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Ethnic Studies Minor

Why Ethnic Studies at Valpo?

The ethnic studies minor offers an interdisciplinary perspective on race, ethnicity, and culture, especially on the nature of historical and social constructs that define group and individual experiences, attitudes, and identities. The focus of the minor will be on the following North American ethnic groups: African-American, Chicano/Latino, Native American, and Asian-American.

About Our Ethnic Studies Degree

The objectives of the minor have two complementary components. One, more narrowly academic, aims at helping students develop critical thinking using a multicultural perspective with reference to their own backgrounds and those of others, and with materials from within and without the traditional canon. The other, more social and experiential, involves becoming familiar with and appreciating diversity among students and the larger community. Both aim at providing knowledge and understanding which will help students reach across racial and cultural barriers and equip them to function effectively, both professionally and personally, in a multicultural and multiracial world.

A minimum of 15 credit hours is required for the minor in ethnic studies. Specific required courses are listed below.

Program Core:3 credits
One course from the following options:
HIST 225Alternative Perspectives of United States History3 credits
ENGL 365Studies in American Literature3 credits
Elective Courses:12 credits
ECON 233The Economics of Race and Gender3 credits
ENGL 365Studies in American Literature3 credits
GEO 200American Ethnic Geography3 credits
GEO 274North American Indian on Film3 credits
HIST 323Civil War and Reconstruction3 credits
MUS 101Introduction to Music3 credits
SOCW 210Social Welfare: Policy and Services3 credits
SOCW 260Diverse Populations: Human Rights & Justice3 credits
THEO 333Black Theology and Black Church3 credits
THEO 349Topics in Religious Ethics3 credits
THEO 364Native American Religions3 credits

Additional courses for the minor will consist of topics courses and departmental seminars, each of which must be approved and will be publicized by the administrative committee. Students wishing to use a course not listed must have the course approved by the administrative committee prior to enrolling in the course. No more than one course at the 100 level may apply towards the minor. At least two of the courses applying towards the minor must be at the 300 level or above.

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