University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center (UCDHSC)
Department of Communication
www.cudenver.edu/CLAS/communication
CMMU-3271
Section-001
Communication and Diversity
Spring Semester 2007
Class Location: King Center 201
Instructor: Deborah V. Burgess, MS
Office Phone: 303 556-6813 (Voice Message Only!!!)
Email: phoenixrising55@juno.com
Office Hours: Tu: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM; Wed: 10:00 AM-12 Noon
Class Meetings: Tu/Th: 2:30 PM-3:45 PM
Required Text: Allen, B.J. (2004). DIFFERENCE MATTERS:
COMMUNICATING SOCIAL IDENTITY. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.
Course Description: This course explores theoretical and practical issues of
relationships between communication and diversity in the United States. Course
materials and activities focus on the social identity categories of gender, race, social
class, sexuality, ability status, and age while studying traditionally dominant and
nondominant groups within each category. This course also explores complexities of
social identity, for instance by examining differences within social identity groups. The
course’s approach to diversity addresses similarities and differences and seeks unity
without uniformity. To explore these issues, the course focuses on how systems of power
and privilege help shape perceptions of salient social identity groups within the United
States, and how individuals and groups resist and transform those systems. The course
also delves into communication issues relevant to ways that we learn about social
identities from such sources as our families, the media, and organizations.
Course Outcomes:
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To understand that diversity is a significant issue in contemporary U.S. Society
To realize the importance of valuing ways that humans differ according to social
identity
To increase knowledge about socio-historical factors related to inequities among and
between social identity groups in the United States
To become familiar with the role of power in social interactions
To understand how dominant discourses affect socialization processes
To become more mindful of how you make, modify, or maintain meanings about
people based on their social identities
To become more aware of how you have been socialized to enact social identity
To apply course materials to analyses of current events and issues
To feel empowered and equipped to communicate more humanely with and about
persons who seem to be “different from you.”
To communicate in ways that will facilitate valuing diversity
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Readings (Available on Blackboard)
Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Working Poor. Excerpt From: Nickel and Dimed: On (Not)
Getting by in America. New York: Henry Holt & Co.
Johnson, A.G. (2000). Privilege, Power, and Difference. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
McIntosh, P. (1998). White Privilege and Male Privilege: A Personal Account of coming
to see Correspondence through Work in Women’s Studies. In M.L. Anderson & P.H.
Collins (ED). Race, Class, and Gender: An Anthology (pp 76-87). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth Publishing.
Russ, T.L., Simonds, C.J., and Hunt, S.K. (2002). Coming Out in the Classroom…An
Occupational Hazard? The Influence of Sexual Orientation on Teacher Credibility and
Perceived Student Learning. Vol.51 (3), July 2002, pp 311-324. National Communication
Association.
Stepp, Pamela. (2001). Sexual Harassment in Communication Extra-Curricular
Activities: Intercollegiate Debate and Individual Events. Vol. 50(1), January 2001, pp 3450. National Communication Association.
Dominguez, Cara. (2003). Generational Diversity. MCCA.
Course Assignments
Assignments for this course provide opportunities for you to engage in a variety of
written and oral communication activities, including full class discussions, small group
discussions, dyadic interactions, intrapersonal reflections, written analyses of research
articles, written examinations, and an oral presentation.
Attendance and Participation (20%)
Active student participation is imperative to maximize the learning potential of this
course. Moreover, each class will consist of a variety of activities, such as discussions,
exercises, small group activities, viewing videos, and so forth, that cannot be replicated.
Therefore you should attend this class!!!! However I understand that personal
circumstances sometimes take precedence over academic responsibilities. Therefore
you may miss three (3) classes. Any unexcused absence thereafter will result in a ten
point (10 pts) PER ABSENCE deduction from your attendance and participation
points. You may also miss class based on the attendance exceptions listed below:
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Attendance Exceptions:
1) Illness of student or one for whom the student is the primary caregiver, if the illness
can be verified by a doctor/clinic letter.
