Multicultural and Gender Studies (MCGS)

See Course Description Symbols and Terms for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units.


MCGS 140  Learning from Men of Color in Leadership  3 Units  GE, USD  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
This course analyzes leadership by focusing on male and cultural leadership development models and case studies of men of color in positions of power and influence. Guest speakers will be predominantly successful men of color in leadership roles. Course reading centers on identity development from the lens of men of color in educational settings. Students in this course examine theoretical and practical approaches of leadership development in the areas of academic excellence, personal values, civic engagement, self-efficacy, and career integration to identify custom pathways to success. 3 hours lecture.  (022106)  
General Education: Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division; US Diversity  
MCGS 145  Learning from Women of Color in Leadership  3 Units  GE, USD  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
This course provides a focus on academic development, leadership, empowerment, guidance, and support for all interested students, from the perspective of women of color. Authors read in the course and guest speakers predominantly are successful women of color in leadership roles. The course draws upon women's and cultural leadership development models to help provide an expanded sense of social and academic purpose. In addition, this course provides the student with the opportunity to synthesize their college and life experience to create a personalized leadership plan. Students explore theoretical and practical approaches of leadership development in the areas of academic excellence, personal values, community service, and career integration. 3 hours lecture.  (021987)  
General Education: Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division; US Diversity  
MCGS 155  Introduction to Multicultural and Gender Studies  3 Units  GE  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
An introduction to the concepts, terminology, and issues in multicultural and gender studies, including exploration of America's multicultural history, gender as an element of culture, and contemporary issues in the field. 3 hours lecture.  (002602)  
General Education: Ethnic Studies (F)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
MCGS 155W  Introduction to Multicultural and Gender Studies (W)  3 Units  GE, W  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
An introduction to the concepts, terminology, and issues in multicultural and gender studies, including exploration of America's multicultural history, gender as an element of culture, and contemporary issues in the field. 3 hours lecture.  (021257)  
General Education: Ethnic Studies (F)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division; Writing Course  
MCGS 198  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from semester to semester and be different for different sections. Students will read, research, and discuss specific themes in multicultural and gender studies. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 1 hour lecture.  (002603)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
MCGS 224  Religion and Ethnic Diversity in America  3 Units  GE, USD  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
This course covers the religions that inform America's various ethnic groups, and the historical, cultural, and social experiences and values of Native American, Hispanic-American, Arab-American, African-American, and Asian-American cultures. 3 hours seminar.  (021198)  
General Education: Humanities (C2)  
Cross listing(s): RELS 224  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division; US Diversity  
MCGS 224W  Religion and Ethnic Diversity in America (W)  3 Units  GE, USD, W  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
This course covers the religions that inform America's various ethnic groups, and the historical, cultural, and social experiences and values of Native American, Hispanic-American, Arab-American, African-American, and Asian-American cultures. 3 hours lecture.  (021964)  
General Education: Humanities (C2)  
Cross listing(s): RELS 224W  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division; US Diversity; Writing Course  
MCGS 240  Food Justice  3 Units  GE, USD  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course facilitates the study of intersecting systems of oppression and inequity --in particular socio-economic class; race, ethnicity, and political standing; and gender-- all of which impact access to basic needs, especially healthy food. This course examines how food systems, geography, and social policy impact personal health and wellness, in the context of diverse communities. Particular focus is placed on community-based work to achieve food justice. Students are guided in the application of concepts and ideas in their personal lives. 3 hours lecture.  (021867)  
General Education: Social Sciences (D)  
Cross listing(s): SOCI 240  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division; US Diversity  
MCGS 300H  Honors Ethnic Studies Methodologies  3 Units  GE  
Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors Program (Honors students only); Instructor Permission.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
In this course, students explore Ethnic Studies research methodologies. The course content is variable with a focus on at least one of the following groups: American Indian/US Native American Studies, African American Studies, Asian American Studies, and Chicanx/Latinx Studies. The course is centered on experiential learning opportunities to engage in introductory explorations of research methodologies. The course uses both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies; therefore, students are expected to produce course projects that demonstrate their understanding in both approaches. 3 hours lecture.  (022226)  
General Education: Ethnic Studies (F)  
Cross listing(s): HNRS 300  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 315  Performance of Identity  3 Units  GE, USD  
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A study of identity as expressed through performance in theatre and other media. The course focuses on issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Students see live performances, read classic and contemporary performance texts, and gain exposure to key figures who engage with identity politics in performance in the contemporary consciousness. 3 hours lecture.  (009520)  
General Education: Upper-Division Arts/Humanities (UDC); Gender and Sexuality Pathway; Innovation, Design, and the Arts Pathway  
Cross listing(s): THEA 315  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; US Diversity  
MCGS 326W  Gender and Sexuality Perspectives on Disease (W)  3 Units  GE, W  
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course explores the physiological mechanisms of disease and resistance, social definitions of disease and gender-related factors in research, diagnosis, treatment, and adaptation to disease. Diseases are usually studied in generic terms without regard to gender; however, it is apparent that substantial differences exist in cis-male, cis-female and LGBTQI individuals' susceptibility, manifestation, and responses to many diseases. Just as significantly, society's responses to disease are clearly influenced by gender issues. These issues are explored through the perspective of both natural and social sciences. 3 hours lecture.  (021361)  
General Education: Upper-Division Scientific Inq/Quant Reason (UDB); Gender and Sexuality Pathway; Health and Wellness Pathway  
Cross listing(s): NURS 326W  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course  
MCGS 327  The Politics of Race and Ethnicity in the United States  3 Units  USD  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Analysis of the role of race and ethnicity in the American political process, including a critique of their role in local, state, and national elections. Factors accounting for participation and non-participation will be analyzed. 3 hours lecture.  (000137)  
Cross listing(s): POLS 327  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; US Diversity  
MCGS 330  Sociology of Gender  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Inquire at department  
