The discipline of Ethnic Studies emerged during the second half of the 20th century, as scholars began to question the Eurocentric model of academia in disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, and political science. By identifying these fields of study as important yet essentially flawed, the Ethnic Studies movement sought to reshape and expand the ways in which history, religion, language, and identity are studied and discussed in the classroom.

The Ethnic Studies Program at Lewis & Clark examines the social, cultural, and historical forces that have shaped cultural identity in the United States and around the globe.  In order to recognize the complex aspects of ethnic identity, our program focuses on five themes: 1) diaspora, 2) colonialism, 3) slavery, 4) genocide, and 5) community formation. We explore these and related topics from a variety of perspectives, always conscious of how they intersect with gender, sexuality, class, and nation.

Ethnic Studies is interdisciplinary by nature, and our faculty reflects this: sponsoring members come from departments including Foreign Languages, History, International Affairs, Music, Psychology, and Sociology/Anthropology. Students can take courses in the arts, social sciences, and humanities, such as a World Music survey in the Music Department; the History Department’s course on modern Cuba; or Communications, Race, and Social Justice, offered by the Communications Department.