2) Jury or military duty with a letter of verification.
3) Death of a loved one, with an attending physician’s letter or funeral/memorial notices.
4) Observance of a religious holiday. Please see the UCDHSC Student Handbook for
details about this policy.
Note on Attendance
When you come to class, you should be prepared to participate fully, as we engage in
exercises, small group activities, discussions, viewing and responding to videos, and
other activities. Because this aspect of the grading system can seem subjective, I offer
the following characteristics of a model participant: seems prepared for class; seems
engaged; listens actively; offers thoughtful comments and responses; asks
thoughtful questions; refers correctly to course materials; provides supportive
feedback; supports claims with evidence; responds well to feedback; expresses
enthusiasm; seems open-minded; respects others; does not dominate discussions;
and allows (and invites) others to speak. Notice that these include verbal and
nonverbal behaviors. I will use these as grading criteria to determine your
participation points.
Attendance Sign Up Sheet
Students are required to sign up daily in this class!!! Student excuses such as, “I forgot,”
or “I was late,” will not be accepted!!! Students have 20 minutes to get to class and
any time AFTER is considered absent. Students also are also marked absent if they
leave class 55 minutes or earlier.
Research Reflection Papers (30%)
Students will be required to write three (3)-three pages minimum to five pages maximum
(excluding the cover sheet and reference page) reflection papers about academic
research articles on diversity and communication. I will give you detailed instructions
and grading criteria for EACH of these papers. The first reflection paper is due on
Thursday, Feb 8, 2007, The second reflection paper is due on Thursday, Mar 15,
2007 and the third reflection paper is due on Thursday, , Apr 19, 2007. These
papers are due by the end of class at 3:45 PM!!!!! NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE
ACCEPTED!!!!! Each paper is worth 10%.
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Midterm Examination (10%)
The midterm is scheduled for Thursday, Mar 1, 2007. The test is in two parts. Part I of
the examination will consist of a mandatory question that all students must answer.
The mandatory question is worth 50 points!!!!! In part II of the test, students will
select 2 questions from a list of 10-15. The essays must be one page minimum and
incorporate 2 credible/relevant references. Credible/relevant references are text readings,
class discussions, class activities, videos, handouts, personal/professional relevant
experiences etc. Students must use proper spelling, grammar, penmanship, and syntax in
all essays!!!!! Each question in Part II is worth 25 points each!!!! There are no makeups for this test!!!!! The midterm is worth 10% towards the student’s final grade. The
study guide for the midterm will be provided the week of Feb 6, 2007 NOTE: ANY
STUDENT WHO HAS A SPELLING ISSUE IS ADVISED TO BRING A
DICTIONARY TO THIS EXAM (ALSO THE FINAL EXAM). MANUAL
DICTIONARIES ARE ALLOWED; NOT ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES. One
point will be taken off for spelling errors!!!!
Oral Presentations (15%)
Students are required to prepare a 5-10 minute informative presentation in some area of
diversity and communication. Students must provide the instructor with a copy of
your presentation outline and annotated bibliography BEFORE you speak (5
sources minimum; 2 allowed from nonacademic Web Sites). To enhance your
presentation, students are required to use one professional and credible visual. A sign up
sheet will be provided to students the week of Mar 13, 2007. This presentation is worth
100 points (90 pts for the presentation, 5 pts for the outline, and 5 pts for the
bibliography). This presentation is worth 15% towards the student’s final grade.
Students will receive a zero (0) if their name is called and you are late or absent!!!!
Please review the sample speech outline, speech evaluation form, and optional
presentation list enclosed in this syllabus.
Final Examination (25%)
The final is scheduled final exams week. The actual date, time and place will be
announced later in the semester. The final is in two parts; in Part I is a mandatory
question that all students must answer!!!! This question is worth 25 points. In Part II
of the test students will select 3 questions from a list of 22 questions. These questions
are worth 25 points each. The answer to these questions must be in essay format, onepage minimum and incorporate two credible references as identified under the midterm
examination section of this syllabus. Proper spelling, grammar, penmanship, and syntax
are required in the test!!!
