The Department of Ethnic Studies (ES) is an interdisciplinary program with emphasis on undergraduate education. Initiated in 1970, ethnic studies combines traditional and contemporary methodologies with new perspectives on issues of race, ethnicity, and class. The focus is Hawai i with its rich legacy of multiethnic heritages, but the research, teaching, and service components also involve the U.S. as a whole and comparative studies of societies around the globe.Ethnic studies provides introductory and advanced courses on theories and practices of ethnicity, race, class, and gender. The program also offers courses on the history and experiences of specific groups, including African Americans and Native Americans.