Proposed impact of the ethnic studies requirement on traditionally aged undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of courses which contain ethnic studies content with the effects of a course without ethnic studies content upon student attitudes toward race, class, and gender issues. A three page questionnaire was distributed to students enrolled in randomly selected sections of Introduction to Mass Communications (MCM 201), a course identified to serve as the control course, not currently responsible for meeting university of Wisconsin -La Crosse ethnic study requirements. Introduction to Minority Cultures in the United States (MNS 100), and Racial and Cultural Minorities (SOC 224), courses designated to meet University of Wisconsin La Crosse ethnic study requirements. Three hypotheses were significant at the .05 level regarding race issues. Findings suggest that completion of courses containing ethnic studies content may significantly change or alter student attitudes.