Ethnic Studies
Laura Pulido, Department Head
541-346-0900
541-346-0904 fax
204 Alder Building
5268 University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon 97403-5268
Ethnic studies examines the construction and context of race and ethnicity in the United States, highlighting the histories, experiences, and movements of people of color in the Americas. As an element of American identity that cuts across disciplinary categories, race and ethnicity require a mode of study that draws on the humanities and the social sciences as well as interdisciplinary sources such as cultural studies.
Ethnic studies scholars investigate race and racism, historical and contemporary manifestations of white supremacy and domination, analyzing how such systems of domination have created, and continue to create, social injustice. While the social construction of race in the United States is at the center of traditional ethnic studies, it is impossible to discuss racial dynamics without also paying significant attention to issues of gender, class, and sexuality, in addition to studies of indigenous communities, immigration, transnational migration, and the diasporic formations resulting from the slave trade, indentured labor, colonialism, postcolonialism, imperialism, and globalization.
Ethnic studies courses that satisfy university general-education requirements are listed under Group Requirements and Multicultural Requirement in the Bachelor's Degree Requirements section of this catalog.
Faculty
Charise L. Cheney, associate professor (African American popular and political cultures; Black nationalist ideologies and practices; gender and sexuality). BSJ, 1993, Northwestern; PhD, 1999, Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. (2009)
Lynn H. Fujiwara, associate professor (women of color, Asian American studies, labor). BA, 1990, California, San Diego; MA, 1993, PhD, 1999, California, Santa Cruz. (2000)
Michael Hames-García, professor (policing and mass incarceration; literary and cultural studies; politics of identity). BA, 1993, Willamette; PhD, 1998, Cornell. (2005)
Brian Klopotek, associate professor (federal recognition of Indian tribes, Native American education, environmentalism). BA, 1994, Yale; PhD, 2004, Minnesota, Twin Cities. (2003)
Sharon Luk, assistant professor (racism and racial capitalism, ethnic ontologies, epistemology). BA, 2001, Brown; MA, 2008, PhD, 2012, Southern California. (2014)
Ernesto J. Martínez, associate professor (comparative ethnic studies, queer studies, feminist theory). BA, 1998, Stanford; MA, 2003, PhD, 2005, Cornell. (2006)
Laura Pulido, professor (critical human geography, environmental justice, Chicano studies). BA, 1984, California State, Fresno; MA, 1987, Wisconsin, Madison; PhD, 1991, California, Los Angeles. (2016)
Alaí Reyes-Santos, associate professor (Caribbean studies, African diaspora studies, migration). BA, 2001, Puerto Rico, Mayaguez; PhD, 2007, California, San Diego. (2008)
Stephanie "Lani" Teves, assistant professor (indigenous politics, native and women of color, contemporary native Hawaiian identity and politics). BA, 2002, MA, 2005, Hawaii, Manoa; PhD, 2012, Michigan, Ann Arbor. (2014)
The date in parentheses at the end of each entry is the first year on the University of Oregon faculty.
Undergraduate Studies
Students may earn a major or minor in ethnic studies. A secondary goal of the program is to encourage student awareness of the ethnic and culture-based dimensions and applications of other major fields. Students of literature, social sciences, education, urban planning, art history, humanities, and international studies—to name only a few—find that related ethnic studies courses can enrich their academic programs.
Upper-division courses with related subject matter offered in other departments may be included in an ethnic studies major or minor program by arrangement with a course’s instructor and the department head.
Specific details and course approvals must be obtained from the Department of Ethnic Studies.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| ES 101 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to African American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Asian American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Chicano and Latino Studies | ||
| Introduction to Native American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Pacific Islander Studies | ||
| Additional 100- or 200-level course | 4 | |
| Upper Division | ||
| Six 300- or 400-level courses | 24 | |
| ES 301 | Theoretical Perspectives in Ethnic Studies | 4 |
| ES 498 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 4 |
| ES 499 | Ethnic Studies Proseminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Bachelor of Science in Ethnic Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| ES 101 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to African American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Asian American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Chicano and Latino Studies | ||
| Introduction to Native American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Pacific Islander Studies | ||
| Additional 100- or 200-level course | 4 | |
| Upper Division | ||
| Six 300- or 400-level courses | 24 | |
| ES 301 | Theoretical Perspectives in Ethnic Studies | 4 |
| ES 498 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 4 |
| ES 499 | Ethnic Studies Proseminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Majors must construct their programs in consultation with an ethnic studies advisor. At least 24 of the required upper-division credits must be taken in residence at the University of Oregon. Courses applied to the major must be taken for letter grades and passed with grades of mid-C or better. Majors must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.00 in courses applied to the major. Students majoring in ethnic studies may apply credits in Research: [Topic] (ES 401) and Reading and Conference: [Topic] (ES 405) toward their degree only if completed with letter grades of mid-C or better. Practicum: [Topic] (ES 409) may be applied toward the major on a graded or pass/no pass basis.
