Ethnic Studies

The Ethnic Studies unit will give you an introduction to the experiences of ethnic communities. It is one way to examine race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture in the United States. This unit will last approximately eight (8) weeks and will give you a critical lens to see the world and your place in it by understanding the systems and power at the root of American society. Our goal is to motivate you to actively engage in our democracy.*

Chicano Legacy Mural by Mario Torero - 2009

Big Ideas

Building your identity is a process that we, as well as others, use to define our sense of membership and belonging. Our identity is connected to our history.
In society there are three kinds of systems that work together to bring large groups of people together: economic, political, social/cultural.
The dominance of one group over another is supported by legitimating norms, ideas and expectations within the existing systems of power.

Humanization occurs when power is used to uphold dignity and self-worth.
Causality is the principal that there is a reason why something happened. Agency is the ability to determine the outcome of our life.
Change is the act of becoming different.
When oppressed people submit to these norms, ideas and expectations they perceive their lives as an unchangeable reality, ultimately benefiting those in power.

Strand Assignments

In addition to the assignments connected to each strand in this unit, you must:

Read at least three books or a combination of books and scholarly articles (in consultation with me) from the library on the subject and critically respond to those readings in your notebook.
Answer two essential questions. One must come from the power section, and one essential question can come from a section of your choice.
Work with your classmates to design and paint a mural that reflects what you have learned in your studies.

*Portions of this unit are adapted from the San Francisco Unified Public School District's course on ethnic studies.