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College of Ethnic Studies

The College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA is the first such college to be established at a university in the U.S. in 50 years.

Dean's Welcome

Dean for the College of thnic Studies, Julianne Malveaux

Dean Julianne Malveaux

Welcome to the College of Ethnic Studies. We are the newest college on campus, one of only two Colleges of Ethnic Studies in the state and, perhaps the nation. With three academic departments (Asian and Asian American Studies, Chicana(o)/Latina(o) Studies, and Pan-African Studies) in our College, we represent the future of engaged scholarship, filling the craters of knowledge left when only traditional thinking shapes the curriculum. 

About the College

Olympic Fantasy Mural

Our Mission

We will develop leaders who engage in rigorous, self-reflexive study that motivates critical engagement, self-determination and decolonial understandings of the world. The college provides an interdisciplinary intellectual space that centers the histories, traditions, cultures, experiences, struggles and accomplishments of diasporic communities of color, making connections between the local and transnational.

Departments

Asian and Asian American Studies

Asian and Asian American Studies is committed to the teaching and study of the languages, cultures, peoples and societies throughout the Pacific region. Explore Asian and Asian American Studies.

Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies

Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies offers undergraduate and graduate degrees grounded in interdisciplinary curricula and community engagement that focus on Chicanx/Latinx peoples locally and transnationally. Explore Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies.

Pan-African Studies

Pan-African Studies is a transnational approach to the systematic investigation of the history, culture, social relationships, political economy, literature, arts and languages of African peoples and their contribution to world civilization. Explore Pan-African Studies.

Points of View

Statement on Hispanic Heritage Month

When President Lyndon Baines Johnson proclaimed the week starting September 15 Hispanic Heritage Week, he proclaimed it because of the growing recognition of the importance of Chicanos, Latinos, Latin American immigrants and others of “Spanish descent” in this country.  The word “Hispanic” is an amalgam of a word and the source of some controversy among Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x communities.  Read a statement from Dean Julianne Malveaux.

Washington Center for Equitable Growth features Dean Malveaux

Dean Julianne Malveaux was included in the Center's Expert Focus Series, which highlighted the work of feminist economists studying women's roles and contributions to the U.S. economy.

Highlights

Carlos Munoz

The Birth of Chicano Studies

Cal State LA alumni played key roles in creating the first Chicano Studies program in the U.S. in 1968, helping usher in a new era of ethnic studies.

U.S. Representative Barbara Lee

Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA celebrates 50 years

The Department of Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA is the second-oldest Black Studies department in the nation.

Photos from the Chinese American Oral History project

Project collects history of local Chinese American community

The Chinese American Oral History Project collected and preserved life stories of Chinese Americans in Southern California.

Events