 3501 (3) Theory/Methods/Writing in Ethnic Studies
Preparation for empirical inquiry in Ethnic Studies. Emphasizes philosophy of social science and cultural studies. Students engage rigorous, theoretical concepts to understand research methods. Prepares students for writing a lengthy, cogent research paper.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) Ethnic Studies (ETHN) majors only.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3575 (3) Japanese American Internment: Critical Thinking in Sociocultural Diversity
Offers a historical overview of the Japanese American experience in the United States. Introduces and explores fundamental issues inherent in the study of human beings from the perspective of cultural social difference.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1025 or ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Asian American Studies
ETHN 3671 (3) People of Color and Social Movements
People of color the world over are struggling for sovereignty, independence, civil and human rights, food security, decent wages and working conditions, healthy housing, and freedom from environmental racism and other forms of imperialism. Course analyzes and brings alive these struggles.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: INVS 3671
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3692 (3) African Am Music: Fr Spirituals and the Blues to Rap/Hip Hop Soul
Offers an overview of the origins and evolution of African American music. Guides students through the musical history, as well as the social, political and cultural history, of the spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, gospel, freedom songs, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, funk, disco, techno, house, rap and hip hop soul.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisites ETHN 1022 and ETHN 2001 and ETHN 3212.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 3701 (3) Gender, Sport and Culture
Critically examines the experiences of girls and women in American sport from a psycho-socio-cultural perspective with a particular emphasis on the constructs of gender, race, class and sexuality and how these constructs both independently and collectively mediate the female sport experience. Explores theories and interpretive frameworks from sport studies, feminist studies, race studies, psychology and cultural studies.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 3024.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3702 (3) African American Sport Experience
Provides a socio-cultural and historical overview of the contributions of African Americans (men and women) to sport in America. Focus is on the macro (patterns of behavior related to large-scale social structures and processes) and micro (behaviors we observe in society, often readily observable in the context of sport and exercise) level of sport analysis.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 3024.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 3704 (3) Athlete as a National Symbol: Nationhood/Nationalism, Sport
This is a global seminar that explores the nationalistic terrain of sport as a way to understand how athletes became a symbol of nationhood and how they are influenced by, and themselves influence, other aspects of society and culture. Using historical and contemporary examples, this course examines how race, gender, sexuality, economics and the media constructed the nationalistic world of sports today.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 3705 (3) Sport and Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean
A critical examination of the changing relationship between sport and culture in Latin America and the Caribbean. Examines the historical evolution and current dynamics of Latin American sport and leisure from the post-colonial period through the 21st Century. A variety of sources examine specific examples from several cities, including Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Brasilia, Caracas, Havana, Santo Domingo, Mexico City, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Topics include colonialism, nationalism, transnationalism, consumer cultures, masculinity & femininity, and sports & leisure.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 3024.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
ETHN 3707 (3) Critical Study of Race and Ethnicity in Sports Films
Examines how race/ethnicity, gender, identity, social class, and nationalism are represented in sport films. The films examined will follow historical social movements throughout the twentieth century, as well as socio-cultural topics today. Readings, class discussions, videos, and guest speakers will help expand our understanding of this important social phenomenon.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 3024.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
ETHN 3777 (3) Inside-Out: Prison and Social Justice
Provides a unique experience for Inside (prisoner) and Outside (CU-B undergraduate) students to take a seminar course together in a prison. We address social justice through an ethnic studies, intersectional, and interdisciplinary lens, including social justice topics such as health, education, and work. Outside students must complete an application provided by the instructor and pass a criminal history check by the Colorado Department of Corrections to be enrolled and space is limited. Previously offered as a special topics course.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
ETHN 3841 (1-6) Undergraduate Independent Study
Consult the Department of Ethnic Studies for information. Instructor consent required.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 4001 (3) Screening Race, Class & Gender in the U.S. and the Global Borderland
Engaging with the ways in which racial, class, gender and sexual oppression intersect, this class examines several film productions by and about diasporic and subaltern subjects (especially children and women) in the U.S./Mexico borderlands, and the urban ethnic metropoles of the global borderlands.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: CINE 4001 and ETHN 5001
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 4006 (3) Chicana/Chicano Native American Cultures of the U.S.
