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CLASS 2024 Critical Ethnic Studies

The Critical Ethnic Studies Master of Arts prepares students for advanced analysis of race and ethnicity in an urban and global context. It provides an interdisciplinary approach to the studies of systematic marginalization of racialized minorities. It also looks at how racialized groups respond to and counter these forces through art, culture, political organization and other forms of social citizenship.

This program uses an interdisciplinary social justice perspective to critique global and local configurations of power. We emphasize social justice and transformation while focusing on U.S. ethno-racial populations through an intersectional, transnational, and urban framework. Students apply critical theories to complex social and cultural issues. The program consists of a combination of core courses and electives and a final project or internship. Launched in the Fall of 2015, CES is the first of its kind in the nation. Admission is accepted on a rolling basis.

Certificate Options:

The MA in Critical Ethnic Studies may also be expanded to include select graduate certificate programs covering particular areas of interest. Students participating in a combined MA/certificate program should consult with their academic advisor to determine what coursework might count toward both programs. A separate application process for the certificate is required. Students who are interested in any of the following combination programs should contact the unit offering the certificate for additional information.

  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Community Development Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Digital Humanities Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + GIS Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Global Health Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Master in Social Work Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Metropolitan Planning and Development Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Publishing Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Social and Cultural Foundations in Education​ Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Social Research Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Sustainable Urban Food Systems Certificate
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + ​Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • Critical Ethnic Studies + Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate
Program Requirements Quarter Hours
Core Requirements 28
Concentration Requirements 16
Final Project Requirements 4
Total hours required 48

Learning Outcomes

​Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of critical approaches to ethnic studies through the study of the diverse racial and ethnic groups in the city of Chicago and the U.S. within a global context.
  • Integrate diverse methodologies and approaches to the study of race and ethnicity in writing.
  • Apply theories of racialization and ethnic formation to cultural, social and political issues and contexts.
  • Create an ethical framework and strong sense of social responsibility by engaging normative questions and engaging in public service experiences.

Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

Core Courses

Course Title Quarter Hours
CES 401CRITICAL ETHNIC STUDIES4
CES 402MOBILITY AND THE STATE4
CES 403CITIES AND RACIAL FORMATION4
CES 404BORDERS AND MIGRATION4
or INT 404 MIGRATION AND FORCED MIGRATION
CES 405RACE AND THE MEDIA4
or CMNS 563 MULTICULTURAL MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS

Choose One Theory/Social Movements Course

Course Title Quarter Hours
CRITICAL SOCIAL THEORY
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
FEMINIST THEORIES
Select an elective (with CES director permission)

Choose One Research Methods Course

Course Title Quarter Hours
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SEMINAR IN PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS
SOCIAL RESEARCH
QUALITATIVE METHODS
INTERDISCIPLINARY METHODS AND FEMINIST INQUIRY

Concentration Electives

Students must choose four elective courses in an area of concentration. Electives are defined as either 400-level courses or up to two 300-level courses in departments including but not limited to African and Black Diaspora Studies, English, Global Asian Studies, History, International Studies, Islamic World Studies, Latin American and Latino/a Studies, LGBTQ Studies, Sociology, Women's and Gender Studies, and courses in the College of Communication. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the CES director or final project advisor.

Final Project Requirements

Course Title Quarter Hours
CES 412FINAL PROJECT INDEPENDENT RESEARCH4-8

Students are asked to complete a final project, one that will represent a culmination of the student’s work in the program. All projects will consist of a rigorous piece of writing, either reflective, analytical, or expository. This piece of writing will draw upon the writing intensive skills developed in all their coursework. Final project options are as follows:

  1. ​An original research thesis of up to 50–80 pages on a topic agreed upon by the student's committee. The thesis may be comparative or focus on a single ethnic or racialized group through the use of intersectional methodologies.
  2. A portfolio of three high-quality essays completed during the program, which are curated and linked together by a 20-page narrative setting out the intellectual rationale for their compilation.
  3. A completed internship with a community organization in order to gain practical experience and a 20-page essay reflecting on the links between the student's intellectual work and practical work experience.
  4. An original creative project and a 15-20 page framing paper, in which the student describes, critically frames, and reflects on the creative project.