This course examines gender as a social construct and its influences on men and women in families, school, work, politics, and culture. The focus is on how gender varies in relation to ethnicity, race, sexuality, and social class. 3 hours lecture.  (005639)  
Cross listing(s): SOCI 330  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 350  Issues in Racial and Ethnic Equity  3 Units  GE, USD  
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course examines from a social-cultural-historical perspective various racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Race and ethnicity are central constructs that provide students with perspectives on equity in relation to the four dominant groups in Ethnic Studies: Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander; Black/African American; and Native American/American Indian. The course examines historical, theoretical, and representational views of equity, as well as community-driven responses, across the changing demographics of the nation. 3 hours lecture.  (005640)  
General Education: Upper-Division Social Sciences (UDD); Race, Ethnicity, and Sovereignty Pathway  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; US Diversity  
MCGS 380W  Gender, Race, Sexuality, Science, and Society (W)  3 Units  W  
Prerequisite: Recommended: MCGS 155, QTST 310, or WMST 170.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
An exploration of how science and culture have affected people's understandings of gender and sexuality, in both Western and non-Western cultures, from ancient times to the present. 3 hours lecture.  (005642)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course  
MCGS 389  Informed Activism and Internship  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: Faculty permission, MCGS or SOSC majors/minors only.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A seminar designed to complement the 120-hour fieldwork portion of your service/advocacy/activism internship in the area of multicultural, gender, and/or sexuality studies. Learn and practice the kinds of thinking, researching, and skill building that enhances any service and activism work you may choose to do in the future, as well as what you are engaged in during your internship. In order to pass this course you must receive a review of at least "satisfactory" from your fieldwork supervisor. No more than 3 units may be counted toward the major or minor. 0 hours seminar.  (005647)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 398  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from semester to semester and be different for different sections. Students will read, research, and discuss specific themes in multicultural and gender studies. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 1 hour lecture.  (002607)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 398H  Special Topics - Honors  3 Units  
Prerequisite: Department permission.  
Typically Offered: Inquire at department  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from semester to semester and be different for different sections. Students will read, research, and discuss specific themes in multicultural and gender studies. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture.  (015713)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 399  Special Problems  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision.  (005644)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 401W  Sexual Minorities Law/Politics (W)  3 Units  GE, USD, W  
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
Students examine how the law (made by judges, legislators, and voters) has influenced and continues to influence the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Students critically analyze how the rights of sexual minorities have developed or failed to develop. The class includes discussion of gay movements' politics, accomplishments, and opponents. Finally, contemporary issues surrounding legal and political issues that impact sexual minorities are addressed. 3 hours lecture.  (020186)  
General Education: Upper-Division Social Sciences (UDD); Gender and Sexuality Pathway  
Cross listing(s): LEGL 401W  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; US Diversity; Writing Course  
MCGS 451B  Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as racial discrimination, criminal procedures, and freedom of speech and religion. 3 hours lecture.  (005645)  
Cross listing(s): LEGL 451B  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 458  Leading Social Change  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
The course provides in-depth and advanced study of theories, analyses, and practical applications of leadership styles and structures, prioritizing those which consciously incorporate intersectional, inclusive, non-hierarchical and feminist approaches that center the marginalized. The course is meant to enhance practical leadership experiences as well as prepare you for the field of leadership in social justice movements, including the non-profit sector, government and policy advocacy. Additionally, a focus on learning to sustain ourselves and those we work with are a core area of study. 3 hours lecture.  (021916)  
Cross listing(s): CHLX 458, WMST 458  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 480  Sex Work, Queer Desire, and Transfeminism  3 Units  
Prerequisite: MCGS 155, WMST 170.  
Typically Offered: Fall only even years  
An interdisciplinary and transnational study of sex work, sex tourism, pornography, queer desire, and BDSM, as well as an introduction to transgender history and transfeminist analysis. 3 hours lecture.  (021914)  
Cross listing(s): CHLX 480, WMST 480  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 488  Prison Industrial Complex  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall only odd years  
This course is designed to introduce key issues of mass incarceration and the prison industrial complex (PIC), to critique efforts that uphold and those that attempt to dismantle it, and to study contemporary writings about the PIC. We focus on a number of ideas regarding the economic, social, political, and cultural consequences of U.S. mass incarceration. Additional objectives for this course include: clarifying core issues of the PIC; investigating its impact on society; examining theoretical and activist approaches to challenges of the PIC; studying ways in which race and racism, social class, gender, immigration policy, and capitalism are profoundly woven into the PIC; and practicing and improving written and verbal communication skills; and exercising analytical thinking. 3 hours lecture.  (021926)  
Cross listing(s): SOCI 488  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 495W  Senior Seminar in Multicultural and Gender Studies (W)  3 Units  W, GW  
Prerequisite: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
Exploration of theory and extended research in the field of multicultural and gender studies leading to a public presentation. This course is designed as the capstone experience for multicultural and gender studies majors and minors. 3 hours seminar.  (002610)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course; Graduation Writing Assessment  
MCGS 498  Special Topics in MCGS  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from semester to semester and be different for different sections. Students will read, research, and discuss specific themes in multicultural and gender studies. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision.  (005648)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 499  Special Problems  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 0 hours supervision.  (021366)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
MCGS 499H  Honors in the Multicultural and Gender Studies Major  3 Units  
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing, 9 units of upper division work in the major.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Independent study resulting in a scholarly or creative piece involving substantial research and resulting in an undergraduate thesis and public presentation or findings. The research and writing is done under the supervision of a faculty mentor for a total of 6 units in two semesters. 9 hours supervision.  (021513)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division