Spring 2013 Introduction to Diversity Studies Khyana K. Pumphrey,Ph.D. Michael A. Goodman, M.S. Waukesha County Technical College School of Academic Foundations.

Spring 2013Introduction to Diversity Studies

Khyana K. Pumphrey,Ph.D.

Michael A. Goodman, M.S.

Waukesha County Technical College

School of Academic Foundations and General Studies

809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies

This course draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, religion, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are

explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.

809-172 Introduction to Diversity StudiesTextbook Selection

On Being Differentprovides an up-to-date, comprehensive, and interdisciplinary account of diversity and multiculturalism in the United States and Canada. Kottak (recent inductee to The National Academ of Scineces) and Kozaitis clarify essential issues, themes, and topics in the study of diversity, including ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. The book also presents an original theory of multiculturalism, showing how human agency and culture work to organize an ...show mored change society. The authors use rich and varied ethnographic examples, from North America and abroad, to help students apply the material to their own lives, and thus gain a better understanding of diversity and multiculturalism.

Course Competencies

1. Differentiate basic concepts related to diversity and sociodemographic variables

2. Analyze implications and adaptations of subordinate groups within a historical context

3. Differentiate how communication varies among and within groups

4. Examine potential legal, political, social and/or economic outcomes of personal behavior as they relate to interactions with diverse populations

Course Competencies

5. Assess the importance of global perspectives

6. Explore material and nonmaterial aspects of cultures

7. Trace patterns of migration and immigration of diverse populations

8. Assess how power and privilege impact individuals and groups

Course Competencies

9. Examine the impact of bias and behavior on relationships (personal and group)

10.Explore the concept of social justice

Media Examples

• The rise of China-TED.com• Qatar-60 minutes• Exploring our Roots/faces of America-pbs.org• Making Whiteness visible-youtube.com• The Human Family Tree-Discovery.com• Race: The Power of an Illusion-pbs.org• A Class Divided-pbs.org

Media Examples

• The Muslims Next Door-CNN.com• MissRepresentation• 30 Days Series-Straight man in a gay man’s world;

Minimum wage• Children of the Plains-abcnews.com• Children of the Mountains-abcnews.com• Moving Midway – award winning

documentary film on southern culture since the Civil War

• The Bracero Program-pbs.com

Assessments

• Top five text analysis• Mindmapping of chapters• Media analyses• Cultural encounter/s examples• Three phase project-career article critique; problem

solution report; presentation-social science showcase

Assessments

• Self reflection essay on student’s ethnicity and family migration patterns that led student to WCTC

• Essay comparing generations based on interviews with senior citizens

• Analysis of national and state laws concerning discrimination and equal opportunity.

Career/Workplace Integration

• Review Affirmative Action guidelines and implementation at student’s work or review the WCTC AA plan

• Discussion and historical review of worker characteristics in student’s chosen discipline including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and abilities

• Development of ideas and actions to reduce “marginalization” and to remove barriers

in education, housing and employment

Course Fieldtrips

• The Hindu Temple of Wisconsin• Wat Haska Buddhist Temple• Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum• Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum• Classroom speakers include a Buddhist Monk, a

convert to Islam, and representatives from the National Association for Mental Illness, and the LGBT community

Discussion/Questions/Feedback

• What can we do to enhance your programs?• What can you do to encourage and support students

taking this course?