Introduction to Ethnic Studies

The National Ethnic Studies Association defines Ethnic Studies as an inter-disciplinary forum for scholars and activists concerned with the national and international dimensions of ethnicity. Given the politics of the 1960s and 1970s, coupled with the emergence of a vocal and visible population of African American, Asian American, Latino American, and Native American students attending colleges and universities, Ethnic Studies came into existence as an outcome of activism during this time period. As a discipline, Ethnic Studies has consciously cut across traditional academic disciplines as a necessary strategy to highlight the unique experiences of ethnic communities, and to build and strengthen connections with those communities outside of the academic institution. As a result, the voices and ideas of ethnic peoples, scholars, and non-scholars alike, have changed academic institutions and affected the production of knowledge and ideas. Introduction to Ethnic Studies is designed to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of Ethnic Studies - the readings are drawn from academic fields in the humanities and social sciences. A few first person narratives are also included, so we can get a sense of how individuals experience their ethnic group status. Overall, the readings in this book are meant to provide students with a foundation in ethnic studies.