This course provides an introduction to the major theories, debates, and issues concerning the study of cultures of American ethnic groups. Utilizing social science/cultural studies frameworks, it examines concepts of identity, culture, group formation, and social/political structure to broaden how one understands patterns of relations of power between dominant and “minority” groups as well as among various “minority” groups in the U.S.

In Section 1 (first half of the semester), class readings, lectures and discussions will center on fundamental theoretical issues: the meanings of culture in the personal, political and social sense; power relations over processes of social construction of identities; the emergence and persistence of racial stratification; intersections and transformations of social categories; and the various forms of resistance to structures of inequality.

Section 2 (last half of the semester) covers specific contemporary issues set against the prisms of group experiences and analyzed in terms of the structural and cultural understandings covered in Section 1. Topics include immigration, access to education, popular culture and its alternatives, language debates, employment and the politics of culture in a moment of an economic crisis.

The course will survey historical, social, political, economic and cultural processes that have been experienced by ethnic groups in the U.S. It offers multiple perspectives of (1) how 'race' and ethnicity have defined the experiences of all people in the U.S. and (2) how this has ultimately served to develop a social hierarchy that shape all categories of social status and relationships (class, gender, sexuality, religion/spirituality, dis/ability, family structure, education, age/generation, citizenship/immigration status, and other relationships). We will also examine intergroup (e.g. African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino/a, Native American, European American) and intra-group challenges within today's ethnic communities.

Important Dates

SPRING 2026

Dr. Palaita will be teaching the following three (3) sections in Spring 2026.  

HYBRID Sections: In-Person Meetings, Online Meetings, and the rest of the course Asynchronous

If you are unable to attend any of the in-person and CityZoom meetings, please enroll into a fully online section of ETHN/IDST 37 to give you the flexibility you need in scheduling.

CRN#: 35425 (961) | HYBRID

CRN#: 35426 (962) | HYBRID

• Both sections are from 02/23-05/20 (12-Weeks)

• Both sections have scheduled meetings in-person and online via CityZoom on the following dates:

  • Tuesday February 24, 2026 | 6:10pm-9:00pm | HBB 140

  • Tuesday March 17, 2026 | 6:10pm-9:00pm | HBB 140

  • Tuesday April 07, 2026 | 6:10pm-9:00pm | HBB 140

  • Tuesday May 05, 2026 | 6:10pm-9:00pm | CityZoom (Online)

  • The rest of the course is asynchronous and online

Fully ONLINE Sections: No scheduled meetings in-person or online.  The course is asynchronous

CRN#: 36370 (933) | ONLINE

16-Weeks from 01/26-05/20

Course Syllabus