Ethnic Studies

JUS 210 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies in the U.S.

JUS 210 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies in the U.S.

Curious about how culture, identity, and power shape our world? Dive into the key ideas and real-life stories behind Ethnic Studies in the U.S. Explore how race, gender, class, sexuality, and disability intersect to influence everything from immigration to media. This course gives you fresh tools to understand justice, challenge inequality, and make sense of the society we live in.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to the key concepts, histories, and social movements that shape Ethnic Studies in the United States. You will explore how race, gender, class, sexuality, and disability intersect to influence systems of power and privilege. Topics include immigration, citizenship, labor, and media representations. Through real-world examples you will gain tools to better understand and engage with issues of justice and equity in society.

Requirements

To be successful in this course, we recommend English language fluency and computer literacy. We also encourage you to make sure your laptop or desktop computer meets the technical requirements.

What you’ll learn

Define and explain core concepts in Ethnic Studies, including race, colonialism, labor, and social movements
Analyze how systems of power (e.g., race, gender, class, sexuality, citizenship) intersect to shape inequality
Critique dominant ideologies like colorblindness and post-racialism and their role in sustaining oppression
Apply intersectional frameworks to historical and contemporary case studies across U.S. contexts
Synthesize course materials to explore resistance, coalition-building, and alternative forms of kinship and community
Construct and communicate critical arguments through writing and discussion, demonstrating deep engagement with the field

Transcript

This course appears on your transcript identically to how it appears on the transcript of an enrolled ASU student who has taken the course on one of ASU’s campuses. Course attendance dates will be listed on your transcript. An on-demand course will appear on your transcript in the session you complete the course.

This course satisfies 3 credit hours toward the HUAD: Humanities, Arts and Design General Studies requirements for Arizona State University. It is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring your credit.

Faculty and course staff

Karen Kuo

Acting School Director and Associate Professor,

School of Social Transformation

Arizona State University

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Why take ASU Universal Learner Courses

Credit you receive is from a regionally accredited university
Your credit is highly transferable
You only pay the $400 course cost if you pass