Undergrad. Catalog 07: Ethnic Studies

Revised May 2007

Interdisciplinary Programs

Ethnic Studies Program

201 Old Library
610-436-2725
Bonita Freeman-Witthoft, Director and Native American Coordinator
C. James Trotman, African American Coordinator
Frank J. Hoffman, Associate Director and Asian American Coordinator
Stacey Schlau, Hispanic American Coordinator
Jonathan Friedman, Jewish American Coordinator

STEERING COMMITTEE
Erminio Braidotti, Foreign Languages
Andrew E. Dinniman, Educational Development Services
Charles Hardy, History
William L. Hewitt, History
Frank J. Hoffman, Philosophy
Mildred C. Joyner, Social Work
Deborah Malstedt, Psychology
Bhim Sandhu, Political Science
Richard W. Voss, Social Work
Jerome M. Williams, Foreign Languages

The Ethnic Studies Institute (ESI) offers a minor and a certificate to any student, regardless of major, who satisfactorily completes 18 semester hours of work in ethnic studies. Study may lead to a general certificate in ethnic studies or to a specialized certificate in one of the following areas:

African American Studies
Asian American Studies
Hispanic American Studies
Jewish American Studies
Native American Studies

Minor in Ethnic Studies (18 semester hours)

For current requirements and a list of approved courses in each specialization, consult the director of ethnic studies.

For each option currently offered there are, in addition to the relevant ethnic studies core courses, certain cognate courses. These cognate courses do not necessarily deal directly with ethnic group life but give an added dimension of social and historical background.

As soon as possible, students should register their intent to earn the minor with the director of the ESI. At the end of each semester, students should report the ethnic-related courses completed during the semester and the courses planned for the following semester to the director. An updated list of courses approved for credit is available each semester from the ESI before the advising and scheduling period. Students can use an approved ethnic-related course toward the completion of the minor in ethnic studies at the same time it is being used to fulfill their major, other minor, or elective requirements.

Students are encouraged to attend at least two cultural ethnic events - speakers, musical programs, art shows, theatre productions, or films - each year.

For advising in ethnic studies, contact the director, Bonita Freeman-Witthoft at 610-436-2725, or the associate director, Frank J. Hoffman at 610-436-2361.

Minor in Holocaust Studies (18 semester hours)

The program in Holocaust studies deals not only with historical aspects of the Holocaust, but also with moral and political issues involved in the prevention of future holocausts.

This minor may be taken as one of the minors in the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in liberal studies general degree program. For advising in Holocaust studies, contact Dr. Jonathan Friedman, 610-436-2972.

1. Required courses (9 semester hours)
HIS 332, 349, and PHI 180

2. Elective courses (9 semester hours)
Any three courses selected from the following:
ANT 120; GER 221/EGE 222; HIS 423; LIT 304; PSC 252, 322; PSY 254; SOC 335; SSC 385, 480; or SWO 225

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ETHNIC STUDIES

Symbol: SSC

201 Global Perspectives (3) This course is intended to help students develop the competencies needed for the understanding of, and meaningful participation in, the world issues of the 1990's.
Approved interdisciplinary course

480 Ethnic Cultures Workshop (3) This workshop considers the history, traditions, customs, and contributions to American life of various ethnic groups. The lectures and special programs are designed to increase the student's knowledge of the multicultural nature of American society. Projects, specifically tailored to individual needs, are directed by a faculty member of the Ethnic Studies Institute.
This course may be taken again for credit.