2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Race and Ethnic Studies

Courses

RCE 200. Introduction to Race and Ethnic Studies. 3 Hours

Introduction to key concepts, themes, and debates in Race and Ethnic Studies. Focus is on developing a transdisciplinary and intersectional perspective for exploring the social construction of race and connected racialized ideologies such as colonialism, slavery, and settler colonialism.

RCE 301. Africana Studies Theories and Methods. 3 Hours

Review of the theoretical development of Africana Studies as an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the history, culture, and politics of the African diaspora. Prerequisites: ASI 110, ENG 100, ENG 100B, ENG 114, ENG 198, REL 103, REL 1HC, HST 103, HST 1HC, PHL 103, or PHL 1HC (may be taken at same time).

RCE 303. Latinx and Latin American Studies Theories and Methods. 3 Hours

Review of the nature, language, and processes of inquiry involving language, critical historical perspectives, movements of justice in areas of Latinx and Latin American Studies. Prerequisites: ASI 110, ENG 100, ENG 100B, ENG 114, ENG 198, REL 103, REL 1HC, HST 103, HST 1HC, PHL 103, or PHL 1HC (may be taken at same time).

RCE 305. Indigenous Studies Theories and Methods. 3 Hours

Review of the theoretical development of Indigenous Studies as an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the history, culture, politics, religion, sociology and contemporary experience of Indigenous peoples, with a specific focus on the tension between national and international law while also focusing on how Indigenous peoples continue to mobilize in defense of their lifeways, sovereignty, and cultural rights. Prerequisites: ASI 110, ENG 100, ENG 100B, ENG 114, ENG 198, REL 103, REL 1HC, HST 103, HST 1HC, PHL 103, or PHL 1HC (may be taken at same time).

RCE 310. Standing Rock: Sovereignty and Indigenous Rights. 3 Hours

This course will develop the intercultural competencies and cultural knowledge necessary to foster a successful immersion trip to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The course will cultivate the skills and knowledge needed to deepen student engagement and understanding on-site, and the immersion experience will provide an opportunity to apply that knowledge in an experiential context. The historical and cultural knowledge explored in the classroom will be applied to actual experiences in the Dakotas, including comparing the way that history is remembered and publicly presented in both indigenous and mainstream contexts (in, for example, museums and other cultural sites), and the way that cultural practices and epistemologies are manifested as a part of everyday life.

RCE 380. Experiential Learning and/or Independent Study. 0-3 Hours

Transcriptable course connected to experiential learning for Race and Ethnic Studies minors. Students will be required to provide guided self-reflections on the impact of their experiential learning experiences, specifically as it applies to both their minor, but also as it applies to their major. Can also be used for Independent Study credit. Corequisites: Students must be enrolled in a course with an experiential learning component, or participating in some other curricular or co-curricular experience (Study Abroad, Internship, of Semester of Service, for example) that includes an experiential learning component.

RCE 490. Capstone in Race and Ethnic Studies. 3 Hours

Examination and reflection on experiences as a Race and Ethnic Studies major, specifically as it applies to linking their experiential learning experience with their future professional goals. Emphasis on integration of theories, methods, and practices of Race and Ethnic Studies with other areas of academic interest (i.e. other majors and minors) in conjunction with single or group research in order to connect work in major with a critical evaluation of our times. Exploration of advocacy as a means of developing their professional aspirations through a vocational lens. Prerequisites: RCE 301, RCE 303, or RCE 305.