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Final Examination (Continued)
The final is comprehensive. There are no make-ups for this test!!!!! The final is
worth 25% towards the student’s final grade. Note: the study guide for the final will be
provided the week of Apr 17, 2007. Note: ANY STUDENT who does not take the
final exam will have their final grade lowered one letter grade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grading Scheme
Point Scale
1010-950
900-949
870-899
835-869
800-834
770-799
735-769
700-734
670-699
635-669
600-634
0-599
Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Grading Rubric
To avoid confusion on grading, I am enclosing a Grading Rubric so that students can
calculate their own grades in this course.
1) Attendance/Participation: Students get 14 points PER WEEK (7 points PER
Class) x 15 weeks (20%)----------210 points
2) 3 Reflection Papers (Each paper is worth 100 points; (EACH paper is worth 10%
EACH ( 30%))--------300 points
3) Midterm Examination (Worth 100 points @ 10%)---------100 points
4) Oral Presentation (Worth 100 points @ 15% )---------150 points
5) Final Examination (Worth 100 points @ 25%)----------250 points
Total Points-------------------------------------------------1010 Points
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Course Expectations and Policies
You can expect me to inform you in a timely fashion about all assignments. I will also
inform you in advance of grading criteria for all assignments. I am available during
office hours or by email to discuss an aspect of the course with you. Please note that my
office phone is voice mail only and I check it twice weekly!!! I however read email
daily!!!! You can expect me to create and maintain an inclusive and enjoyable learning
atmosphere in which we all can express ourselves as we learn about communication and
diversity. I expect you will prepare thoroughly for each class, turn in assignments on
time, and participate fully during class activities. I also encourage you to share with
the class-related readings or other resources. Due to the sensitive and sometime
controversial nature of the topic of diversity, class discussions may become difficult and
awkward. Therefore, it is important to maintain a climate of mutual respect as well as
open-mindedness. Please do not talk while someone else is talking and try not to engage
in disrespectful nonverbal behaviors (e.g. glaring, shouting, and rolling your eyes). At
the beginning of each class students must turn off and put away all pagers, beeping
watches, cell phones, or other electronic devices that may distract the class!!!
Laptop computers are allowed in this class however students may not use computers to
surf the Web during class time!!!!!!!
Disability Accommodations
The faculty at the University of Colorado system has both a legal and moral obligation to
provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. To be eligible for
accommodations students must be registered with the UCDHSC Office of Disability
Resources and Services (DRS), located at Arts Building, Room #177, phone: 303 5563450 or TDD: 303 556-4766. The DRS staff will assist in determining reasonable
accommodations as well as coordinating the approved accommodations.
UCD Department of Communication Policy on Incomplete Grades
“Incomplete grades are not given to students simply because they are receiving lower
grades than they would like. To be eligible for an incomplete grade, students must have
completed 75% of the course assignments with a passing grade and have special
circumstances outside of their control that preclude completion of the course. The
incomplete grade that will be given if the above conditions are met is an “IF” which
means that if the student does not complete the work for the course within 12 months, the
grade reverts to an “F.”
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Communication Portfolio
Some of you may have the opportunity to take the department’s Capstone Course before
you complete your degree. In the Capstone Course you will be asked to put together a
communication portfolio-- i.e., a compilation of the major projects completed in your
communication courses. Major projects include literature reviews, Web Sites you have
designed, communication journals, and so forth. The possibility that you may one day
take our Capstone Course means that you need to keep copies of major projects that you
have completed. Even if you do not intend to take the Capstone Course, a
communication portfolio can be a valuable asset after you graduate and are looking for a
job. Your research reflection papers in this course will constitute a major project to be
added to your portfolio.
