Course Descriptions

A student must earn a minimum of 15 credits in Ethnic Studies courses with a grade of “C” or better in each course in order to receive the Ethnic Studies Certificate. Each student participating in the program must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Satisfactory completion of one of the Core Courses. (See below.)
2. Satisfactory completion of four Distribution Courses in at least three disciplines ordepartments.  (See distribution courses below.)

Core Courses

History of American Immigration and Ethnicity - (AMH 3530)  3 credits
An overview of the history of immigration to the United States and of the immigrant and ethnic experience in American society from colonial times to the present.

Class, Gender, and Race in the American Community Since 1900 - (AMH 4318)  3 credits
Development of class, gender and race for everyday behavior and for public policy.

Race and Ethnic Relations - (SYD 4700)  3 credits
A survey of the socio-historical perspective in the area of intergroup relations; the role of minorities in contemporary society. 

Minorities and the Media - (MMC 3601)  3 credits
A historical analysis of images of minorities in motion pictures, radio and television programming; the origin of social stereotypes, their relationship to societal development, and an examination of other alternatives.

American Multicultural Discourse - (SPC 3014)  3 credits
An exploration of the rhetorical practices of multicultural Americans utilizing rhetorical criticism as a tool to study the persuasive efforts of multicultural discourse in the United States.

Ethnicity and Communication - (SPC 4718)  3 credits
A comparative analysis focusing on communication patterns among different cultural groups living within the United States.

Distribution Courses (By Department/Dicipline)

Anthropology

African-American Anthropology - (ANT 4315)  3 credits
A review of the most important theoretical issues in African-American anthropology, including Africanisms, the family, matrifocality, and religion, with the reading of ethnographic studies of African-Americans in the United States.

Cultures of South Asia  - (ANT 3361)  3 credits
The cultural variation in South Asia, comprising the nations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. Religion (Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism), caste and social structure, village dynamics, tribal groups, colonialism, and culture change.

Cultural Anthropology - (ANT 4414)  3 credits
Culture: its nature, structure and dynamics; its relation to society and the individual. Tribal cultures as contrasted with state formations, exemplified by several widely varied case studies.

Gender and Culture - (ANT 4302)  3 credits
An examination of the variation of gender roles in non-Western societies across different levels of social organization. Femininity, masculinity, and additional genders are examined within the context of anthropological theory.

Introduction to African Studies - (AFS 3010)  3 credits
Topics and issues that broaden understanding about the history, economics, politics, social structures, and cultures of the people and societies of Africa.

Native American Culture & Society - (ANT 3312)  3 credits
A description and analysis of aboriginal and contemporary North American Indian cultures in their historical and ecological contexts.

Communication

Storytelling - (COM 4703)  3 credits
Historical development and cultural significance of storytelling as a basis for the discipline of communication. Oral performance of a variety of storytelling styles and techniques.

Intercultural Communication - (SPC 3710)  3 credits
Examination of the intracultural and intercultural communication differences within and between racial, ethnic, and other culturally diverse groups within the United States.

Gender, Race & Communication - (SPC 4712)  3 credits
An investigation of the relationships between discursive practices and cultural concepts of gender and race. Theories of gender and race differences as well as cultural myths, hegemony, and personal, political and religious power are examined.

Education

Education in a Multicultural Society - (EDF 3610)  3 credits
A study of the multicultural dimensions of American society and their impact on the educational process.  International dimensions of curriculum are examined.

Teaching Diverse Populations - (EDG 2701)  3 credits
This course will examine how various ethnic/cultural groups are served in U.S. schools.  Multicultural content and materials to be incorporated into various disciplines will be surveyed.  A field experience component in a culturally diverse school/setting in Palm Beach County is required.

English

African-American Literature to 1895 - (AML 4604)  3 credits
An introduction to African-American literature and culture through prose and poetry from 1746-1895.

African-American Literature 1895-present - (AML 4605)  3 credits
An introduction to African-American literature from the late 19th century to contemporary times.

American Indian Literature - (AML 4640)  3 credits
Interpretation of traditional oral narratives, songs, and oratory, as well as contemporary fiction and poetry. Emphasizes both cultural continuity and creative adaptation of Euro-American presence.

Asian-American Literature - (AML 4673)  3 credits
An introduction to Asian-American literary traditions and histories.

Comparative Literature of Cultural China - (CHT 4500)  3 credits
An exploration of literature and film by Chinese and Chinese descendents from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, France, United States, etc. All literary and cinematic texts are in English or in translation.

Jewish-American Literature - (AML 4663)  3 credits
An introduction to Jewish-American literature and culture through the work of several major and emergent 20th century Jewish-American writers.

U.S. Latino/a Literatures - (AML 4630)  3 credits
An introduction to U.S. Latino/a literatures, with emphasis on Cuban-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American traditions.

History

African-American History to 1954 - (AMH 4570)  3 credits
A survey of the historical experience of African-Americans from West Africa origins to the Brown decision in 1954. Emphasis is placed on the African background, the origins and development of American slavery, the abolitionist movement, the reconstruction and segregation era, the urbanization of African-Americans, and the struggle to end Jim Crow.

African-American History 1954 to Present  - (AMH 4580)  3 credits
An examination of the civil rights movement in the United States from the Brown decision (1954) to the present.

American Indian History - (AMH 4580)  3 credits
An examination of selected aspects of American Indian policy from the colonial era to the present. An ethno-historical approach will be utilized in which Indian cultures are viewed as dynamic entities responding to changing conditions through contact with Euroamericans.

