This page contains information on NVC classes that touch on race and culture, as well as important offices and student clubs and organizations that you might find helpful. If there is a course, office/program, or club/organization that does not appear on this list and should be added, please feel free to reach out to any of our wonderful librarians, and they will be happy to update it. We make every effort to have the most accurate and updated information, and any oversight is purely unintentional.
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There are several classes at Napa Valley College that cover subjects related to racism, systemic discrimination, and other topics. If there is a course that does not appear on this list and should be added, please feel free to reach out to any of our wonderful librarians, and they will be happy to update it. We make every effort to have the most accurate and updated information, and any oversight is purely unintentional.
ADMJ 123: Introduction to Community Policing (3.00 units)
An in-depth study of the relationship between the practitioners in the criminal justice system and the community they serve. The student will analyze the casual aspects of community misunderstanding, lack of cooperation, and mistrust. Historical and modern models will be examined, with particular emphasis placed upon community problem-solving and community policing. The importance of language, communication skills, and the understanding of prejudice will be stressed.
ANTH 121: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3.00 units)
This introductory course positions culture as a key concept for understanding diverse ways of life both internationally and in American communities. Primary anthropological methods and concepts of kinship, gender, ethnicity, race and class will be explored as formative elements of society and culture. Through analyzing the intersections between global processes and identity-making, this class will explore what it means to be American, as well as to be human, in the contemporary world. Recommended Preparation: Completion of ENGL 90.
COUN 124: Working with Diverse Populations (3.00 units)
A course examining the historical and current values, problems, issues, concerns, and support needs of special population groups including, but not limited to age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, immigration status, socioeconomic status, physical or psychiatric disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The role of power in the helping relationship will be examined with regard to social and cultural identities and viewing both the service provider and the client within the context of the larger society. Emphasis is on the importance of self-awareness and examining personal biases and prejudices in order to be an effective human services provider.
DANS 128: Salsa and Latin Social Dance (1.00 unit)
This is a dance class focusing on Salsa and other Latin social partnering dances. Partners will be rotated between fellow students. The history of each Latin dance style will be studied.
DANS 135D: Street Jazz (Beginning Hip Hop) (1.00 unit)
Street Jazz/Beginning Hip Hop is an entry level exploration of current dance phenomena: Street Jazz. Street Jazz is hybrid dance form combining Jazz, Breaking, Funk, Party and other street dances. The class is taught from classic Jazz dance parameters for warm-up and entry level technique but adapted for the stylization of contemporary mainstream street dance. Course includes historical investigation of contributing dance forms and contemporary cultural relevance. Course can be repeated three times. Skills or proficiencies are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice within class periods. Course content differs each time it is offered.
FILM 110: Culture and Gender in Film (3.00 units)
This course covers the perspectives and contributions of diverse cultural, ethnic and gender groups to American life through the art of film. Students in this course will study films by and about African Americans, Latino Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and other cultural groups such as Euro-Americans, Jewish Americans and Arab Americans. They will also analyze the representations of ethnicity gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical and mental challenges in film.
HOSP 126: Culture and Cuisine (3.00 units)
This course explores cuisines with a focus on the geographic, historic, cultural, religious, and economic influences that shape food availability and consumption. Students will examine how diversity shapes cultural food patterns. Additionally, this course will examine women’s contribution to the culinary world.
HUMA 113: Intro to Mex-American & Chicana(o) Studies (3.00 units)
This course explores Mexican-American/Chicana(o) identity by using an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon the artistic, religious, philosophical, social, and historical aspects of Mexican and Mexican-American heritage to understand the formation of the moral and aesthetic values of Mexican-American/Chicana(o) culture today. There is a particular focus on the interplay between Mexican-American/Chicana(o) cultural identity and gender, class, and sexual orientation.
HUMA 125: Introduction to Latin American Studies (3.00 units)
Introduction to Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary course drawing upon the artistic, philosophical, religious, social and historical aspects of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean to understand the moral and aesthetic values amongst various Latin American cultures from the Pre-Columbian era to the present. This course will also examine the relationship of Latin American and Caribbean communities in the United States with their countries/regions of origin.
HUMA 151: Women’s Ethnic Heritage (3.00 units)
This course is an exploration of concepts related to the understanding of ethnic heritage. Literature, film and the arts will be surveyed to demonstrate the power of one’s ethnic heritage in constructing meaning for oneself in the world. Students will have the opportunity to observe how they view their own cultures,and to think critically about how their ethnic identity affects their sense of self and consequently, their choices. They will also exchange stories and observations about others’ cultures, and in so doing examine their own ideas and assumptions about others’ ethnicities.
HUMA 160: Filipina(o)-American Heritage (3.00 units)
This course explores Filipina(o)-American heritage, drawing upon the complexities of its indigenous history to educate and enrich the identity of Filipina(o)-Americans today. The experiences, perspectives, and contributions of Filipina(o)-Americans across gender, religion, class, and sexual orientation lines, will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the resistance to colonization, including the resilience of Filipino culture that has endured various waves of oppression.