UCD Department of Communication Mission Statement
“To create a learning environment in which students develop the skills, knowledge, and
abilities necessary to use communication to create a more civil and humane world. By
civil and humane the department means a way of communicating that is rooted in an
acceptance and appreciation of others and that involves communicating in ways that
express for and acknowledgment of others regardless of their station in life, wealth or
lack of it, politics, religion, ethnicity, race, or any other quality.”
Academic Ethics
As members of the UCDHSC academic community, faculty and students accept the
responsibility to maintain the highest standards of intellectual honesty and ethical
conduct in all forms of academic work. While most violations center around cheating or
plagiarism, the UCDHSC Academics Honor Code on the Downtown Denver Campus is
more comprehensive and includes the following categories: plagiarism, cheating,
fabrication and falsification; multiple submission, misuse of academic materials, and
complicity in academic dishonesty.
The CLAS Ethics Committee, composed of faculty, students and staff, is charged with
establishing academic ethics policies and, when necessary, evaluating ethics charges
against students or faculty. Faculty and students should be familiar with the Academic
Honor Code for the Downtown Campus and the CLAS Ethics Bylaws, available from the
CLAS Advising Office, located at North Classroom #2024.
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Faculty who charge student(s) with a violation of the Academic Honor Code may lower a
student’s grade without review. Faculty bringing such charges is required to notify the
student in writing. Students charged with an ethics violation continue in the class and
may appeal the faculty decision to the CLAS Ethics Committee. Students charged with a
violation of the Academic Honor code are encouraged to meet with an advisor in the
CLAS Advising Office to review their rights and obtain assistance with procedures.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of another person’s distinctive ideas or words without
acknowledgement. The incorporation of another person’s work into one’s own requires
appropriate identification and acknowledgement, regardless of the means of
appropriation. The following are considered to be forms of plagiarism in this course
when a source is not noted:
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Word-for-word copying of another person’s ideas or words
The mosaic (the interspersing of one’s own words here and there while, in
essence copying another’s works)
The paraphrase (the rewriting of another’s work, yet still using their
fundamental idea or theory)
Fabrication (inventing or counterfeiting sources)
Submission of another’s work as one’s own
Neglecting quotation marks on material that is otherwise acknowledged.
Acknowledgement is not necessary when the material used is common
knowledge.
Cheating
Cheating involves the possession, communication, or use of information, materials, notes,
study aids, or other devices not authorized by the instructor in any academic exercise, or
communication with another person during such an exercise. Examples are:
*Copying from another’s paper or receiving unauthorized assistance from another
during an academic exercise or in the submission of academic material
 Using a calculator when its use has been disallowed
 Collaboration with another student or students during an academic exercise
without the consent of the instructor
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Policies in CMMU-3271
1. First Offense: If a student is caught in violation of Academic Ethics will receive a
grade of zero (0)!!!
2. Second Offense: The student will receive a grade of “F” for the course.
Student Topic Selection: To avoid duplication, all students must provide topic choices
to the instructor by Thursday, Mar 29, 2007. Any student, who provides her/his topics on
the very last day and all of their listed topics are taken, will receive minus ten points (10)!! Students will be docked minus 10 points for late topics. Additional information
will be discussed in class.
UCD Writing Lab
Central Classroom #206
Phone: 303 556-4845
Web Site: www.thunder1.cudenver.edu/writing
Class Schedule (Tentative)
Jan 16, 18
Course Intro/Student Intro Exercises/What is Diversity and the 6 Imperatives /Cultural
Heritage Assessment. /small-group discussion/debrief.
Read Chp 1 (Text)
Read Johnson (Introduction) (Blackboard)
Jan 23, 25
Stereotypes/Prejudices/Stereotype Intervention Exercise/debrief/Video: The Angry
Eye/Small group discussion/debrief.
Read Chp 4 (Text)
Jan 30, Feb 1
Cycles of Racism/Small-group exercise/group reports/debrief Video: Frightening
Message/ 6 Patterns of Racial and Ethnic Group Assimilation/Definitions of Race,
Culture, Ethnic Group and Subculture/Co-culture. Go over reflection paper #1
requirements.