Minor in Ethnic Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| ES 101 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 4 |
| Two 200-level courses with ES subject code | 8 | |
| Upper Division | ||
| Four approved courses, including two with ES subject code | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
Upper-division courses must be taken in residence at the University of Oregon. The minor program must be planned in consultation with an ethnic studies advisor at least two terms before graduation. Courses applied to the minor must be taken for letter grades and passed with grades of mid-C or better. Students minoring in ethnic studies may apply credits in Research: [Topic] (ES 401) and Reading and Conference: [Topic] (ES 405) only if completed with letter grades of mid-C or better. Credits in Practicum: [Topic] (ES 409) may be applied toward the minor on a graded or pass/no pass basis.
Four-Year Degree Plan
The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.
Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Milestones | Credits | |
| ES 101 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | Required. Suggested completion prior to other ES courses. Counts as a multicultural course (American cultures) and as a social science general-education course. | 4 |
| WR 121 | College Composition I | 4 | |
| First term of first-year second-language sequence | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Winter | |||
| ES 250 |
Introduction to African American Studies or Introduction to Asian American Studies or Introduction to Chicano and Latino Studies or Introduction to Native American Studies or Introduction to Pacific Islander Studies |
Counts as a multicultural course (American cultures) and as a social science general-education course. | 4 |
| Second term of first-year second-language sequence | 4 | ||
| WR 122 | College Composition II | 4 | |
| Multicultural course | 4 | ||
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Spring | |||
| Lower-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| Third term of first-year second-language sequence | 4 | ||
| Multicultural course | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | ||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Milestones | Credits | |
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| First term of second-year second-language sequence | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Winter | |||
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| Second term of second-year second-language sequence | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Spring | |||
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| Third term of second-year second-language sequence | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | 4 | ||
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | ||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Milestones | Credits | |
| ES 301 | Theoretical Perspectives in Ethnic Studies | Upper-division ethnic studies requirement; suggested completion fall term, third year | 4 |
| General-education course in arts and letters | 4 | ||
| General-education course in science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Winter | |||
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| General-education course in arts and letters | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Spring | |||
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| General-education course in arts and letters | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Milestones | Credits | |
| Upper-division course with an ES subject code | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| General-education course in arts and letters | 4 | ||
| General-education course in science | 4 | ||
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Winter | |||
| ES 498 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | Upper-division ethnic studies requirement, must be completed this term | 4 |
| Three elective courses | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 12 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Spring | |||
| ES 499 | Ethnic Studies Proseminar | Upper-division ethnic studies requirement, must be completed this term | 4 |
| Three elective courses | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 12 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | ||
Bachelor of Science in Ethnic Studies
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Milestones | Credits | |
| ES 101 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | Required. Suggested completion prior to other ES courses. Counts as a multicultural course (American cultures) and as a social science general-education course. | 4 |
| WR 121 | College Composition I | 4 | |
| Mathematics course | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Winter | |||
| ES 250 |
Introduction to African American Studies or Introduction to Asian American Studies or Introduction to Chicano and Latino Studies or Introduction to Native American Studies or Introduction to Pacific Islander Studies |
Lower-division ethnic studies course. Counts as a multicultural course (American cultures) and as a social science general-education course. | 4 |
| Mathematics course | 4 | ||
| WR 122 | College Composition II | 4 | |
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Spring | |||
| Lower-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| Mathematics course | 4 | ||
| Elective courses | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 8 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | ||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Milestones | Credits | |
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| Multicultural course | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Winter | |||
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| Multicultural course | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Spring | |||
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| Elective courses | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 8 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | ||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Milestones | Credits | |
| ES 301 | Theoretical Perspectives in Ethnic Studies | Upper Division ethnic studies requirement; suggested completion fall term, third year | 4 |
| General-education course in arts and letters | 4 | ||
| General-education course in science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Winter | |||
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| General-education course in arts and letters | 4 | ||
| General-education course in science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Spring | |||
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| General-education course in arts and letters | 4 | ||
| General-education course in science | 4 | ||
| Elective course | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Milestones | Credits | |
| Upper-division ethnic studies course | 4 | ||
| General-education course in social science | 4 | ||
| General-education course in arts and letters | 4 | ||
| General-education course in science | 4 | ||
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Winter | |||
| ES 498 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | Upper-division ethnic studies requirement, must be completed this term | 4 |
| Three elective courses | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 12 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Spring | |||
| ES 499 | Ethnic Studies Proseminar | Upper-division ethnic studies requirement, must be completed this term | 4 |
| Three elective courses | May satisfy minor degree requirements, if applicable. | 12 | |
| Credits | 16 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | ||
Courses
ES 100. Temporary Group-Satisfying Course. 4 Credits.
