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 + 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 401 | CRITICAL ETHNIC STUDIES (Offered Autumn quarter) | 4 |
| CES 402 | MOBILITY AND THE STATE (Offered in Autumn quarter) | 4 |
| CES 403 | CITIES AND RACIAL FORMATION (Offered in Winter quarter) | 4 |
| CES 404 | BORDERS AND MIGRATION (Offered in Spring quarter) | 4 |
| or INT 404 | MIGRATION AND FORCED MIGRATION | |
| CES 405 | RACE AND THE MEDIA (Offered in Spring quarter) | 4 |
| or CMNS 563 | MULTICULTURAL MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS | |
Choose One Theory/Social Movements Course (Autumn quarter, Year two):
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| INT 401 | CRITICAL SOCIAL THEORY | 4 |
| SOC 466 | SOCIAL MOVEMENTS | 4 |
| Or select ONE of the following Theories courses from this list: WGS 400, WGS 414, WGS 472, WGS 475, WGS 488, WGS 490 | 4 | |
Choose One Research Methods Course (Autumn quarter, Year two):
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CMNS 581 | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS | 4 |
| GEO 441 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | 4 |
| HST 422 | SEMINAR IN PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS | 4 |
| SCG 610 | INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS | 4 |
| SOC 411 | SOCIAL RESEARCH | 4 |
| SOC 413 | QUALITATIVE METHODS | 4 |
| WGS 491 | INTERDISCIPLINARY METHODS AND FEMINIST INQUIRY (Preferred selection) | 4 |
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.
Capstone Requirement
CES 412. Take Spring quarter, year two.
Final Project Requirements
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CES 412 | FINAL PROJECT INDEPENDENT RESEARCH | 4 |
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:
- An original research thesis of up to 35–50 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- An original creative project and a 15-20 page framing paper, in which the student describes, critically frames, and reflects on the creative project.