ETHNIC STUDIES

2023/24

Ms Heihn

*Pending Board Approval

Sign Up Today! Course ID# is 1709

WHAT IS

ETHNIC STUDIES?

Ethnic studies is

• a year-long elective course open to all 10th-12th grade students

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• Students will learn about the the identity, history, culture, struggles, contributions and achievements of historically marginalized groups and develop an understanding of the impact an individual’s culture and identity have in shaping systems and change.
• Through this, students expand their perspectives, learn the value and strength in diversity, and can better see themselves, and their peers, as part of the story of the United States.

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COURSE TOPICS

1. Self
2. Stories
3. Migration
4. Systems
5. Social Movements
6. Community Building

1. Equality & Justice
2. Privilege & Oppression
3. Bias & System Lenses
4. Race & ethnicity
5. Indigeneity
6. Representation

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CORE CONCEPTS

WHAT TO EXPECT

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The class will consist primarily of classroom discussions and project-based assessments that allow for student choice and exploration.

Projects

• Self Road Map
• Storyboards
• Oral History Interview Project
• Systems Policy Poster
• Social Justice Movement Review
• YPAR: Youth Participatory Action Project

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WHY TAKE IT?

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ETHNIC STUDIES WILL

• challenge you to think in more complex ways about identity and history
• make you value your own history and cultural identity
• empower you to contribute to your own communities
• strengthen your understanding of diversity, equity, and justice
• promote appreciation, respect, and understanding for differences
• can increase self-confidence, self-efficacy, and overall well-being

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“It offers a safe space for students on campus and allows people from all cultures to see themselves present in history and [in the] curriculum. It also teaches kindness, with the course emphasizing on the avoidance of stereotypes and the acceptance of all people. [It] helps to enhance the feeling of community in Rocklin.”

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“I'm learning about perspectives that get the least recognition within our society.”

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I learned that everyone has their own story whether it's that person's personal life, a minority group, or even famous historical events, there is always another side to the story that we have never put the time in to learn.

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The most impactful things I've learned were the dislocation and erasure of different cultures in the U.S. I think the way we treat our minorities is significant as it still continues on to this day.

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WHAT STUDENTS

ARE SAYING

I've learned so much in this class already like how different systems across the world oppress and create tyranny. I've learned a lot about how minorities in the US perceive life and how they try to combat that. I think it's important that we also learned about lesser known stories of people, lots of the time, stories that have been ignored or forgotten. All in all, I really love this class and what we do. If you are interested in social work, politics, or even if you're just curious, go for it!!!

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A SAFE SPACE

FOR ALL

The class is inclusive, creating space for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, or citizenship.

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Thanks!

Any Questions?

Please do not hesitate to reach out!

Ms Christianna Heihn

cheihn@rocklinusd.org

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Sign Up Today! Course ID# is 1709