Diversity Studies Courses

The course provides a multidisciplinary introduction of the many dimensions of the African American experience, including the African heritage and diaspora, slavery and freedom, African American artistic and literary expression, and the problem of racism in American society.

An exploration of cultural differences throughout the world, with emphasis on nonwestern societies, from the perspective of cultural anthropology.

An examination of ways in which humans have adapted both genetically and physiologically to a wide variety of environments and how these adaptations have produced the biological variation seen in contemporary human populations. Major topics will include historical and current approaches to classifying human groups, human growth and development, adaptation and acclimatization to specialized environments, genetic disease, and tracing lineages through DNA analysis. It will also explore recent studies relating human biology to social constructs such as gender, race, ethnicity, and intelligence.

A survey of intercultural communication theory, research, and contemporary applications.

Students will examine how identities, such as race, class, and gender, impact criminal offending, victimization, and professionalism in the criminal justice system. Students will be encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of cultural competency and will conduct academic research in an effort to develop an understanding of the social and criminal justice related factors that create challenges to achieving cultural diversity and the ethical treatment of diverse groups.

This course provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the many dimensions of Disability Studies, including the history, social, cultural, political, legal, and economic perspectives on disability in American society.

An introduction to cultural issues, diversity, and related perspectives in education. Examination of individual differences in ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender, exceptionalities, language, religion, sexual orientation, and geographic area in the context of education and society. Development of skills, knowledge, and dispositions related to teaching and learning in varied settings with diverse learners required of all educators to be effective in a global society.

Study of representative literary works by African American, Hispanic American, Native American, or other minority authors. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if topic is different.

Survey of representative works of fiction, poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction in the context of social and cultural movements. Identical with AAS 355. Cannot receive credit for both ENG 355 and AAS 355.

Provides students with the basic elements of global studies in order to make them educated persons who have a global awareness; and familiarizes them with the various trends or dimensions of globalization by focusing on geographic, cultural, linguistic, political, and economic aspects of globalization.

An introduction to Gender Studies that explores the influence that ideas about sex, gender, and gender roles have on women and men, both as individuals and as social beings. Using new research on gender in many disciplines, it examines representations of male and female experiences, and historical and social constructions of women's and men's roles.

Recommended Prerequisite: HST 121 or AAS 100. Survey of the experiences of Americans of African descent to 1865. Emphasis on African heritage; African-American contributions and institutions; slavery and quasi-freedom. Identical with AAS 331. Cannot receive credit for both HST 331 and AAS 331.

Recommended Prerequisite: HST 122 or AAS 100. Continuation of HST 331, 1865-present. Emphasis on the struggles for racial justice; protest organizations, philosophies and tactics. Identical with AAS 332. Cannot receive credit for both HST 332 and AAS 332.

Psychopathology and the systems of classification, methods of assessment, and modes of treatment from research, clinical, ethical, and cultural perspectives.

A balanced and comprehensive perspective of the field of human sexuality. Content includes the psychological, physiological, and interpersonal variables of human sexuality.

Investigates what religion is and does, compares culturally diverse religious ideas and practices. This course explores how religion influences the relationship between individual and community by examining religious ethical systems, and providing community engagement opportunities.

A historical survey of different religious groups in America and their contributions to American identity and values. Includes the connections between religious affiliation and race, ethnicity, gender, politics, the media, and other aspects of U.S. society and culture.

Examines the relationship between religion and its social context. Students will explore the social nature of individual religious institutions. The relationship between religion and modernity will be studied. The course will pay special attention to the role of religion in American society, as well as the religious dimensions of class, gender, region, and race/ethnicity. Identical with SOC 390. Cannot receive credit for both REL 390 and SOC 390.

The study of society including its structure and operation from the perspective of sociology. The course focuses on ways society is constructed by people and, in turn, on the ways society shapes people. This general education course supplies students with a community as well as global, multicultural understanding of society.

This course explores the social construction of race and ethnicity. Issues of differential power between racial and ethnic groups and the economic, political, and social structures which are utilized to maintain these power differences are identified. Social movements and social policies designed to address social inequality, prejudice and discrimination are also examined. Identical with AAS 336. Cannot receive credit for both SOC 336 and AAS 336.

This course focuses on gender differences, patterns, and inequalities. It analyzes the social construction of gender, femininities and masculinities, gender socialization, and how gender intersects with race, class, and sexuality. Specific attention is paid to the significance of gender in interaction, culture, and social institutions, including work, politics, media, and the family.

This course examines the aging process, demographic trends, and the social, economic, and social-psychological aspects of aging in the United States. Students will be introduced to current theories on aging in social gerontology and their application to the everyday lives of older people. Topics of interest include social attitudes toward aging, family and social bonds, work and retirement, gender issues, ethnicity and aging, living environments, and approaches to aging well. Students will learn about the role of federal, state and local agencies in meeting the needs of the elderly. Identical with GER 375. Cannot receive credit for both GER 375 and SOC 375.

Examines the relationship between religion and its social context. Students will explore the social nature of individual religious institutions. The relationship between religion and modernity will be studied. The course will pay special attention to the role of religion in American society, as well as the religious dimensions of class, gender, region, and race/ethnicity. Identical with REL 390. Cannot receive credit for both SOC 390 and REL 390.

Content and skill development pertinent to working with diverse racial, cultural, ethnic, and other populations such as persons with physical disabilities and mental illnesses. This course is designed primarily to inform and sensitize individuals for effective interventions within a heterogeneous society. A C grade or better is required for admission to the BSW program.