This course covers theories and models that enhance understanding of our diverse society.  It provides content about differences and similarities in the experiences, needs and beliefs of selected minority groups and their relation to the majority group. These groups include, but are not limited to, people of color, women, gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons. This course analyzes the interrelationship of race, class, age, ethnicity, and gender and how these factors influence the social values regarding economic and social justice.

For a complete Description for this course, click on the Course Syllabus tab.

Through active participation in the learning experiences and completion of the readings, assignments, and learning projects offered throughout this course, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand oneself in a diverse society
• Understand the concepts of race, ethnicity, cultural diversity, minority status, sexual    orientation, class, racism, ageism, sexism, ableism, prejudice, discrimination, and cultural competence
• Explain the major theories of power and inequality and the implications for social and economic justice
• Explain the varieties of cultural heritages in the United States
• Demonstrate understanding, appreciation, and personal sensitivity to the unique life- styles, customs, value systems, aspiration, and experiences of minorities of color, women,  gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons in the United States
• Explain the moral, ethical and social consequences of minority/majority relations in the United States
• Demonstrate increased objectivity in considering the means by which to change minority/majority relations and reduce conflict
• Understand one’s own values and beliefs and their implications for relationships with persons from other backgrounds

Key course activities that you will complete in this online course to prepare yourself to support your students’ reading and studying your content material include:

Group Power Point Presentation: Getting Into the Lens of the Other:

A group presentation activity requiring students to use an experiential opportunity to integrate their knowledge of how a culture’s structure and values may impact privilege and power, gain self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups, recognize and communicate understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences, and be active as learners to engage diverse populations.

Mid Term Paper:  Diversity and Social Justice

Completion of a midterm paper that reflects the student’s understanding of how to conduct an empirical review of the literature on a diverse population and critically reflect on issues related to such areas as (alienation, oppression, marginalization, discrimination, power/privilege, classism, sexism, and/or social and economic injustice).

Forum Discussions

Current Events - Students will post a series of  links to current events with discussion relevant to class topics and readings.  Students will respond to the post of 2 peers in as well as moderate their own initial postings.

For a complete list of Activities/Assignments for this course, click on the Course Syllabus tab.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST  | COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

SWK S102 Understanding Diversity in a Pluralistic Society

Online Course Syllabus

Time: Online

Place: Online

Instructor: Elena Mrozinske, LCSW LCAC

Office: Dunes Medical/Professional Building Rm 3181

Phone: (219) 980-6727

Email: emrozins@iun.edu

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