Westmont Revitalizes Its Ethnic Studies Minor

Westmont’s ethnic studies minor, which enables students to examine the cultural, historical, political and social dimensions of a variety of racial and ethnic groups, has been revitalized. During the past academic year, several professors reviewed the former curriculum and developed a new portfolio of courses to be launched in fall 2020. A new introductory seminar will be part of the revised program.

The minor equips students to engage and lead faithfully in our diverse world. It explores issues of race, equity and ethnicity within the context of Christian understandings of human flourishing. “I’m very pleased this has been such a collaborative endeavor by faculty from many departments,” says Provost Mark Sargent. “Reshaping the minor has been a joint effort by some of our veteran faculty and several of our younger scholars. I believe the minor will appeal to many students who are interested in probing questions of race, history, culture and justice.”

Westmont’s Academic Senate approved the minor after working with a faculty task force on the final refinements to the proposal. The curriculum draws on classes in anthropology, education, English, history, psychology, religious studies, sociology and theater. Other departments—such as political science and biology—are considering contributing courses to the elective options.