Race and Resistance Studies
Bachelor of Arts, Accelerated Master's, Minor
About this program
The Bachelor of Arts in Race and Resistance Studies explores how race shapes society and how communities resist oppression. Students learn about histories of resistance among indigenous communities and communities of color, with an emphasis on their interconnected struggles. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore structures (like law, policies, movements) and cultural expressions (like literature, visual arts, and popular culture). Through core courses and electives, students build skills to think critically about race and social justice and to apply that knowledge to a variety of fields.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
From Our Community
Race and Resistance has taught me a lot about myself and the future I want to create for the youth of today. I am forever grateful for this experience and the community it has introduced me to.
Program Scope
Race and Resistance Studies (RRS) examines both the race-related processes that underlie many social problems and the multiple forms of resistance and struggle aimed at achieving racial social justice. Our analytical approach is comparative, relational, interdisciplinary and intersectional. Race and Resistance Studies (RRS) examines both the race-related processes that underlie many social problems and the multiple forms of resistance and struggle aimed at achieving racial social justice. Our analytical approach is comparative, relational, interdisciplinary, and intersectional. The program will 1) provide majors with a solid understanding of key theories and approaches through a set of core courses required of all students, 2) provide all students with an overview of key areas of concern, including histories of resistance, gender issues, transnational issues, and cultural production, 3) Allow students to choose electives emphasizing particular areas of interest, and 4) develop students' abilities to work in a community organizations.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify the history, objectives, and philosophies of Ethnic Studies/Race and Resistance Studies.
- Describe historical, cultural, economic, and comparative approaches to the study of race, class, gender, nation and sexuality.
- Interpret cultural production by people of color and the ways that various forms of culture (literature, dance, murals, etc.) express agency of oppressed peoples and/or challenge social inequalities.
- Apply the concept of intersectionality to the analysis of gender-oppressed people of color, such as women of color, queers of color, and transgender people of color.
- Analyze social movements in the contestation of social hierarchies based on race, gender, sexuality, class and/or other social determinants.
- Apply principles of community-engaged scholarship and community service learning.
SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's
This program is a great opportunity for motivated students majoring in Race and Resistance Studies to earn both the B.A. in Race and Resistance Studies and the M.A. in Ethnic Studies in about five years. The Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies is designed to be a versatile degree that provides a solid foundation for careers teaching at community colleges, working in community and multicultural resource development, administrative work in the non-profit sector, employment in student resource centers, practical application in the business fields, and much more.
Minor in Race and Resistance Studies
The Minor in Race and Resistance Studies explores how race shapes society and how communities challenge oppression. Students examine race, gender and class as interconnected forces that influence identity and social movements. Courses highlight the experiences of people of color in the U.S. and beyond, offering multi-ethnic and comparative perspectives. The program helps students think critically about power, resistance and justice, preparing them to engage with social issues in meaningful ways.
Learn more about the Minor in Race and Resistance Studies