Spring 2013
Introduction to Diversity Studies
Khyana K. Pumphrey,Ph.D.
Michael A. Goodman, M.S.
Waukesha County Technical College
School of Academic Foundations and General Studies
809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies
This course draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic
American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic
vocabulary, history of immigration and conquest, principles of
transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of
aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful
encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of
majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of
ageism, religion, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation,
the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are
explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global
and comparative perspectives.
809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies
Textbook Selection
On Being Differentprovides an up-to-date,
comprehensive, and interdisciplinary account of
diversity and multiculturalism in the United States
and Canada. Kottak (recent inductee to The
National Academ of Scineces) and Kozaitis clarify
essential issues, themes, and topics in the study of
diversity, including ethnicity, religion, gender, and
sexual orientation. The book also presents an
original theory of multiculturalism, showing how
human agency and culture work to organize an
...show mored change society. The authors use rich
and varied ethnographic examples, from North
America and abroad, to help students apply the
material to their own lives, and thus gain a better
understanding of diversity and multiculturalism.
Course Competencies
1. Differentiate basic concepts related to diversity and
sociodemographic variables
2. Analyze implications and adaptations of
subordinate groups within a historical context
3. Differentiate how communication varies among and
within groups
4. Examine potential legal, political, social and/or
economic outcomes of personal behavior
as they relate to interactions with diverse
populations
Course Competencies
5. Assess the importance of global perspectives
6. Explore material and nonmaterial aspects of
cultures
7. Trace patterns of migration and immigration of
diverse populations
8. Assess how power and privilege impact individuals
and groups
Course Competencies
9. Examine the impact of bias and behavior on
relationships (personal and group)
10.Explore the concept of social justice
Media Examples
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The rise of China-TED.com
Qatar-60 minutes
Exploring our Roots/faces of America-pbs.org
Making Whiteness visible-youtube.com
The Human Family Tree-Discovery.com
Race: The Power of an Illusion-pbs.org
A Class Divided-pbs.org
Media Examples
• The Muslims Next Door-CNN.com
• MissRepresentation
• 30 Days Series-Straight man in a gay man’s world;
Minimum wage
• Children of the Plains-abcnews.com
• Children of the Mountains-abcnews.com
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Moving Midway – award winning
documentary film on southern culture since
the Civil War
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The Bracero Program-pbs.com
Assessments
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Top five text analysis
Mindmapping of chapters
Media analyses
Cultural encounter/s examples
Three phase project-career article critique; problem
solution report; presentation-social science
showcase
Assessments
• Self reflection essay on student’s ethnicity and
family migration patterns that led student to WCTC
• Essay comparing generations based on interviews
with senior citizens
• Analysis of national and state laws concerning
discrimination and equal opportunity.
Career/Workplace Integration
• Review Affirmative Action guidelines and
implementation at student’s work or review the
WCTC AA plan
• Discussion and historical review of worker
characteristics in student’s chosen discipline
including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation
and abilities
• Development of ideas and actions to reduce
“marginalization” and to remove barriers in
education, housing and employment
Course Fieldtrips
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The Hindu Temple of Wisconsin
Wat Haska Buddhist Temple
Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum
Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum
Classroom speakers include a Buddhist Monk, a
convert to Islam, and representatives from the
National Association for Mental Illness,
and the LGBT community
Discussion/Questions/Feedback
• What can we do to enhance your programs?
• What can you do to encourage and support students
taking this course?