With a minor in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, you'll examine race and ethnicity in social, political and cultural contexts that are both contemporary and historical. Our dynamic courses unpack race relations both in the U.S. and globally. Throughout your studies, you're encouraged to build on critical theory in the classroom by practicing ethically engaged citizenship.
A deep understanding of race and ethnicity studies provides excellent training for careers in areas like business and law, education, journalism and the arts, social work and nonprofits, government and public policy agencies, and science and technology fields.
The minor in critical race and ethnicity studies at DU offers:
A multidisciplinary approach that allows you to engage topics across different fields of study
Opportunities for internships, service-learning courses and study abroad courses to count toward the minor with advisor approval
Exploration of race and ethnicity as active social, political, historical and cultural processes
Intersectional perspectives that explore how race and ethnicity connect with other identities, such as gender, sexuality, class, religion, national origin and citizenship
Degree Requirements
- To minor in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, you will need to complete 20 credits. These include courses from several disciplines participating in the minor, with required exposure to at least three different disciplines.
- Eight of the credits toward the minor will be 2000-level or above.
- Courses will be listed with a Critical Race and Ethnic Studies attribute, with the expectation that at least two-thirds of the course content engages with the study of race and ethnicity.
See the Critical Race and Ethnic Studies program page for full degree requirements.
Featured Courses
HIST 2531
Twentieth Century Native American History
About this Course
This class reviews Native history from the late 19th century to the present, focusing on the interplay between large institutions and structures – such as federal and state governments, or the US legal system – and the lived, local experience of tribal communities. The major themes followed throughout the course of the semester include: place, space, and indigeneity (indigenous identity).
COMN 1700
Fundamentals of Intercultural Communication
About this Course
This course explores the fundamental concepts and issues in intercultural communication. We will examine the complex relationship between culture and communication from different conceptual perspectives and consider the importance of context and power in intercultural interactions. In addition to learning theory and applying different approaches to the study of intercultural communication, this course asks that you consider your own cultural identities, values, beliefs, assumptions, worldviews, etc. through participation in class discussions. Our discussions will enhance self-reflection, critical thinking, and your own awareness to the complexity of intercultural communication. You can expect that your classmates possess varying perspectives about the materials being covered in class. We will work hard to help everyone develop their perspective and voice, embracing such factors as cultural background, race, class, gender, and sexuality.
RLGS 2108
Islam in the United States
About this Course
A historical introduction to the presence of Islam and Muslims in the United States, from an examination of the first Muslims in North America, to the substantive influence of the minority Indian evangelical Ahmadiyya movement, to Islam in African American communities. Also examines contemporary Muslim communities in the U.S. and the ways in which ritual and faith are today developing with "American" accents. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.
Engage intersectional and cross-disciplinary study with the Critical Race and Ethnic Studies minor.
Are you ready to learn more about Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at DU?
