University Seminar
College Writing
Quantitative Reasoning
Diversity
Contemporary Issues in Science
Inquiry
Research & Creative Experience

List of Approved Courses

Ideas for Engaging Students in Discussions about Diversity

Rationale

Graduates of Montana State University face an ever changing and increasingly complex world. An understanding and sensitivity to other cultural perspectives prepares them to function in the global community and creates a campus climate that is conducive to academic growth for all students.

Diversity courses will address the study of identities (e.g. race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, etc.), societies, nations, or national languages and cultures.

Criteria

The course must address criterion #1 below and one of the remaining four criteria (#s 2 - 5).

1. The course provides opportunities for students to participate in discussion and dialogue so that they may actively engage issues of diversity.
2. The course examines the concept and meaning of difference, and the social, political, or economic conflicts that result from it.
3. The critical examination of difference is the central concern of the course, and comparisons are offered that allow students to see what is and is not generalizable about the specific diversity concerns being discussed.
4. The course critically examines categories of human difference and explores commonalities that are sometimes overlooked in the study of diversity.
5. The course examines the historical, political, and cultural forces that foster systematic disparities based on ascribed characteristics, and critically examines strategies for addressing such disparities.

Learning Outcomes

Through courses in diversity studies students will do at least two of the following:

• Understand diversity within societies as well as diversity among societies.
• Understand diversity through the ability to engage peoples from other cultures in their own language and on their own terms.
• Understand the conditions and contributions of world societies OR of disproportionately represented groups in the U.S.
• Become aware of how world societies perceive and/or pursue social justice OR how disproportionately represented groups affect decisions about social justice.

Questions? Contact members of the steering committee.

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