Ethnic and Regional Studies
Major
What is Ethnic and Regional Studies?
We live in an increasingly ethnically
diverse society. Cross-cultural understanding and communication
are necessary in modern society. We use ethnic and regional
studies to identify a broad range of majors, which focus
on the historical, cultural and political development
of a specific people or sub-group, i.e., a nation, a large
geographic region, or a minority group. Within this category
one studies both the international context of a people,
as well as the distinct ethnic strand they contribute
to the American society. These majors come to understand
the dynamic and changing political world in which we live
and its ramifications for the lives of peoples in these
political entities or social subdivisions. The understanding
of how politics affect the groups they are interested
in, motivating factors behind international policy, and
the use of public strength to gain advantage as well as
many other topics are critical to these majors. In the
process students also acquire improved analytic, speaking,
and writing skills necessary for succeeding in a challenging
socio-political and work environment. The major exposes
students to the philosophical and practical problems of
political organization, action, and governance and encourages
critical thinking about the nature of citizenship, rights,
and duties in the modern world.
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What are Some Specializations Within
this Broad Major?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests
beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations
related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities.
These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest
to you. A few of the specializations related to this field
include, but are not limited to:
African
Studies |
Western
European Studies |
Canadian
Studies |
Pacific
Area Studies |
American
Indian/Native American Studies |
Area,
Ethnic and Cultural Studies |
Multi
or Interdisciplinary Studies |
Afro-American
(Black) Studies |
European
Studies |
Ethnic
and Cultural Studies |
Hispanic-American
Studies |
Asian
Studies |
Eastern
European Area Studies |
Western
European Studies |
Scandinavian
Area Studies |
Asian-American
Studies |
Hispanic-American
Studies |
Jewish
or Judaic Studies |
Russian
and Slavic Area Studies |
East
Asian Studies |
Latin
American Studies |
Islamic
Studies |
Middle
Eastern Studies |
|
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What Kinds of Students Major in
Ethnic and Regional Studies?
Individuals who are interested in the
workings of both national and international government
systems and how they interact with each other are usually
found in a major like this one. They usually take an active
part in such things like school or community programs
or political movements. They might have or be interested
in holding an office either in the school where they attend
or they have goals to be elected into office one day as
well. Students completing the political science major
are expected to develop the ability to read and listen
critically; to reason analytically and engage in thoughtful
moral judgment; and to write and speak clearly and forcefully.
The major emphasizes the enhancement of key intellectual
skills and qualities of mind-the habits of questioning,
debating, challenging, and shaping coherent and persuasive
arguments.
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What Courses Do Ethnic and Regional
Studies Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for a specific major in this category will
depend on the specialization and will vary considerably
among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative
of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience
were you to major in one of these fields.
Language
Of The Region/Subgroup |
Political
History Of The Subgroup |
Literature
Of The Subgroup |
Modern
and Ancient History Of The Region/Subgroup |
Music,
Art, And Culture Of The Subgroup |
International
Relations |
Study
Abroad |
Comparative
Politics |
Economics
Of The Region |
Religions
in the Region |
|
|
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What Types of Positions do Ethnic
and Regional Studies Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Political
Advisor |
Public
Official |
Urban
and Regional Planning |
Government
Service |
Congress |
Public
Administration |
Business |
Public
Policy Analysis |
Law |
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For information on options
available to campuses wishing to see their majors
listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums to
Consider
| Suggest to your two-year college advisor that
their institution's majors be included to show you
their course requirements and unique resources.
Two-year college representatives should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
