This course considers issues of human diversity, broadly defined to include race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ability. Through an interdisciplinary social science lens, we will examine the following questions: How do we experience and understand diversity and difference? How do diversity and differences shape systems that affect individuals, families, communities, and society? Students will explore the contours of difference and the dynamics of diversity, privilege, and oppression in domestic and global contexts. Building on standard models of multicultural competence that emphasize knowledge, awareness, and skills, students will be introduced to cultural humility, culturally specific approaches to practice, and frameworks for equity and empowerment. The course content will include the process of English language acquisition and effective strategies that will meet the educational and social needs of English Language Learners. Field hours will be required.

“I revised course EDU616- Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. This course is taught in our Early Childhood and Special Education Programs. I started with this course because several of the competencies are (should be) embedded within the course.”