Indigeneity, Race & Ethnicity Studies

As a general rule of thumb, the Indigeneity, Race, and Ethnicity Studies Department recommends the following for students who wish to study off campus.

• First-year students should take IRES 105, Introduction to Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity Studies or any other IRES course of interest.
• Second-year students should take IRES 105, Introduction to Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity Studies if they have not yet and ideally complete IRES 225 or IRES 210 by the end of the second year. 
• Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity Studies does not have a preference for fall or spring off-campus study. IRES majors should discuss timing decisions and course planning with their advisor.
• Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity Studies students may conduct research to be used in their Senior Capstone while they are studying off-campus, but must take care to consult with faculty at Whitman in order to ensure that IRB approvals are secured (when needed) and to ensure that they will be able to find adequate support for their project once they return (i.e., faculty with the necessary expertise to advise them and access to adequate primary sources).

Which requirements can Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity Studies majors fulfill while off campus?

• Elective major credit
• With advisor approval, IRES majors may fulfill specific major requirements through equivalent courses
• Senior capstone research, if approved by the advisor and the IRB
• General Studies distribution credit
• General degree credit

Major Credit Limitations

• The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity Studies major from off campus studies (including AP credit, IB credit and credits from other U.S. institutions) is 12 credits with the approval of your major advisor.

Minor Credit Limitations

• A minimum of three-fifths of the specific course and credit requirements for the minor must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.

What are the types of OCS programs recommended by the Race and Ethnic Studies department?

• Direct enrollment in a foreign university with local students
• Field study program with opportunities to engage in research with the local community
• Program that offers an opportunity for independent study research
• Program that offers an opportunity for an internship or experiential learning embedded in an academic course as part of the program
• US-based off-campus studies programs may also be suitable

Which Partner Programs are recommended by the Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity Studies department?

Students should select a program that will allow them to pursue their goals and areas of interest within the field. For some, this may mean selecting a program with strong courses in IRES subjects; for others, it will mean selecting a program that offers an extended homestay with cultural immersion and/or opportunities for field research.

Students interested in Off-Campus Studies should attend an OCS First Step meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their major adviser, and schedule an appointment with an OCS adviser.