The Minor Concentration in Canadian Ethnic and Racial Studies is an
interdisciplinary program administered by the Faculty of Arts. It is affiliated
with the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada. The concentration can be
taken in conjunction with any primary program in Arts or Science. It offers to
undergraduate students a structured framework in which to appreciate the range
of social scientific approaches to the study of ethnic diversity in Canada.
The terms “ethnic” and “racial” are used in a very broad sense, to
include the full spectrum of ethnic, cultural, religious, aboriginal, linguistic, and
racial groups in Canada.
The disciplines featured in the program are Sociology, Anthropology,
Geography, History, and Political Science. In special cases, courses taken from
other Arts departments, and other units at McGill, may be considered (e.g.,
Social Work, Education), with the consent of the Chair. The same is true of new
relevant courses not yet listed in the program requirements.
Apart from the intrinsic interest and importance of the subject, the
concentration may be of practical use. Students pursuing further graduate and
professional training or employment in a variety of areas will find familiarity
with issues relating to cultural diversity to be an asset. These include the
fields of health, social services, education, law, law enforcement, human
resources and personnel; occupations in government agencies, in ethnocultural
and other non-governmental organizations; and graduate work in all the social
sciences.
The Canadian Ethnic and Racial Studies concentration will also sponsor
programs of interest for the McGill community during the course of the year.
Students interested in registering in this program should contact the Chair.