Ethnic and Cultural Studies

Objectives

In a rapidly shrinking global village, ethnic and cultural diversity affect the lives of everyone. Lewis University students have the opportunity to enhance their academic major with an Ethnic and Cultural Studies minor. The program emphasizes, but is not restricted to the contributions of people of African, Latin American, Middle-Eastern, East Asian, South Asian and Native American heritage. The histories, ideologies and cultures of these peoples are critically examined. Since the world has increasingly become cross-culturally interactive, students should have an awareness of the diverse global society.

In cooperation with a number of academic departments at Lewis, the Ethnic and Cultural Studies program offers courses in African, Latin American, Middle-Eastern, East Asian, South Asian and Native American Studies. Comparative course work in European and colonial studies is also provided. Students may pursue a concentration in one, or a combination of several studies.

Students can pursue a concentration in one study area or a combination of different studies. There are three minors available: African-American Studies; Ethnic and Cultural Studies (a more broadly designed minor); and Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies. All minors in Ethnic and Cultural Studies are housed in the Department of Sociology. The Chair of the Sociology Department or the Program Director for Ethnic and Cultural Studies accepts students into these minors. The student is assigned an advisor who helps the student develop a specific program of study. The program also has an advisory board of faculty and staff members who meet at least twice every semester in cooperation with several academic departments to provide students guidance with respect to the program.

In some cases, a course in the Ethnic and Cultural Studies curriculum may also satisfy one of the general education requirements. All courses may be used as electives. However, students interested in the program may take courses without pursuing a minor. Students must have at least sophomore standing to declare an Ethnic and Cultural Studies minor.  Two upper-division courses and 3 additional credit hours in an Ethnic and Cultural Studies minor may not be applied to another minor or any major offered at Lewis University.