Ethnic Studies, Associate in Arts

An Associate in Arts degree in Ethnic Studies can be used in social work, teaching, law, advocacy, politics, community services, cultural arts, or museums, and in local, state and federal governmental agencies. Ethnic Studies scholarship is interdisciplinary by nature and interrogates the multiple meanings of diversity. It also engages students in critically examining the cultural contributions, historical experiences, and socioeconomic concerns of varied groups. As part of our pedagogical philosophy, the Ethnic Studies program uses student-centered pedagogies to expand students’ social and political horizons, as well as their creative, critical thinking skills. The Ethnic Studies program is committed to providing students with the skills to address social issues in their communities and to work effectively across diverse settings.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Define and use key concepts, terminology, and theoretical frameworks central to the interdisciplinary field of Ethnic Studies.
  • Analyze and discuss the social, economic, and cultural experiences of ethnic minorities relative to the social sciences and the humanities by engaging in critical thinking, communication, and research.
  • Identify and discuss interconnections of ethnicity, gender, race, class, sexuality, ability, and other categories of identity in various spheres of human experience ranging from the individual to the collective.
  • Illustrate cultural competence by learning about people, cultures, and societies different from themselves and being able to effectively interact with people from diverse cultures.

Associate in Arts Degree Major Requirements

Required Core
Select one Introductory course from the following:3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
Select one Humanities course from the following:3
Mexican-American and Chicano Art
African-American Arts and Music
Ethnic Images in Film
Select one Historical Settings course from the following:3
Chicano History 1848 to Present
African Americans in U.S. History to 1877
African Americans in U.S. History 1865 to Present
Women in United States History
Women in United States History
Select one Political Institutions course from the following:3
American Government and African American Politics
Chicanos in American Politics
Select any two courses listed above not already used, or choose from the following:6
Sociology of Latinos and Latinas
Native American and Indigenous Peoples of the United States
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in American Society
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS18
Additional Requirements42
Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units.
Total Units60

Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.  
 

The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.

Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallUnits
ENGL 1A
College Composition
or College Composition: Enhanced
3
LIBR 50 Introduction to Library and Research Skills 1
MPC GE Area A2 (MATH 16 Recommended) 4
ETNC 10
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
or Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
3
MPC GE Area E 3
Elective (COUN 10 Recommended) 1
 Units15
Spring
ETNC 16
American Government and African American Politics
or Chicanos in American Politics
3
ETNC 4
Mexican-American and Chicano Art
or African-American Arts and Music
or Ethnic Images in Film
3
Elective (ENGL 2 Recommended) 3
Electives 6
 Units15
Second Year
Fall
ETNC 4
Mexican-American and Chicano Art
or African-American Arts and Music
or Ethnic Images in Film
or Introduction to Ethnic Studies
or Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
or Sociology of Latinos and Latinas
or American Government and African American Politics
or Chicanos in American Politics
or Native American and Indigenous Peoples of the United States
or Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in American Society
or Chicano History 1848 to Present
or African Americans in U.S. History to 1877
or African Americans in U.S. History 1865 to Present
3
ETNC 24/HIST 24, ETNC 25/HIST 25, GWOS 12, or HIST 12 3
MPC GE Area B and Lab 4
Electives (SPCH 1, SPCH 2, or SPCH 3 Recommended) 3
Electives 3
 Units16
Spring
ETNC 4
Mexican-American and Chicano Art
or African-American Arts and Music
or Ethnic Images in Film
or Introduction to Ethnic Studies
or Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
or Sociology of Latinos and Latinas
or American Government and African American Politics
or Chicanos in American Politics
or Native American and Indigenous Peoples of the United States
or Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in American Society
or Chicano History 1848 to Present
or African Americans in U.S. History to 1877
or African Americans in U.S. History 1865 to Present
3
Electives 11
 Units14
 Total Units60