Concentration in Difference, Identity, and Power

Are you fascinated by the diverse stories of humanity and passionate about promoting equity and inclusion? Then our concentration in Difference, Identity, and Power is tailor-made for you. 

Preparing You For Success

This concentration delves into the captivating study of cultural diversity, social identities, and their dynamic relationship with systems of power across different eras and regions. Here, we shine a spotlight on the experiences and voices of historically marginalized communities, empowering students to explore the rich complexities of human history. 

Within the concentration, students focus on two vital categories: the History of Gender and Sexuality and the History of Race and Ethnicity. 

But it's not just about learning facts and dates. We're committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. Through our curriculum, you will:

• Grasp the intricate web of power, privilege, and oppression that has shaped and continues to shape our societies.
• Engage with diverse perspectives and methodologies, embracing the rich tapestry of human experience.
• Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in diverse workplaces and contribute meaningfully to building a more equitable world.
• Analyze pivotal moments where democratic ideals have clashed with dominant ideologies and institutions.
• Hone your research, editing, and communication skills, equipping you to be advocates for a fairer, more inclusive society.
• Embrace cultural humility, recognizing the value in learning from and respecting diverse cultures and viewpoints.

Making Your Mark

By completing the Difference, Identity, and Power concentration, you'll not only earn valuable academic credits but also lay the foundation for a future where you can make a real difference in promoting justice and understanding. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to earn interdisciplinary minors in Asian Studies, African American Studies, Latin American Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies, housed in the Department of History. 

Join us on this transformative journey as we explore the past, understand the present, and strive for a better future, together.

Concentration Requirements
(15 hours)

The concentration in Difference, Identity, and Power consists of 15 hours of courses adhering to the following guidelines:

Category 1: Historical and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Gender and Sexuality

Up to 6 hours from the following list of courses:

• HIS 304: Women in American History 
• IS 315: U.S. Social Movements 
• HIS 317: American Masculinities 
• HIS 339: Women in Global Perspective 
• HIS 382: European Women, Gender, and Sexuality Since 1500 
• WGS 200: Intro to Women’s & Gender Studies

Up to 3 hours from the following list of courses:

• COM 386: Media, Race, and Gender 
• ENG 190: Women in Literature 
• ENG 331: Studies in Women Writers 
• ETE 280: Exploring Diversity 
• ENG 125: Literatures of Identity (with approval of advisor) 
• SOC 311: Comparative Family Systems 
• SOC 313: Race, Ethnicity, and Power 
• SOC 315: Gender & Society

Category 2: History of Race and Ethnicity

Up to 6 hours from the following list of courses:

• AAS 200: Introduction to African American Studies 
• AAS 300: Advanced Topics in African American Studies 
• HIS 205: History of Latin America 
• HIS 305: American Indian History 
• HIS 315: U.S. Social Movements 
• HIS 316: African American History Since 1877 
• HIS 332: Topics in Modern Latin American History 
• HIS 335: Modern Mexico 
• HIS 375: The Holocaust 

Up to 3 hours from the following list of courses:

• COM 386: Media, Race, and Gender 
• ENG 125: Literatures of Identity (with approval of advisor) 
• ENG 129: Intro to African American Lit 
• ENG 329: African American Lit 
• ENG 330 Native American Literature 
• ETE 280: Exploring Diversity 
• SOC 312: Social Inequality 
• SOC 313: Race, Ethnicity, and Power 

Capstone Requirement

This concentration requires students to complete a capstone seminar or learning experience on gender, sexuality, race, or ethnicity that applies the multidisciplinary integration of methods, approaches, and theories rooted in the discipline of history and/or African American Studies, Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, and Women’s & Gender Studies. The following courses are eligible for the capstone requirement:

• HIS 450, 451, 452: History Research Seminar 
• HIS 406: Individual Study in History (by instructor approval) 
• AAS 400: Directed Research in African-American Studies 
• WGS 300: Internship in Women’s & Gender Studies 
• WGS 400: Directed Research in Women’s & Gender Studies