The Civil Rights Movement   - (AMH 4575)  3 credits
A survey of the African-American struggle for full citizenship and human rights.  Students will study black leaders; their organizations; and the legal strategies, mainstream protest movements, and alternative (or radical) approaches they applied to solving the dilemmas of chronic discrimination and racism in 20th century America.

History of the Caribbean - (LAH 4470)  3 credits
The study of the historical development of the Caribbean-Gulf of Mexico cultural area from earliest times to the present. Emphasis is on Hispanic legacy and the region’s strategic importance since the 18th century.

History of Southeastern Indians - (AMH 4581)  3 credits
An ethno-historical examination of Southeastern Indian tribes from pre-contact to the present time. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic and social impact on Indian communities resulting from interaction with Euroamericans.

Islamic History - (ASH 3222)  3 credits
First of two-part survey history of Islamic Civilization in the Middle East.  Course will range from Rise of Islam to the height of Ottoman power in the 17th century. Focus will be on methods of rule, cultural syncretism, and Islamic thought.

Peoples of the Middle East - (ASH 3230)  3 credits
A survey course, focusing on civilizations of the Middle East from 3000 BCE to modern day. Intended as an introduction to various ethno-linguistic groups and religious systems, as well as the Western approach to the study of the region.

Slavery in the New World: A Comparative Perspective - (HIS 4451)  3 credits
This course focuses on the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of African slavery in the Americas. Primary emphasis will be on Brazil, the United States, and Cuba from the Age of Revolution through the period of emancipation.

Women in Asian History - (ASH 3384)  3 credits
This course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural roles played by women in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.  Selective topics will include religious beliefs, political systems, women’s work, ideologies shaping popular notions about women, sexuality, the roles of women in the family, feminism, patriarchy, imperialism, revolution, and nationalism.

Women’s History in the Developing World - (HIS 3312) 3 credits
An examination of the social, political, and economic roles played by women in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle  East from the beginning of known civilizations to the present.

JEWISH STUDIES

American Jewish History - (JST 4415)  3 credits
A survey of major issues and themes in American Jewish history set within the context of North America, from the first Jewish settlers to the National Jewish Population survey of 1990.

History of Anti-Semitism - (JST 3408)  3 credits
A survey of one of the most lasting forms of human hatred. Beginning with the classical period, the course will chart the changing shape of antipathy toward the Jews through medieval Christian and Muslim societies up to the modern period.

History of Hasidism - (JST 4464)  3 credits
The development of Hasidism, the 18th century phenomenon that emerged from Eastern Europe and continues to have a profound impact on contemporary American and Israeli society. Historical origins, major doctrines, gender issues, and Hasidism in the contemporary world.

The Holocaust - (JST 4701)  3 credits
An in-depth study of the Holocaust from its political, religious, and ideological roots in anti-Semitism through the Nazi Final Solution to post-Holocaust issues of ethics, theology, and moral choice.

Introduction to Jewish Studies - (JST 2000)  3 credits
A general introduction to Judaic studies. The primary approach will be historical, but aspects of Jewish religion, culture, and contemporary issues will be explored.

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

African-American Vernacular - (LIN 4612)  3 credits
The history, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and educational implications (the Ebonics question) of contemporary African-American Vernacular English dialects.

Caribbean Literature - (LIT 4192)  3 credits
Comparative study of contemporary prose writers of the Caribbean.  Readings and discussion will focus on the shared issues of colonialism, identity, and exile.

Introduction to Latin American Studies - (LAS 3002)  3 credits
Beginning course of the Latin American Studies curriculum. Serves as an introduction to the methodologies of the field and describes life in Latin America.

Italian American Cinema - (ITT 3522)  3 credits
An overview of the major filmmakers associated with the representation of Italian Americans in the United States film world. Students will view and discuss major filmmakers and their films, and will write critical essays on film topics. Conducted in English.

Music

World Music Ensemble - (MUN 3494)  1 credit
This course is for players of different instruments who would like to explore music and instruments from around the world in an ensemble situation.  Students interact with other instruments, playing and improvising in the styles of different countries.

Jazz in American Society - (MUH 3801)  3 credits
This survey course brings into focus the roots and historical perspective of Jazz in American society. Musical and historical events and their effect on the development and evolution of Jazz music from its inception to the present day are explored.

Philosophy

African-American Philosophy - (PHP 3781)  3 credits
An examination of problems and aspirations of certain major philosophical thinkers in the African-American tradition.

Political Science

Comparative Politics: Middle East  - (CPO 4403)  3 credits
The course will explain the complex political process in the Middle East.  Students will explore the historical background and current developments of the major socio-political trends.

The Comparative Politics of Ethnic Conflict - (CPO 4724)  3 credits
The objective of the course is to study the development of ethnic conflict, separatism, and identity issues, and their impact on world politics.

Religions and World Politics - (CPO 3761)  3 credits
This course will discuss the rise of religious movements worldwide and the impact of religious conflicts on world politics.

Sociology

Self and Society - (SYP 4110)  3 credits
Study of thought, emotions, the self, and social interaction in societal context. Particularly, the course will focus on the impact of the 20th century social changes, cultural patterns, and structures of social inequality in American society.

Social Change - (SYP 4400)  3 credits
A consideration of selected works of classic and contemporary theorists, emphasizing their implications for the study of social change.  May include such topics as modernization, social movements, revolution, and postindustrial society.

Women’s Studies

Women of Color in U.S. Society - (WST 4404)  3 credits
Examines how issues of gender, race, ethnicity, and class shape experiences of women of color in the U.S., including Native American, African-American, Asian-American, and Hispanic-American women.

* Not all eligible courses are on the list above.  If you would like to know if a course that is not listed is eligible to be considered as a distribution course, contact the Director or your departmental representative to the Ethnic Studies Executive Committee.