Education 475/575
HUMAN RELATIONS IN A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Spring, 2001

TEXTS:  Teaching for Diversity, Ricardo Garcia, Phi Delta Kappa, 1998  
                Workplace Diversity:  Issues and Perspectives
HANDOUTS 

Catalogue Description:  Students identify characteristics of various ethnic groups which relate to learning, working, and living in our pluralistic society.  Students develop strategies for assisting people in living jointly in our pluralistic society.

CLASS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

1.    To develop awareness, understanding, and appreciation of multiethnic and multicultural values, history and contributions to a pluralistic society.

2.    To develop sensitivity to and awareness of the impact of biases, sexism, discrimination, and prejudice on interpersonal relationships in schools and/or other professional settings.

3.    To relate effectively to individuals and groups from other than your own ethnic or cultural group in a pluralistic society

4.    To integrate knowledge of cultural pluralism and equity issues into school curriculum and teaching methods and client care/treatment which will create a non-threatening atmosphere that will assure learning opportunities for all students or clients.

5.    To exhibit and promote respect for the rights and dignity of all human beings.

TOPICS OF STUDY:

ELEMENTS OF CLASS:

Professionalism - all written work must use correct grammar, spelling, and form.  Dress and conduct yourself in a professional manner, especially in educational settings off-campus.  Be punctual and attend every class.  Two absences or tardies or leaving early will not affect your grade.  However, after that each tardy or leaving early will deduct 1 point from your total.  Each absence will lower your points by 2.

GRADING   

REQUIREMENTS: You will be expected to complete at least 30 percent of the requirements prior to spring break.

Participation (20 points) - you will be expected to contribute to the class through discussion, attention to speakers, and taking part in cooperative learning activities.  Included in participation points will be:

Personal Heritage Paper (10 points) - Describe your own racial/ethnic/cultural/religious heritage.  Include information about family customs and rituals, any prejudice experienced by you or family members, when and where your ancestors entered the United States, and occupational patterns of your cultural groups.  Tell how you obtained the information included in your report.  2 - 3 typed pages.  Due January 30.

Campus events - (10 points) -We are fortunate during the spring term to have multicultural events taking place on campus or in other venues.  When these events are announced you may be required to attend and write a reflection paper on each event. Due class period following event.

Group assignments and presentations (10 points).  Each group will be responsible for presenting a section of text and research on the topic to the class.  The presentation will include an activity to engage the class in the topic. Education majors will present Garcia and Occupational Therapy majors will present Daly.

Web Site evaluations (10 points) - Explore web sites linked to instructor's web page.  Choose two and write a 1 page reaction to each.  Use the evaluation guide on the web page to focus your discussion.

 Reaction papers  (10 points each) - two papers describing your reactions/reflections to speakers (choose any two) who present to the class.  You may take notes for the paper during the presentation.  Use the forms included on the class web page, make copies, and Reaction papers  (10 points each) - two papers describing your reactions/reflections to speakers (choose any two) who present to the class.  You may take notes for the paper during the presentation.  Use the forms included on the class web page, make copies, and turn them in at the beginning of the class period following the presentation.

Multi-cultural experience (10 points) - attend an event sponsored by a culture other than your own such as a religious service, cultural event or display, or ethnic festival or a forum on related issues.  Write a reflection paper of 2 - 3 pages describing the experience and your reactions to it.  If you are unable to find such events, see me for ideas.  Due within one week of event.

Videos/Movies - (10 points) Choose a video or movie with relevant themes.  View it, taking notes, and describe the video and your reflections on the film, including your opinion and the relevant themes.  Examples of acceptable movies:  Dangerous Minds, Schindler’s List, The Color Purple, Mississippi Burning, Roots, Heaven and Earth, Joy Luck Club, Philadelphia, Stand and Deliver, Smoke Signals…(must receive instructor approval if choosing a movie not on this list).

Final Exam (10 points) - The exam will consist of two essay questions in which you will discuss issues related to this class and consider how you will apply what you have learned in this class to your future practice.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE  

COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

College of Saint Mary seeks to maintain a supportive academic environment for students with disabilities.  To ensure their equal access to all educational programs, activities and services, Federal law requires that students with disabilities notify the college, provide documentation, and request reasonable accommodations. If you need accommodations in this course, please notify me so that I can verify that the required documentation is filed with the Academic Affairs Office and that your accommodation plan is in place.

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic integrity is one of the basic principles of a college community.  College of Saint Mary encourages and expects the highest standards of academic honesty from all students.  Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action.   

 email Dr. Schulz