Challenge: descriptive piece about an elective class you have taken or one you would create and take.
I currently take Ethnic Studies, and it is my favorite class of this school year. It has been a positive experience for me. As a person of color, a curriculum that speaks to my two ethnic backgrounds is empowering. From what I’ve seen of myself and the other people taking the class, it helps create understanding and develops greater knowledge. It also challenges students to think more critically about identity and history.
Ethnic Studies focuses on history from the lens of various ethnic and racial groups in the United States, and it ensures that students learn about both the struggles and contributions of people of color. It teaches parts of American history that I was never taught in a typical history class. Some of the concepts I learned include, but are not limited to, why Chinatowns were created, picture brides, the Zoot Suit Riots, the Bracero program, redlining, East L.A. walkouts, and the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign. I also learned about people that I didn’t hear about in past history classes, including Afong Moy, Cesar Chavez, Larry Itliong, and more.
Another thing I must also mention, though I am one of the few quiet people in this class and don’t talk much, the people who are in this class are loud, funny, and express strong emotions. Even if I don’t regularly talk to the students in this class besides one person, I enjoy listening to the constant class discussions. I feel more connected with the students in this class than in my other classes. I also love my teacher; he’s easygoing and caring.
The work in my class is easy. There are no tests, quizzes, or homework. Really, the only homework is what we don’t finish in class, but usually, we are given enough class time to complete the worksheets and assignments. My class also has readings, videos, notes, and projects. I actually enjoy doing the projects for the most part, and the videos and even movies can be nice to watch.
I’ve also had one field trip in this class. I went to Angel Island last month on March 17. It is so far my most memorable day of this school year. Though I hated having to hike up the countless amount of steep stairs, the day itself was an incredible experience. The island is beautiful, and the scenic views are spectacular to explore. Going to the immigration station (the museum) and standing right where immigrants were years ago was also interesting and informative. Physically seeing the barracks, the writing carved on the walls, and the other displays of what life for immigrants was like gave me a sense of the horrific feelings immigrants on the island must have felt from 1910 to 1940.
Overall, I love this class, and I will be sad when the school year ends and I don’t have this class anymore.
Word Count: 478
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