PHOT 182: Photography in a Multicultural US (3.00 units)
Examination of photography’s role in shaping ideas about race, class, gender, sexuality and identity. The course emphasizes critical analysis of images from a wide range of genres including: commercial photography, portraiture, social documentary, photojournalism, ethnographic and scientific photography, and fine-art photography
PSYC 123: Social Psychology (3.00 units)
This course considers individual human behavior in relation to the social environment. The power of the situation, other individuals, and the social group will be examined. Topics may include: aggression, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal attraction, attitudes and attitude change, conformity, group dynamics, gender roles, cultural norms, and social cognition.
SOCI 122: Social Problems (3.00 units)
An identification and analysis of the basic concepts, theoretical approaches (conflict, functionalist, and interactionist) and methods of contemporary social problems including: (1) the role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems, (2) causes and consequences of social problems, and (3) methods of intervention. Topics may include illness, environmental issues, abuse, migration, poverty, crime, unemployment, and labor force conditions.
SOCI 150L Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (3.00 units)
Sociological analysis of race, ethnicity, and racism. Examines the cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism, racial and ethnic inequalities, as well as historical and contemporary patterns of interaction between carious racial and ethnic groups. Recommended Preparation: ENGL 90 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C
SPAN 282: Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3.00 units)
This course is designed for Spanish native speakers and other linguistically qualified students who wish to improve their skills to a high-advanced level of reading, writing, and literary analysis. The emphasis is on critical thinking and reasoned support of ideas. Literary discussions will be an important component of the class, but writing composition will also be included, as well as exposure to international Hispanic culture. This course is strongly recommended for prospective Spanish majors. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish. Recommended Preparation: Students should be proficient in reading, speaking, and writing Spanish.
SPCOM 126L Intercultural Communication (3.00 units)
This course provides an introduction to the factors affecting intercultural communication. The course will examine the influences of culture and gender on areas such as worldviews, values, beliefs, verbal and nonverbal communication patterns, conflict styles and more, in order to develop self-awareness and sensitivity to others in intercultural interactions.
THEA 105: Culture and Gender in Theater (3.00 units)
This course explores the contributions and gender groups to contemporary American drama. Students in this course will study plays by African Americans, Latino Americans, Asian Americans and other cultural and gender groups. Transfers to: CSU
Associated Students of Napa Valley College (ASNVC)/Student Life Office
ASNVC Associated Students of Napa Valley College provides information on government club activities and events, student advocacy, student participation in college shared governance, student ID cards, housing board, bus schedules, vendor solicitations, and campus posting approvals.
The Cultural Welcome Center is the hub for Equity and Inclusivity activity on campus. The Center is a co-curricular activity of the Humanities Department in collaboration with the Office of Student Life, and is overseen by the Director for Equity and Inclusivity. The center serves four functions: a resource center, a space for presentations and discussions, a meeting place, and as a degree and information center.
Extended Opportunity Program (EOPS)
EOPS is a state funded program established to address the issues of equal access to a quality education. EOPS offers many services, including academic, personal and career counseling, registration assistance, book vouchers, outreach activities, assistance with transfer to 4-year schools or transition to work. Other services include referrals to the many social service agencies in the community. The staff offers individualized attention with a personal approach. Bilingual counseling is provided.
The MESA/STEM Center provides specialized STEM tutoring, mentoring, and supplemental instruction; academic development; bilingual STEM counseling; student support services.
Office of Equity and Inclusivity
The Office of Student Equity and Inclusivity facilitates and promotes—through various collaborative programs, initiatives, and services—an equity minded academic, cultural and social environment that contributes to the overall mission of the district in its commitment to academic excellence and student success.
The Puente Project is an academic support program whose mission is to increase the number of educationally underrepresented students who:
enroll in four-year colleges, earn college degrees, and return to the community as mentors and leaders for future generations. Puente provides three areas of service to students: teaching, counseling, and mentoring. The program serves students in 65+ community colleges, 38+ high schools, and 4 middle schools throughout California, and has expanded to Texas and Washington. Puente's programs have benefited over 40,000 students directly and over 400,000 indirectly. For more general information about the National Puente Project, please click here: National Puente Project. The Puente approach is unique in that the reading is focused on Latinx and Mexican-American literature, essays, and cultural writings in both the fall and spring semester classes.
Student Support Services (SSS) TRiO
SSS TRiO is a federally funded grant program providing academic, retention, transfer and graduation support for qualifying first-generation and low-income students and students with disabilities: Services for SSS TRIO participants include counseling and academic advising, tutoring, college tours, college transfer assistance, and financial literacy and scholarship assistance
UMOJA is a learning community that offers students transferable academic courses, academic support and tutorial support; field trips to various colleges and cultural activities to enrich the mind, body, and spirit. Umoja means unity.
There are several clubs and organizations at Napa Valley College focused on equity. The names and contact information are listed under the "Student Clubs and Organizations" page on the NVC. Here are some that you may want to consider:
Black Student Union (BSU)
Campus Buddhism Club (CBC)
Dreamers of Community Change (DOCC)
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (S.H.P.E.)