Ethnic Studies
13 courses · Sierra College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ETHN 0008 La Raza History in the United States
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students survey the history of the Mexican people in the United States from 1848 to the present time. The content includes a discussion of the United States War with Mexico, the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo and the subsequent incorporation of Mexicans and other Latinos into the United States. Emphasis is placed on the politics of race, its origin in the colonial process and its impact on the historical development of a Mexican American and Latino ethnic identity in the United States. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0011 Introduction to Ethnic Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- SSCI 10
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances and intersectional identities of the four core Ethnic populations of Asian Americans, Chicanx/Latinx Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans/American Indians within the United States. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0014 Introduction to Asian American Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory study of the Asian American experience in the United States. Offers an interdisciplinary approach to the examination of art, literature, film, language, ethnomusicology, culinary culture, folklore, religion, gender and immigration. Examines race, ethnicity and culture in the Asian American community and the creation of Ethnic Studies programs in the United States. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0020 Introduction to African American Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- SSCI 20
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the present life circumstances of African Americans in the United States. The course is interdisciplinary in nature and presents an overview of the cultural, economic, historic, social, and political issues in the life of African Americans in the United States centering African American voices. It will expose students of all ethnic backgrounds to the issues pertinent to the experience of African Americans. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0021 African American History Through Reconstruction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the history of African Americans from pre-colonial Africa through the Reconstruction era. It examines the transatlantic slave trade, the institution of slavery, acts of resistance, the role of African Americans in the Civil War, and the political and social impacts of Reconstruction. Students will engage with historical texts, primary sources, and scholarly interpretations to gain a comprehensive understanding of African American history during this period. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0024 African Americans in Sports
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the historical and contemporary racial inequalities in sports, with a specific focus on African American athletes and coaches; This course explores how sports institutions were historically closed to people of color and the barriers that had to be overcome. The course will analyze the role of sports as a means of social mobility and social justice. Students will examine the ongoing issues of race, representation, and economic disparities in collegiate and professional sports. Topics include slave games, Black jockeys, Racial Segregation in sports, the Negro Baseball Leagues, Sports Civil Rights, and the history and current policies surrounding student-athlete compensation. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0028 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Formerly
- SSCI 28
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
ETHN 0030 Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- SSCI 16
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory study of the Mexican American/Latino experience in the United States. Offers an interdisciplinary approach to the examination of art, literature, film, language, ethnomusicology, culinary culture, folklore, religion, gender and immigration. Examines race, ethnicity and culture in the Chicano/Latino community and the creation of Ethnic Studies programs in the United States. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0045 Federal Indian Law and Policy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- SSCI 45
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In-depth study of American Indian cultures and the impact of state and federal laws pertaining to tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Covers the effects of and resistance to colonization and cultural appropriation upon American Indian cultures and religions. Students gain a practical understanding of the legal, political and cultural challenges faced by American Indian tribal nations in our own region and across the country. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0049 La Mujer Chicana - Chicana Feminism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the Chicana in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on establishing a framework from which to view the historical development and treatment of women in modern society. Includes an analysis of selected Latina issues currently affecting Chicana women. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0050 Ethnic Images in Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- SSCI 50
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Interdisciplinary approach to study the intersections of ethnic culture, race, socio-economic class, and gender in the United States through the medium of film. Examines film content for representation and accuracy, the multiple dimensions of media stereotypes, and the authenticity of diverse ethnic experiences with particular emphasis on gender, race and class. Note: not a course in film making or film criticism. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0053 Introduction to Native American Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- SSCI 41
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Survey of the cultures of Native American/American Indians within the United States focusing on the social, religious, economic, and artistic nature of various native groups. Examination of the antiquity, distribution, and linguistic history of native cultures. Addresses the contemporary status of native cultural traditions taking into account social change and adaptation. Emphasis on geographic, cultural, historical, and botanical environment of local native cultures. An optional field trip may be included. (CSU, UC)
ETHN 0054 American Indian Languages
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Survey of American Indian languages including linguistic prehistory, languages at first European contact, subsequent language loss, current efforts at language and cultural revitalization. Investigation of various subjects in contemporary and historical Native American Language Studies. (CSU, UC)