College of the Pacific

Why Choose an Ethnic Studies Minor at Pacific?

“It was through the Ethnic Studies curriculum that I developed the theoretical tools necessary to be a critical thinker beyond the classroom setting. It was because of my Ethnic Studies minor that I started thinking about my life’s purpose and moral obligation toward civic engagement. The Ethnic Studies minor also allowed me to re-evaluate, strengthen, and hone my interests and skills as a Speech-Language Pathology major.”
—Joy Huh, now completing graduate studies
at Teacher College of Columbia University

The Ethnic Studies Program at Pacific is dedicated to integrated, multidisciplinary learning, and it draws from the strengths of our liberal arts College and its faculty.

Through the courses and activities of the program, you will be equipped with the conceptual and practical skills needed to help you competently and responsibly participate in all aspects of civic life that contribute to advancing social equity, inclusive democracy and global citizenship.

Program Goals and Objectives

1. To provide an opportunity for all students to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between social structure and the experience of racial and ethnic difference.
2. To examine the problems of racial and ethnic inequality as a means of promoting the pursuit of social justice and equity.
3. To investigate the intricate relationships among race, class, gender and culture historically, and in contemporary society.
4. To facilitate the incorporation of scholarship on underrepresented racial and ethnic groups into the university curricula.
5. To equip students with historical frameworks and theoretical tools that will enable them to engage more productively in their respective areas of study, and to better prepare them for their leadership roles in a democratic society.
6. To foster ties among all students of various racial and ethnic backgrounds on campus and in the larger communities.

Inter-American Professionals (IAP) Certificate Program

Students involved in Ethnic Studies may choose to also participate in the Inter-American Professionals Certificate Program. This joint program between Pacific’s School of International Studies and other academic units integrates liberal arts and professional education, and promotes intercultural competence in a bilingual context.