Diversity Requirement

Introduction to the Diversity Requirement:

The study of U.S. Ethnic and Global Diversity introduces students to diverse perspectives from the United States and across the globe. Students increase their awareness of the historical, political, economic, environmental, and cultural traditions and experiences that have been overlooked or excluded by majority cultures in the U.S. or the world. Viewing societies from overlooked perspectives helps students to develop a deeper respect for and understanding of current social interactions between communities and nations. To accomplish this, the committee ensures that at least two thirds of each course’s content explores the perspectives and experiences of either U.S. Ethnic Minorities or “Non-Western” peoples.

U.S. Ethnic Diversity Purpose

The U.S. Ethnic Diversity requirement increases students’ awareness of the perspectives and experiences of one or more U.S. ethnic minority groups (such as African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino/a peoples). Students will explore the voices and viewpoints of U.S. Ethnic minority groups, including their theoretical, historical, social, political, economic, cultural, geographic, environmental, and intellectual traditions and ways of knowing. By learning about and analyzing diverse experiences of US ethnic groups, students develop capacities to work within different multi-cultural and multi-racial contexts.

More specifically, in fulfilling the primary goal of U.S. Ethnic Diversity courses discussed above, students should be able to do two or more of the following upon completion of the course:

U.S. Ethnic Diversity Learning Outcomes:

Exploring issues of difference with respect to U.S. ethnic minorities.
Recognizing the contributions of U.S. ethnic minorities in U.S. democracy and western civilization.
Understanding how policy decisions and practices differentially affect ethnic groups;
Evaluating how influences of inequality, power and privilege affect perspectives and ideologies
Understanding terminology, vocabulary, and means of conceptualizing the social world by U.S. Ethnic Minorities.
Discerning the ethical consequences of decisions and actions particularly with respect to intellectual honesty.
Interpreting and evaluating information from a variety of sources pertaining to U.S. Ethnic Diversity, demonstrating analytical or critical thinking skills, or problem solving abilities;
Examining how our actions influence and are influenced by cultural paradigms;
Developing respect for the complex identities of others, their histories, and their cultures.

Global Diversity Purpose:

The Global Diversity requirement increases students’ awareness of the perspectives and experiences of “Non-Western” peoples, such as peoples from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Students will explore the voices and viewpoints of “Non-Western” peoples, including their theoretical, historical, social, political, economic, cultural, geographic, environmental, and intellectual traditions and ways of knowing. Knowledge of non-Eurocentric values, perspectives and experiences enhances students’ understanding of “Non-Western” ways of thinking and working within a global society.

More specifically, in fulfilling the primary goal of Global Diversity courses discussed above, students should be able to do two or more of the following upon completion of the course:

Global Diversity Learning Outcomes:

Apply terminology, vocabulary, and theoretical perspectives for conceptualizing the “Non-Western” social world
Recognize the values and histories of “Non-Western” cultures and civilizations;
Understand traditions and legacies that form the roots of dynamic political situations in the world
Demonstrate respect for and understanding of the complex identities of “Non-Western” peoples, their histories, and their cultures;
Explain the dynamics of colonialism, imperialism, power, and privilege in non-Western cultures
Examine ways of thinking and acting in “Non-Western” cultures;
Analyze how inequality, power and privilege affect perspectives and interactions throughout the world;
Analyze global events from multiple viewpoints; and/or
Understand U.S. or “Western” culture by viewing it through “Non-Western” perspectives.