Department of Ethnic Studies

The Department of Ethnic Studies is a vibrant, interdisciplinary program that examines the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States using comparative, intersectional, transnational, and decolonizing methods.

The Ethnic Studies curriculum offers an innovative, transformative program that addresses the lives, labor, and cultures of communities of color through ethnic-specific and comparative lenses. Our students actively explore issues of equity, power, and social justice in and out of the classroom through our unique partnerships with local and grassroots organizations throughout San Diego. We acknowledge that USD is built on Kumeyaay Indigenous homelands and are especially committed to engaging decolonizing methodologies and practices. Through our community-centered research, teaching, and curriculum, Ethnic Studies faculty and students bridge academic and community knowledges in order to address the needs of local and tribal communities.