Course Description
This course will introduce students to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts and frameworks. The topic of diversity will be presented as it relates to various human differences and overlapping social identities that include age, race, gender, gender identity, ability, class, religion, culture, and sexual orientation. Students will become familiar with the terminology used to describe human experiences such as identity development, discrimination, bias, oppression, privilege, and inequity. Through a social justice lens, the concepts of justice, equity, and inclusion will be defined. Course instruction, materials, and evaluation methods will prompt students to analyze their lived experiences and connect them to diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define DEI terminology associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
- Identify social identities such as age, race, gender, gender identity, ability, class, religion, culture, and sexual orientation.
- Recognize and describe terms that chronicle human experiences related to DEI, such as bias, discrimination, stereotypes, and isms.
- Differentiate between the concepts of equity and equality.
- Apply a social justice lens to the concepts of equity and inclusion.
- Examine and apply DEI concepts to personal life experiences.
- Analyze how social and political policies play a significant role in shaping power dynamics, privilege, and opportunities for different groups of people within society.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (10 points each, Weeks 1-7) | 30% |
Midterm Exam (100 points, Week 4) | 15% |
Group Case Study Examination (20 points, Week 5) | 20% |
DEI Self Study Paper (20 points, Week 8) | 20% |
Final Exam (100 points, Week 8) | 15% |
Total | 100% |
Required Text
- Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Maurianne Adams, Warren J. Blumenfeld, Chase J. Catalano, Keri Dejong, Heather W. Hackman, Larissa E. Hopkins, Barbara Love, Madeline L. Peters, Ximena Zuniga. Readings for Diversity and Social Justice. 4th ed. Routledge, 2018. ISBN -13: 978-1-138-05528-5
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1,2 | Topic: The Social Construct of Diversity and Identity
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2 | 1,2,3,6 | Topic: Identity: Who Am I?
Section 1
Watch Video: The Importance of a Strong Sense of Self
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3 | 1,2,3,7 | Topic: Race and Racism
Section 2
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4 | 1,2,3,5,6,7 | Topic: Understanding Classism Readings for Diversity and Social Justice. Section 3: Classism
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Midterm Exam Weeks 1 - 4 SLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 | |||
5 | 1,2,3,5,6,7 | Topic: Spirituality and Religion
Section 4: Religious Oppression
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6 | 1,2,3,5,6,7 | Topic: Sexism, Heterosexism, and Trans Oppression Readings for Diversity and Social Justice. Section 5: Sexism, Heterosexism, and Trans Oppression
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7 | 1,2,3,5,6,7 | Topic: Ableism and Ageism Readings for Diversity and Social Justice. Sections 6 & 7: Ableism, Youth and Elder Oppression
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8 | 1-7 | Topic: Equity, Inclusion, and Liberation Readings for Diversity and Social Justice. Section 8: Working for Social Change: Visions & Strategies for Change
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Final Exam Weeks 1 - 8 SLOs 1 - 7 | |||
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.