Learning Outcomes/Expectations
for Ethnic Studies Majors

I. Bodies of Skills

A. Critical Thinking

1. the ability to contrast and compare ethnic group experiences
2. ability to frame conclusions from a range of information
3. ability to predict outcomes based on known information

B. Communication Skills

1. ability to clearly and effectively write about experiences of ethnic groups
2. ability to effectively and convincingly verbalize the ethnic group experience
3. ability to work effectively in group processes

C. Research Skills

1. familiarity with research trends and directions in ethnic studies
2. familiarity with data bases in ethnic studies
3. proficiency with basic computing skills
4. ability to discern valid research conclusions
5. ability to design, conduct, and defend a research project

II. Content Mastery

A. Understanding of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Knowledge of the Ethnic Group Experience in the United States

1. understanding of concepts of culture, acculturation, assimilation, and cultural pluralism
2. understanding of concepts of "race," ethnicity, racism, and ethnocentrism
3. understanding of concepts and implications of discrimination, slavery coerced Americanization, colonialism, sexism, and color consciousness on the social experiences of men and women of color
4. understanding of concepts of language, religion, worldview, art, literature, music, and dance

B. Social Histories of Ethnic Groups

1. understanding of ethno-socio-historical perspectives of African and African Americans, Asian and Pacific Island Americans, Mexican/Latino/a Americans and Native Americans
2. understanding of concepts of immigration, migration, emigration, and push-pull factors
3. understanding of the economic and other contributions of ethnic groups to the United States and human civilization
4. understanding of the roles of community formations and institution building among ethnic groups

C. Concepts and Theories/Old and New in Ethnic Studies

1. understanding and ability to analyze the concept of "race" and the evolution of the human species
2. ability to subject concepts such as melting pot, culture of poverty, deprivation, and assorted socio-pathological models to rigid analysis
3. understanding and ability to apply new models and paradigms to the study of the ethnic group experience

D. Social Justice Issues

1. understanding of the judicial system and the implications for the ethnic group experience
2. understanding of both past and present processes of de jure and de facto segregation
3. understanding of continuing effects of discrimination
4. ability to develop recommendations and strategies for ameliorating discrimination

E. Gender, Race, Class, and Ethnic Issues

1. understanding of socio economic levels across gender, race, and ethnic lines
2. understanding of education attainment across these lines
3. understanding of the "glass ceiling" phenomenon
4. understanding of the "double jeopardy" experiences of women of color
5. understanding of key civil and human rights legislation, e.g., voting rights, affirmative action, open housing, self determination, sovereignty, etc., as these continue to shape ethnic group experience

III. Service Based Community Learning

1. documented community biased learning
2. ability to understand the relationship of this mode of learning to the major
3. ability to generate first-hand knowledge regarding the ethnic group experience
4. understanding the socio-cultural responsibility to provide service to others

IV. Self-Development

1. ability to cogently reflect on roles of roles of learning on personal and intellectual growth
2. understanding of the value of social consciousness and personal responsibility