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Ethnic Studies

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Ethnic Studies

Nzingha Dugas
Ethnic Studies Co-Chair
ndugas@contracosta.edu

Agustin Palacios
Ethnic Studies Co-Chair
apalacios@contracosta.edu

Christina Craig-Chardon
Sr. Program Coordinator
ccraig@contracosta.edu

Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the histories, cultures, and experiences of communities of color in the United States. At Contra Costa College, our program offers four distinct pathways: African American Studies, Ethnic Studies, La Raza Studies, and Social Justice to Transfer.

Through courses in history, literature, film, and social theory, you’ll explore systems of power and resistance, the impact of colonization, and the ongoing movements for racial and social justice. The curriculum is designed to sharpen your critical thinking, deepen your cultural awareness, and empower you to become an agent of change in your community and beyond.

Whether you plan to transfer to a four-year university or pursue a career in education, public policy, law, community organizing, or the arts, Ethnic Studies provides a strong foundation rooted in equity, inclusion, and real-world impact.

Ethnic Studies is the interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and power—centering the voices, histories, and cultures of communities of color. Born out of student activism, the field explores systems of oppression and resistance while equipping students with the tools to create a more just and inclusive society.


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