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American Ethnic Studies

Learn about the many communities that make up American culture. Minor in American Ethnic Studies to explore our culturally diverse nation.

Program Snapshot

Degree Type

Minor

Program Type

Minor

Credit Hours

20

Campus

Salem

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Department Info
A young student with a ponytail and turtleneck sitting in front of a wooden desk chatting to a peer

Our American Ethnic Studies Minor

Explore issues of power, inequality, identity, and social change in American society. Learn about a broad range of historical and contemporary topics. By minoring in American Ethnic Studies, you will focus on the experiences of communities of color in the United States. 

Why choose an American Ethnic Studies minor at Willamette? 

  • Community engagement. We offer students opportunities to gain hands-on experience and make an impact in the community. Students can pursue internships, collaborate with local organizations, or work with professors on funded research projects. 
  • Student-run groups and initiatives. Join one of our many on-campus groups to engage with diverse communities outside the classroom. These student groups include the Native & Indigenous Student Union, the Asian Coalition for Equality, and the Black Student Union. 
  • Holistic and connected studies. The program covers a range of disciplines including history, global cultural studies, media studies, and literature. 

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Our Faculty

Our faculty is made up of socially engaged professionals representing a range of backgrounds. They’ve published work and advocated for change. With their experience and emphasis on mentorship, they empower students to use their voices and make an impact on the world.
Maegan Parker Brooks teaching in a classroom

Curriculum

Engage with a variety of subjects to better understand the experiences of diverse ethnic groups in America. Study the theory and practice of social activism and the impact on people of different races and ethnic groups. Explore the social sciences to become a well-rounded thinker.

  • AES 330 Theory and Methods in American Ethnic Studies

    Become familiar with the theoretical and methodological approaches in the evolving field of Ethnic Studies. Examine the key theories and methods that give voice to the realities of people of color, as well as group relations and resistance to inequality. Analyze frameworks for understanding race and ethnicity to understand what brings social change.

  • AES 150 Introduction to American Ethnic Studies

    Dive into the interplay of race and ethnicity in America, exploring how media shapes identities and perpetuates social inequalities. Explore the myths and realities surrounding these social constructions, providing insights into their profound impact on modern U.S. society.

Program Requirements

The American Ethnic Studies minor requires 20 semester hour to complete. This is comprised of 8 semester hours of core courses and 12 semester hours of electives.

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Admissions Information

Our Statistics program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.

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FAQs

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American Ethnic Studies