ES 101. Introduction to Ethnic Studies. 4 Credits.
Multidisciplinary study focuses on Americans of African, Asian, Latino, and Native American descent. Topics include group identity, language in society and culture, forms of resistance, migration, and social oppression.
ES 196. Field Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
Prereq: approval of program administrators.
ES 198. Colloquium: [Topic]. 1-2 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 199. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 224M. Introduction to Anthropology of the African Diaspora. 4 Credits.
Introduction to theoretical questions and methodological concerns framing an anthropology of the African Diaspora. Multilisted with ANTH 224M.
ES 250. Introduction to African American Studies. 4 Credits.
Focuses on historical, cultural, and social issues in African America and surveys scholarship in African American studies.
ES 252. Introduction to Asian American Studies. 4 Credits.
Focuses on historical, cultural, and social issues in Asian America and surveys scholarship in Asian American studies.
ES 254. Introduction to Chicano and Latino Studies. 4 Credits.
Focuses on historical, social, and cultural issues in Chicano and Latino communities and surveys scholarship in Chicano and Latino studies.
ES 256. Introduction to Native American Studies. 4 Credits.
Focuses on historical, social, and cultural issues in Native America and surveys scholarship in Native American studies.
ES 258. Introduction to Pacific Islander Studies. 4 Credits.
Focuses on historical, social, and cultural issues in Pacific Islander communities and surveys scholarship in Pacific Island Studies.
ES 301. Theoretical Perspectives in Ethnic Studies. 4 Credits.
Introduction to contemporary theoretical frameworks in the discipline of ethnic studies. Offered fall term only.
Prereq: ES 101; one from ES 250, 252, 254, or 256.
ES 310. Race and Popular Culture: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Examines the interface between race and popular culture, surveying the historical development, political significance, and social influence ofpopular culture in the United States. Repeatable four times for a maximum of 20 credits when topic changes. Offered alternate years.
ES 330. Women of Color: Issues and Concerns. 4 Credits.
Contemporary social issues and feminism among women of color in the United States.
Prereq: ES 101 recommended.
ES 345M. Music, Politics, and Race. 4 Credits.
Examines a variety of musical forms and their relationship to histories of racial and social justice, inequality, and political movements. Offered alternate years. Multilisted with MUS 345M.
ES 350. Native Americans and the Environment. 4 Credits.
Critical issues in Native American environmentalism.
ES 352. Social Equity and Criminal Justice. 4 Credits.
Critical issues related to police, prisons, criminal justice, and racial and gender inequalities.
ES 354. Environmental Racism. 4 Credits.
Explores environmental justice as both a field of scholarship and organizing framework that links power, justice, and inequality to environmental issues. Special attention is given to the specific forms of racism which produce environmental injustice.
ES 356. Race and Social Movements. 4 Credits.
Examines the historical significance of self-asserted racial distinctions and explores the ideological diversity of ethno-racial identities produced in tandem with 20th century U.S. social justice movements.
ES 370. Race, Ethnicity, and Cinema: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Examines the history and politics of race, ethnicity, and indigenousness in relation to film, including questions of production, distribution, and reception in the United States. Repeatable four times for a maximum of 20 credits when topic changes. Offered alternate years.
ES 380. Race, Migration, and Rights. 4 Credits.
Examines historical and contemporary politics in race, immigration, and migration.
ES 399. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Recent topics include Caribbean Migrations; Asian American Women; Critical Whiteness Studies; Native Americans and Film; Asian Diasporas; Race and Resistance in United States History.
ES 401. Research: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.
Repeatable.
Prereq: majors or minors only.
ES 404. Internship: [Topic]. 1-12 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 405. Reading and Conference: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.
Repeatable.
Prereq: majors or minors only.
ES 407. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 409. Practicum: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.
Repeatable.
Prereq: majors or minors only.