Theoretically engaged seminar considers intersections of Chicana/o and Native American studies to shape our scholarly understanding of the U.S. and Mexico borderlands. Ethnographies, historical studies, novels, film, and music will be used to understand the processes of Spanish and Euro-American colonization, neocolonialism, identity formation, gender, syncretism, and mestizaje.
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 2001 or ETHN 2536 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 4009 (3) Chicana/os and Education
Chicana/o and Mexican-origin communities make up the largest and oldest of U.S. Latinx peoples. In many urban school districts across the country they make up the majority of the school enrollment; yet they are grossly underrepresented in higher education. This course will examine the socio-historical, cultural, and political contexts that have shaped the educational experiences of Chicana/os in the U.S. including issues of race, language learning and identity formation as they intersect with nation building. Previously offered as a special topics course.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5009
Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
Recommended: this course is primarily designed for upper level (juniors and seniors) students but open to sophomores.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
ETHN 4084 (3) Punishment, Law and Society
Places the current state of punishment in the U.S. in historical and cross national context. Examines key features of penal systems and key sociological theories about the relationship between punishment and society. Department enforced prerequisite: SOCY 1001 or SOCY 1004.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: SOCY 4084
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 4102 (3) Special Topics in Africana Studies
Variable topic that allows intensive coverage of a subject, theme, or issue in African American studies.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5102
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 4106 (3) Special Topics in Chicana and Chicano Studies
Examines a particular topic, theme, issue or problem concerning Chicana and Chicano studies.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 4106
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 2001 or ETHN 2536 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 4116 (3) Spoken Word Latinx Poetics and Poetry
This is a writing intensive workshop in contemporary poetry writing and Chicana/o and Latina/o poetics-specifically, Nuyorican and Afro-Latino (the Nuyorican Poets Cafe). The purpose of the course is dual-fold: 1) students will be encouraged and empowered to express and develop their poetic voice; 2) students will be challenged to develop and refine their poetic craft. Examines primarily Chicana and Latino specific poetic expression that reflects the cultural mestizaje of Chicano/a and Latina/o peoples.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5116
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Requisite 6 credits in any ETHN class.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 4213 (3) Indigenous Futurisms: Speculative Genres and Native Tomorrows
Examines how Indigenous authors, artists and filmmakers have recently begun exploring the genres of Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy. Considers this shift in light of past and present Native realities. Explores why this shift is happening now, how it helps communities and individuals make political statements, address/redress historical subjects and help to build better futures for us all.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 4232 (3) The Life and Thought of Martin Luther King Jr
An intensive exploration and examination of the life and thought of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Special emphasis on the stages of his life and their corresponding productions.
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 4233 (3) Native American and Indigenous Environmental Issues
Explores the unique knowledges, practices and perspectives of Native American and Indigenous peoples with regard to environmental issues, and how they both contrast with and complement dominant ways of knowing. Views central themes of Land, Plants, Animals, and Air/Water through political-ecological lenses. Critically assesses historical and contemporary Indigenous environmental matters in the contexts of colonial histories and tribal sovereignty.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5233
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1023 or ETHN 2013.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 4272 (3) W.E.B. Du Bois Seminar
Analyzes the life and thought of W.E.B. Du Bois for its contributions to interdisciplinary and intersectional studies. Emphasis will be placed on the innovative interdisciplinary and intersectional nature of Du Bois's epistemology and research methodology, as well as his participation in radical political and social movements.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5272
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Junior or Senior) Ethnic Studies (ETHN) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 4306 (3) The Chicana and Chicano and U.S. Social Systems
Gives special attention to ways U.S. institutions (i.e., legal, economic, educational, governmental and social agencies) affect Chicanas and Chicanos. Discusses internal colonialism, institutional racism, assimilation and acculturation, and identity.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5306
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 2001 or ETHN 2536 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Chicana/o Studies
ETHN 4353 (3) Indigenous Traditions and Law: A Global Perspective
Explores intersections of indigenous religions and law through historical and contemporary case studies. American Indian and Hawaiian contexts will be featured, as well as the study of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and its recent implementation in places as diverse as Bolivia, Norway and Nagaland. Theoretical issues in the academic study of religion and ethnic studies will be emphasized.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5353 and RLST 4353 and RLST 5353
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 4504 (3) Ethnic-American Autobiography
Investigates the genre of autobiography in America from its inception to the present. American autobiography has been associated with the invention of national character and, thus, is a site of cultural contestation and identity formation. Its changing form crosses disciplinary lines and provides a site for discourses on ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, age, family, religion and other American cultural conflicts.
