I believe in working with students toward a successful outcome. As a first generation college student, I understand how balancing work, family and school can deplete our energy. Yet, as a freshman level course, we can be inspired to develop our scholastic abilities and learn how to enhance our academic performance.
*Further details on all activities (deadlines, directions, links, online content) are provided in our Canvas course. All reading materials will be embedded in our Canvas site, so there will be no textbook to purchase. To find help in logging into Canvas, go to the GCC Canvas Login Guide for Students.
Orientation (Available before Week 1): The goal of our Orientation is to get to know the class and to understand the fundamentals of Ethnic Studies.
Unit 1 WHY (Week 2 & 3): WHY focuses on the argument that no form of subordination ever stands alone, but instead, systems of subordination are intertwined and support each other. The unit will address the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, nation, and class. At the heart of our unit is an examination of the consequence of the single story and how such a story creates a distorted view of ethnic subordinated women in the U.S.
Unit 2 RESILIENCE (Week 4 & 5) : RESILIENCE features ethnic minority women explaining their experiential factors in their struggle living in a liminal state, where balancing their identity between the cultural chasm and white supremacy is part of their everyday life.
Unit 3 REPRESENTATION (Week 6 & 7): REPRESENTATION deconstructs stereotypes and how limited views of personal characteristics shape how people perceive, interact with, and make decisions about others. For decades, the way groups of people have been portrayed by the media, popular culture, and public officials has led to biases—often unconscious—that can result in discrimination against women and people of color. This unit will enable you to become the researcher and engage in an exploration of the consequences and value of representation.
Week 8 Final Student Self Evaluation: Students are enabled to reflect back on their academic performance throughout the session. Students will advocate for their grade. Performance evidence in their growth, competency, excellence and risk-taking will justify their "earned grade." What does a self evaluation look like? Visit Student Self Evaluation page.
"The reality is: sometimes you lose. And you’re never too good to lose. You’re never too big to lose. You’re never too smart to lose. It happens."
-Beyoncé Knowles, American Icon