DVRS1304

Meets MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Areas 5 and 7 - History/Social, Behavioral Sciences & Human Diversity. Diversity and Social Justice is a course that uses critical thinking and questioning to define, recognize and analyze individual, institutional and cultural/societal racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression. It will focus on development of practical skills for addressing these oppressive elements in personal, professional and public lives in the United States. Students will learn how to engage respectfully in interpersonal relationships and empower themselves to act as agents of social change, learning skills to create a more equal and just society.Student Learning Outcomes

• Critically examine ideas about people, perspectives, and experiences that are different than their own.
• Evaluate how their experiences impact their perception of others.
• Critically examine stereotypical or false beliefs, values, and opinions.
• Critically examine the dehumanizing biases and misinformation that lead to oppression that various groups in the United States' experience.
• Discuss the US' national debates which provide a societal context in which oppressive behaviors occur.
• Recognize ideological messages and social control in US culture.
• Analyze the prejudices, privilege and power that motivate individual and institutional classism, racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression.
• Explain the complexity of identity in relation to the various forms of oppression.
• Identify respectful interpersonal strategies for challenging disrespectful behaviors, and for building skills in creating a more supportive community for all people.
• Plan constructive ways to act an ally or advocate in channeling personal power toward societal change.
• Examine successful social movements in the US that have challenged oppression.