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: United States Context
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: American Studies
ETHN 4552 (3) The Harlem Renaissance: Fr Black Wmn's Club Mvmnt to Hip Hop
Offers an interdisciplinary and intersectional overview of the origins and evolution of the Harlem Renaissance. Explores classic texts, music and works of art emerging from the Harlem Renaissance and related events and movements of its epoch: the Black Women's Club Movement, New Negro Movement, Pan-African Movement, Lost Generation, Jazz Age, World War I and World War II.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: HUMN 4552 and ETHN 5552
Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001 or ETHN 3212 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 4553 (3) Indigenous Representations in the United States
Examines the relationship and negotiation of culture/status/place through representation(s) within and concerning Indigenous peoples/communities. Focuses on U.S. representational forms in popular experiences e.g., literature, film, media and the roots of those representations via legal and medical definitions. This investigation and analysis is supplemented with focus on gender as well as contextualization through global Indigenous portrayals.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5553
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 1023.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: American Indian Studies
ETHN 4632 (3) Frantz Fanon Seminar
Analyzes the life and thought of Frantz Fanon for its contributions to interdisciplinary and intersectional studies. Emphasis will be placed on the innovative interdisciplinary and intersectional nature of Fanon's psychology, sociology and philosophical anthropology, as well as his participation in African and Caribbean anti-colonial movements.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5632
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Junior or Senior) Ethnic Studies (ETHN) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 4672 (3) Seminar on the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements
A review of the ideas, events, persons, organizations oriented to the quest for African American social justice in the decade of the sixties.
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 4692 (3) Special Topics in Ethnic US Literatures
This course will go in-depth into a special topic in ethnic US literatures through texts drawn from African American, Chicana/o/x, Latina/o/x, Native American and Indigenous, Asian American, and/or Arab American traditions. Topics vary by semester. Check department description for details.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ENGL 4697
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 1022 or ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: Africana Studies
ETHN 4714 (3) Sport for Social Justice
Takes a look at the nuanced and controversial relationship between sport and peace. Although sport is heralded as a powerful tool for social good, drawing attention to causes such as conflict resolution, HIV prevention, environmental initiatives and improved international relationships, it also continues to reflect and reproduce social inequalities in ways commonly overlooked.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5714
Requisites: Restricted to students with 87-180 credits (Senior, Fifth Year Senior).
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 3024.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 4717 (3) Native American and Indigenous Studies Capstone Seminar
Engages a wide range of NAIS methodologies with a series of case studies. Focuses on print, visual, and digital texts encompassing wide swathe of Eurowestern disciplines, while seeking to recuperate and restore Indigenous epistemic practices within our scholarship. Refines students' skills in intellectual debate in the spirit of shared inquiry and challenges research and writing skills.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ENGL 4717
Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
ETHN 4841 (1-6) Independent Study
Work with an approved faculty sponsor to explore a topic in greater depth. Instructor consent required.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Recommended: Prerequisite ETHN 2001.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 4951 (3) Senior/Graduate Seminar in Ethnic Studies
Capstone experience in Ethnic Studies. Includes an independent research project and public presentation.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ETHN 5951
Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of ETHN 2001 and ETHN 3501 (all minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 4961 (3) Honors Thesis 1
Supervised original research project in the field of ethnic studies. The goal is to make substantial progress on a written honors thesis that will be orally defended and submitted to the Honors Program of the College of Arts and Sciences. Department enforced restriction: application and acceptance into the ETHN Honors Program.
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ETHN 2001 (minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 87-180 credits (Senior, Fifth Year Senior) Ethnic Studies (ETHN) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sciences Honors Course
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies
ETHN 4971 (3) Honors Thesis 2
Supervised original research project in the field of ethnic studies. The goal is to complete progress on a written honors thesis that will be orally defended and submitted to the Honors Program of the College of Arts and Sciences. Department enforced prerequisite: application and acceptance into the ETHN Honors Program.
Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of ETHN 2001 and ETHN 4961 (all minimum grade D-). Restricted to students with 87-180 credits (Senior, Fifth Year Senior) Ethnic Studies (ETHN) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sciences Honors Course
Departmental Category: Crosscultural/Comparative Studies