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Introduction to Ethnic Studies

Basic & On Demand

Enrollment for Basic and On Demand courses is open on a rolling basis.

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Plus

Teachers can use the complete Plus course curriculum for flexible instruction.

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Course Summary

Discover the cultural wealth and dynamic history of four significant ethnic groups: African American, Asian American, Chicanx/Latinx, and Native American. Learn about their profound experiences and influences on the United States, while reflecting on your identity and personal background. Engage in discussions, exploratory assignments, and projects to examine differences and intersections within the diverse world around you. Develop greater connections with your community, enhance your social awareness, embrace opportunities for activism, and acquire foundational research skills.

This course meets California A-G requirements and fulfills the California graduation requirement, Assembly Bill 101.

Curriculum

This is a 1-semester course.

Unit 0: Introduction
  • Welcome to Ethnic Studies 
  • Research and YPAR Introduction
  • Land Acknowledgement 101
Unit 1: Foundations
  • Ethnic Studies: Past and Future 
  • Constructing Identities
  • Decoding Positionality: Unveiling Society
  • Cultural Wealth Explained
  • Self-Care and Caring for Others
  • Exploring Your Roots
  • Ancestry Trails: Unveiling the Past
  • Ways to Locate Ancestry
  • Cultural Asset Spotlight: Food
Unit 2: Stories
  • Migration's Push Forces
  • Attractions of Migration
  • Push Migrations
  • Pull Migrations
  • Intersectionality and Self
  • Intersectionality and Bridging Ethnic Groups
  • Cultural Asset Spotlight: Music and Dance
Unit 3: Systems
  • Influence of Systems on Our World
  • Hegemony Unveiled
  • Citizenship: Part 1
  • Voting Rights: Part 1
  • Healthcare: Part 1
  • Institutional Barriers
  • The Four I's of Oppression
  • Unmasking Dominant Narratives
  • Investigating Stereotypes
  • Exploring Barriers to Access
  • Creating Equity in Access
  • Cultural Asset Spotlight: Art
Unit 4: Social Movements
  • The Historical Roots of Social Change
  • Social Change's Ripple Effect
  • The How & Why of Social Change
  • Citizenship: Part 2
  • Voting Rights: Part 2
  • Healthcare: Part 2
  • The Future of Social Change
  • Influencing Social Change
  • Environmental Justice
  • LGBTQ+ Rights
  • Social Media and Violence
  • Cultural Asset Spotlight: Film and TV