The Department of Ethnic Studies focuses on race and ethnicity in Hawai‘i, the United States, and the Pacific. Through service learning and civic engagement, students develop theoretical, methodological, ethical, and participatory skills to analyze power relations and promote social justice in a globalized world. Department specializations include Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian American histories of race, class, and gender.
Office: George Hall 301
Tel: (808) 956-8086
Fax: (808) 956-9494
Website: ethnicstudies.manoa.hawaii.edu
Established in 1970 to teach “Our History, Our Way,” the Department of Ethnic Studies is the only unit at UH Mānoa that concentrates on race and ethnic relations in Hawai‘i, the United States, and the Pacific. The department maintains a research and teaching philosophy emphasizing praxis: the application of theory to complex problems in local communities, through service learning and civic engagement. Students develop the ability to think critically about society and popular culture, and work effectively within a global, multicultural community.
Major Academic Areas
Ethnic Identity, Indigeneity, Migration, Representation, Economic Change, Social Movements, Racism and Ethnicity, Critical Multiculturalism, Race and Gender, Ethnic Conflict, Land Tenure, Field Work
Specialties
Histories of Native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Arab Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans
Ethnic and Race Relations in the United States and globally
Political Economy in Hawai‘i, the Pacific, Asia, North America, and Middle East
Service Learning and Civic Engagement emphasizing community-based research, learning, and praxis
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Undergraduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies
Title: Assistant Professor
Office: George Hall 304
Phone: 956-5354
Email: ethanlc@hawaii.edu
Title: Assistant Professor
Office: George 307
Phone: (808) 956-5086
Email: chungb@hawaii.edu
Title: Professor - Department Chair
Office: George Hall 306
Phone: 956-2914
Email: dasgupta@hawaii.edu
Title: Associate Professor - Academic Advisor
Office: George Hall 341
Phone: 956-6915
Email: labrador@hawaii.edu
Title: Professor
Office: George Hall 336
Phone: 956-7068
Email: davianna@hawaii.edu
Title: Professor
Office: George Hall 340
Phone: 956-4632
Email: okamuraj@hawaii.edu
Title: Associate Professor
Office: George Hall 308
Phone: 956-5144
Email: ttengan@hawaii.edu
Title: Secretary
Office: George Hall 301
Phone: 956-8086
Email: jyuasa@hawaii.edu