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A performance of African drumming.
A performance of African drumming.

Ethnic Studies

Examine the historical, social, political, and cultural experiences of diverse ethnic and racial groups in the U.S. and around the world.

At a Glance

What You’ll Learn:

  • The historical socio-cultural experiences and perspectives of ethnically and racially marginalized communities in the U.S.

What You’ll Do:

  • Use critical and creative thinking to solve problems
  • Demonstrate the ability to interact meaningfully and build effective relationships with individuals and groups through community projects

Where You’ll Go:

  • Career fields such as law, education, social work, human resource management, and journalism
  • Prestigious graduate schools to further your career preparation

Program Highlights

Bryant’s interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies concentration provides you with a deep understanding of the complexities of ethnicity, race, culture, and identity within the broader context of inclusion and diversity. Our curriculum draws from fields such as history, sociology, literature, and cultural studies. Through critical analysis and discussion, you’ll gain a nuanced understanding of the complexities of ethnicity, race, and culture, and their intersections with systems of power and privilege.

Global and Comparative Perspectives

The Ethnic Studies concentration emphasizes global and comparative perspectives to examine the experiences of ethnic and racial groups in diverse geographical and historical contexts. Courses explore the intersections of ethnicity and race with other dimensions of identity, such as gender, class, religion, nationality, and sexuality, to provide you with a holistic understanding of the complexities of human diversity. Engage with case studies and comparative analyses to deepen your appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and the interconnectedness of global communities.

Social Justice and Advocacy

Central to the Ethnic Studies concentration is a commitment to social justice, equity, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Classwork and discussions examine issues such as systemic racism, inequality, discrimination, cultural appropriation, and resistance movements, empowering you to become an agent of change and advocate for social justice.

Sample Courses

Our curriculum consists of engaging coursework that’s designed to prepare you for your future career. Just a few sample courses include: 

Introduction to Cultural Studies LCS 270
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies LCS/WGS 250
Race in America HIS 366
Studies in Ethnic Literature of the United States LCS 357
Native American Studies LCS 381
Race and Ethnicity SOC 453

Learn by Doing

Lessons from a textbook can only take you so far. That’s why experiential learning is at the core of your Bryant experience. You’ll engage in hands-on projects and opportunities beginning your very first year — building skills in critical thinking, learning how to adapt to challenges, and fostering your determination to succeed.