Ethnic Studies

ethnic studies image

120 Minné Hall
507.457.5500
Ethnic Studies website
Kim Park Nelson, Program Director
Darrell Downs, Interim Political Science, Public Administration, and Ethnic Studies Department Chair

Faculty

Tara Lopez, Assistant Professor; BA, University of New Mexico; MA, University of California-San Diego; PhD, University of Manchester; 2022 -
Kim Park Nelson, Associate Professor; MS, University of Delaware; PhD, University of Minnesota; 2021 -

Purpose

Ethnic Studies entails a multidisciplinary, intersectional approach to examining social identities, political ideologies, and institutions, with specific attention to understanding ethnicity, identities, and concepts of race and racial formation. Work in Ethnic Studies centers on the contributions and perspectives of various racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

Students in the Ethnic Studies program build analytical skills and language skills that enable them to thoughtfully consider issues of identity, belonging, inequality, and power. Students will understand ways that history has impacted present circumstances. Ethnic Studies involves rigorous intellectual scholarship including both research and the opportunity for civic engagement. Graduates will be able to recognize diverse perspectives, have an understanding of power relations, and be familiar with appropriate and effective tools leading to social transformation.

Ethnic Studies offers a set of courses designed to:

enhance students’ understanding of the complex issues surrounding past, present, and future challenges to living and working in a racially and ethnically diverse society
highlight the experiences and contributions of People of Color and historically marginalized groups in the United States
provide students the opportunity to approach questions of race, ethnicity, identity, and power from an interdisciplinary perspective
help students build analytical and language skills that enable them to thoughtfully consider issues of policy, equity, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Pass/No Credit (P/NC) Courses

Except for internships, students must take all courses in the major and minor on a grade-only basis. The P/NC option is available to non-majors for all courses.

Programs

Minor

Ethnic Studies (ETHN) - Minor