Read Chp 2 (Text)
Read Ehrenreich: Working Poor. (Blackboard)
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Feb 6, 8
Power, Privilege, Social Class/ 3 Types of Capital and Class Attribution/Video: White
Lies/Power Privilege Handouts/Video: People Like Us/small group discussion/debrief.
/Provide Study Guide for the Midterm. / Reflection paper #1 due Thursday, Feb 8,
2006, No late papers will be accepted!!!!
Read Chp. 5 (Text)
Read Johnson: Getting Off the Hook (Blackboard)
Read McIntosh: White Privilege and Male Privilege
Feb 13, 15
Sex and Gender Inventory/small group discussion/Sex and gender defined. / /Video:
ABC 20/20: Race and Sex: What we Think (But Can’t Say)/debrief. /Sex harassment
inventory/small-group discussion/debrief/Video: Man to Man/debrief.
Read Chp 3 (Text)
Read Stepp: Sexual Harassment in Communication (Blackboard)
Feb 20, 22
Video: Hooters /small-group discussion/debrief/Sexual Harassment defined/
/7 Ways to Respond to Sexual Harassment//Heterosexism/Homophobia/ Video: Assault
on Gay America / Return reflection paper #1/(Go over midterm requirements and
student Q & A).
Read Chp 6 (Text)
Read Russ, Simonds and Hunt: Coming Out in the Classroom (Blackboard)
Feb 27, Mar 1
Simons 7 Organizational Skills for Effective Communication of Sexual Orientation/
Disability Inventory/small group discussion/debrief/ The Midterm is Thursday, Mar 1,
2007.
Read Chp 7 (Text)
Mar 6, 8
Disability/Handicap defined/Video: No Way In
Positive and Negative Stereotypes of the elderly / Go over reflection paper #2.
Read Chp 8 (Text)
Read Dominquez (Blackboard)
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Mar 13, 15
Aging Activity/small group discussion/reports/Video: The Myths and Realities of
Aging/debrief/ /Generational Diversity and Generational Instrument/small group
discussion/debrief. Reflection paper #2 is due Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 by the end of
class!!! No late papers accepted!!! Provide sign up sheet for oral presentations.
Return midterm examination.
Mar 20, 22-Spring Break!!!!!!!
Mar 27, 29
5 Golden Rules for Communicating Differences/Video: State of the Union. /Go over
oral presentations, /Student Q&A. /Oral presentation topics are due Thursday, March
29, 2007!!! Late topics will be docked –10 point!!!!!!
Read Chp 9 (Text)
Apr 3, 5
The instructor will go over reflection paper #3 and final exam/Student Q&A /Thursday,
November 2 is Research/Advise day/ Presentations began Thursday, April 5, 2007.
Read text Chp. 9.
Apr 10, 12
Tuesday, April 10 is UCD Communication Days. I will provide specific information
on this in class!!/ Presentations resume Thursday, Apr 12
Apr 17, 19
Student Presentations. /Provide the Study Guide for the final exam. /Reflection Paper
#3 is due on Thursday, Apr 19, 2007 !!! No late papers will be accepted!!!!!!!
Apr 24, 26
Student Presentations/Presentations end Thursday, Apr 26, 2006.
May 1, 3
Research/Advise Week. Student oral presentations of Apr 26 and Reflection Paper
#3 will be available on Thursday, May 3, 2007.
May 6-12-Finals Week!!!!
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NOTE: Any student who would like her/his final grade at the end of the
semester can provide a SASE to the instructor the last day of class or
finals week. NO STUDENT will be given final grades via phone, fax,
email, or text messaging!!!!!! No final grades will be posted on papers
in the student pick up drawer in Plaza #102!! Please note that the new
departmental policy stipulates that students request their paperwork
from the Office Manager (Ms. Sally Thee) in Plaza #102. It is a
violation of student privacy to have an open file cabinet that allows
others the opportunity to view student’s work. Students MUST show
their identification to Ms. Thee in order to retrieve their paperwork!!!