Ethnic Studies
| Department | Social Studies |
|---|---|
| Length | Semester |
| Credit type | Unweighted |
Course catalog description
California Ethnic Studies is an introductory social studies course for ninth graders that explores race, ethnicity, and identity within the context of California’s diverse past and present-day realities. Focusing on the experiences and contributions of African American, Chicano and Latino, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities in California, this course examines social systems, social movements, and civic participation and responsibility through a local lens. Students will engage with primary and secondary sources, participate in class discussions, and engage in project-based learning to strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. By fostering empathy and belonging, the course prepares students to engage meaningfully in our communities. One semester of World History 9 and one semester of California Ethnic Studies are required for all 9th grade students. Homework Expectation: Approximately 2 hours per week Students who select the World History 9 Media Arts cohort, will also need to be enrolled in the Multimedia and English 9A Media Arts cohorts
- This course must be taken in conjunction with World History 9 (#1656MA), English 9MA (#7630MA), and Multimedia Journalism (#5627MA) as part of the Media Arts cohort. Multimedia Journalism is a project-based course that aims to provide students with the tools, platform and support needed to research, write, create and produce multimedia stories for the school community. MA stands for Media Arts: Students who are part of this cohort will also have the opportunity to build and demonstrate their communication, storytelling and multimedia skills. Students will also have the opportunity to demonstrate their design and media creation skills as part of the larger assignments of the course.
Should I take this course?
This course will be required for all 9th graders next year.