Multicultural Studies

MCS 109 Intro to Race, Class & Gender 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the concepts of race, class and gender as essential components in understanding how social identities are socially constructed in the United States. Using historical and contemporary references, the course explores the ways in which race, class, gender and ethnic relationships shape the experiences of people in the United States, and the implications of those experiences for social relationships. Part of this exploration is to expose students to inter-relatedness of race, class and gender, as identity markers, both historically and in contemporary society.

MCS 110 Race, Class and Gender in Contemporary American Society 3 Credits

This interdisciplinary course analyzes the ways in which race, class, gender and ethnic relationships shape the experience of all persons in this society. It examines the categories of race, class and gender as social constructs that have been historically developed and sustained by economic, social, political, and cultural factors. Note: This course is cross-listed with GSS 110. Students may only get credit for one course: MCS 110 or GSS 110.

MCS 110S Introduction to Race, Class and Gender in Contemporary Society 1 Credits

This course introduces students to the concepts of race, class and gender as essential components in understanding how social identities are socially constructed in the United States. Using historical and contemporary references, the course explores the ways in which race, class, gender and ethnic relationships shape the experiences of people in the United States, and the implications of those experiences for social relationships. Part of this exploration is to expose students to inter-relatedness of race, class and gender, as identity markers, both historically and in contemporary society.

MCS 210 Power and Privilege in a Multicultural Society 3 Credits

This course will examine how the intersection of power and privilege shapes race, gender and class relationships in the United States. Analyses will show how the legal, economic, political and social manifestations of power influence the assignments and distribution of privilege in the United States, both in historical and contemporary contexts. The impositions of power on identity in the social assignment of privilege will be an important component of the course. The two “big questions” to be examined in this course are: How do issues of race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, gender, and sexual orientation interact with privilege? How do the tensions between power, privilege, oppression and inequality lead to movements for social justice? Various interlocking systems of privileges—justice system, educational system, medical system, political system, economic system, etc.--will be examined, using the theoretical frameworks of inequality, oppression and dependency. Prominent public policies and social movements that have challenged the notions of power and privilege, both historically and contemporarily, will be examined: civil rights, women’s suffrage, affirmative action, Occupy Wall Street, LGBT rights, Metoo movement, Equal Rights Amendment, Title IX, Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, etc.

MCS 220 Issues in Multicultural Studies 3 Credits

An examination of issues and questions posed by the existence of diversity in social life. Students build on what they have learned in MCS 110 by focusing in greater depth on selected aspects of multicultural interaction. Topics change each semester and are listed in the course roster. Recent topics include “Understanding Privilege,” “The Meaning of Difference,” and “Narratives of Human Difference: Science, Politics, Literature.”

Prerequisite(s): MCS 110 or permission of instructor.

MCS 280 Directed Study in Multicultural Studies 1-4 Credits

An intensive study experience in multicultural studies. The student designs and carries out a course of focused study under the supervision of a multicultural studies faculty member. The student’s proposed plan of work must be reviewed and approved by the faculty sponsor and by the multicultural studies advisory committee. May be repeated once for credit.

MCS 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression 1-4 Credits

Individual program of study under close supervision by the instructor, with weekly meetings and reports. Topics to be approved by the department. Available to seniors who have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. No more than six credits allowed toward graduation.

MCS 491 Internship in Multicultural Studies 1-4 Credits

A supervised community service of work experience at an approved site. Placements are made in accordance with each student’s particular theme within multicultural studies. A minimum of three hours per week on site per credit (39 hours per semester); in addition, students complete readings and reports and meet weekly with the instructor. Primarily for multicultural studies minors in their junior or senior year.