Ethnic Studies Minor
The ethnic studies minor is intended to complement students' majors, broadening their fields of study, and providing additional options for careers.
What is the ethnic studies minor?
Ethnic studies is an undergraduate multicultural and interdisciplinary program that offers a broad and intense course of study of the various ethnic groups in the United States. When taking courses in the ethnic studies program, students are encouraged to develop concepts and theories that help to clarify attitudes about people of other cultures. Through understanding and appreciating others' cultures, students can gain an understanding of the multiple realities of our complex and culturally diverse society.
Why pursue a minor in ethnic studies?
Students who choose the ethnic studies minor will take courses and participate in activities which emphasize the interpretation and understanding of the cultural experiences of ethnic groups in America, as well as focus on significant issues and challenges related to cultural diversity and human understanding. As a result, students will be better prepared to be good workers, neighbors, community members, and family members in our increasingly multicultural society.
What kinds of career choices can I expect?
The minor in ethnic studies enhances employment opportunities in such professions as business, civil service, education, government, journalism, law, marketing, social work, and a variety of comparable fields. The minor also provides additional options for graduate school.
What kinds of courses will I take?
The ethnic studies curriculum is interdisciplinary because the study of ethnic groups cannot be confined to one discipline or perspective. Different perspectives through different disciplines add to greater human understanding.
The ethnic studies minor involves a minimum of 18 credit hours. Students are required to complete three core classes:
- ETH 100 Introduction to Ethnic Studies - introduces students to perspectives about the various ethnic realities in America.
- ETH 101 Introduction to African American Studies - provides an interdisciplinary overview of various perspectives which have impacted African American culture and experiences.
- ETH 102 Introduction to Latino Studies - provides an examination of Latino culture and experiences in the United States.
The remaining credits may be completed by choosing from the following approved list of electives which represent a variety of disciplines.
- ANT 111 Cultural Anthropology
- ANT 341 North American Indians
- ART 274 Introduction to Cultural Studio
- CRJ 411 Terrorism
- CRJ 464 Popular Culture, Crime, and Justice
- CRJ 452 Race, Ethnicity, and Crime
- ENG 248 Introduction to Culturally Diverse Literature of the U.S.
- ENG 375 African American Literature
- ENG 468 Seminar in Fiction
- ETS 390 Internship
- GRN 480 Valuing Diversity Later in Life
- HIS 341 African American History
- HIS 305 History of the Civil War Era
- HIS 342 Immigration and Ethnicity
- HCS 310 African American Communication
- HCS 356 Rhetoric of African American Struggle and Progress
- HCS 270 Intergroup/Intercultural Communication
- HCS 315 Asian American Communication
- MUS 261 World Music
- PLS 325 African American Politics
- PSY 365 Multicultural Psychology
- PSY 447 Multicultural Health
- SOC 243 Minority Groups
- SOC 351 Race Relations
- SWK 102 Work in Social Welfare
- SWK 250 Assessing Individuals in the Social Environment
- SWK 265 Understanding Diversity for Social Work Practice
- TCH 255 Multicultural Issues and Strategies in Basic Education
What is a Certificate in Ethnic Studies?
Students who wish to have a concentration in ethnic studies may opt to take ETS 100 (Introduction to Ethnic Studies) and a series of approved elective courses to acquire a certificate in ethnic studies.
Who can take the ethnic studies minor?
Any undergraduate student can declare ethnic studies as a minor.
Where can I get more information?
For specific program information, contact
Dr. Ana Moraña
Director, Ethnic Studies Minor
103 Horton Hall
Shippensburg University
1871 Old main Drive
Shippensbugr, PA 17257 -2299
717-477-1478 or 717-477-1272
Email: anmora@ship.edu