SOC1015 ST:Issues of Diversity/Inclusion in H.E.

This course serves as an introduction to diversity and social justice in the context of higher education. The course aims to enhance cultural competence by raising students’ awareness of their own values, assumptions, and biases. The course approaches diversity from the lens of intersectionality, a perspective in which the dimensions of diversity are understood as the simultaneous interaction of multiple factors including but not limited to socioeconomic status, race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, and ability. The course does not attempt to provide a detailed examination of all oppressions and social injustices experienced by various cultural groups. Instead, it provides a framework and strategies that can be applied to varied populations, issues, and contexts. Through class readings, guest panels, and films clips, we will briefly explore some of these themes as a framework for asking fundamental questions about the relationship between how we understand ourselves and others through our own socio-cultural experiences. The course materials, discussions and assignments are designed to teach not only content but also important skills-including critical thinking, analysis and reflection, dialogue, and cooperative learning. Credits: 3.000