ES 410. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 440. Race, Literature, and Culture: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Examines race, literature, and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective. Repeatable four times for a maximum of 20 credits when topic changes. Offered alternate years.
ES 442. Caribbean Literature and Politics. 4 Credits.
Discusses how Caribbean diaspora literature employs themes of colonialism, sexuality, racism, migration, state violence, nationalism, and identity.
ES 450. Race and Incarceration. 4 Credits.
Introduces several key questions necessary for understanding the crisis of prisons and incarceration in the United States, with an emphasis on race, gender, and class.
ES 452. Race and Ethnicity and the Law: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Addresses issues of social justice and the participation of Asian Americans, African Americans, Chicanos and Latinos, and Native Americans in the legal system. Repeatable when topic changes.
ES 456. History of Native American Education. 4 Credits.
Examines the historical conflict between traditional culture and knowledge transmission among Native Americans and the assimilationist educational system and practices of Euro-American culture. Offered alternative years.
ES 460. Race, Culture, Empire: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Examines how racial discourses have informed United States domestic and foreign policy, with special attention on cultural representations of U.S. colonialism and imperialism. Repeatable four times for a maximum of 20 credits when topic changes. Offered alternate years.
ES 498. Interdisciplinary Research Methods. 4 Credits.
Prepares majors for independent research in ethnic studies. Examines interdisciplinary methods for research on race and ethnicity. Offered winter term only.
Prereq: completion of required courses for ethnic studies major, except ES 499; majors or minors only.
ES 499. Ethnic Studies Proseminar. 4 Credits.
Capstone seminar. Focuses on concluding work and experience in ethnic studies through independent research, preparation and presentation of research paper. Offered spring term only.
Prereq: ES 498; majors only.
ES 507. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 510. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 540. Race, Literature, and Culture: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Examines race, literature, and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective. Repeatable four times for a maximum of 20 credtis when topic changes. Offered alternate years.
ES 542. Caribbean Literature and Politics. 4 Credits.
Discusses how Caribbean diaspora literature employs themes of colonialism, sexuality, racism, migration, state violence, nationalism, and identity.
ES 550. Race and Incarceration. 4 Credits.
Introduces several key questions necessary for understanding the crisis of prisons and incarceration in the United States, with an emphasis on race, gender, and class.
ES 552. Race and Ethnicity and the Law: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Addresses issues of social justice and the participation of Asian Americans, African Americans, Chicanos and Latinos, and Native Americans in the legal system. Repeatable when topic changes.
ES 556. History of Native American Education. 4 Credits.
Examines the historical conflict between traditional culture and knowledge transmission among Native Americans and the assimilationist educational system and practices of Euro-American culture. Offered alternative years.
ES 560. Race, Culture, Empire: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Examines how racial discourses have informed United States domestic and foreign policy, with special attention on cultural representations of U.S. colonialism and imperialism. Repeatable four times for a maximum of 20 credits when topic changes. Offered alternate years.
ES 605. Reading and Conference: [Topic]. 1-9 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 607. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 610. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
ES 614. Colloquium: Professional Development. 2 Credits.
Professional development, teaching skills, and mentorship for first year Ethnic Studies PhD students. Repeatable twice for a total of three credits.
ES 615. Theoretical Foundations in Ethnic Studies. 5 Credits.
Introduction to the theoretical foundations and debates in Ethnic Studies scholarship.
ES 616. Interdisciplinary Research Methods in Ethnic Studies. 5 Credits.
Introduction to interdisciplinary methodologies in the various fields of ethnic studies, with an eye towards developing interdisciplinary competence and students applying it to their own work.
ES 617. Genealogies of Ethnic Studies. 5 Credits.
Examines the emergence and evolution of the discipline of Ethnic Studies, including major intellectual shifts in the field, particularly as they relate to changes in the social science and humanities; and the state of the discipline today.
ES 620. Race, Space, and Power: [Topic]. 5 Credits.
This course questions the variety of ways that social constructions of race and space are inextricable from one another and constitute, as much as they are constituted by, modern power relations. Repeatable once for a maximum of 10 credits.
ES 621. Cultural Production: [Topic]. 5 Credits.
Graduate introduction to the theories and methods utilized within Cultural Studies scholarship with attention to race, gender, nation, sexuality and indigeneity. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 15 credits.
ES 622. Resistance and Dissent: [Topic]. 5 Credits.
Surveys historical and contemporary methods people of color have used to subvert and challenge white power and privilege in the United States. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 15 credits.