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The Ethnicity, Race and First Nations Studies program is the first and only such degree program in Arizona. While other universities boast ethnic programs, ASU's program examines different cultures comparatively - studying the history, population and cultural diversity of the Americas from a wide range of perspectives.
The comparative approach encourages students to develop a critical understanding of diversity among and between African Americans, indigenous people of the Americas, Asian Americans, Chicano/Latino Americans and other ethnic groups. The program recognizes that -- while American society refers to the geographical region of the United States -- cultural, economic and political patterns do not stop at national borders.
The program is integrated and interdisciplinary in scope - from its faculty, to its students and its courses. Currently one course is examining diversity and the media -- specifically who and what populations are not represented in the media. Another course is using oral histories to capture first-hand knowledge and recollections of identity-shaping events. Yet a third examines the impact of film on racial perceptions, and asks how or if the film portrayal of ethnic/racial minorities has changed over time.
Ethnicity, Race and First Nations Studies is one of the few programs in New College that requires an internship. In addition, the program fosters campus life by hosting an annual campus-based lecture series by visiting scholars. A minor degree and certificate in Ethnicity, Race and First Nations Studies also are offered.
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