HUM 220: Diversity in Education

Class Program
Distribution
Diversity,
Humanities Lecture
Credits 5 Lecture Hours 55

This course examines and discusses the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children’s development, learning and school experiences. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum and teaching methods will be created. Ideas for approaches that promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities will be generated. Includes self-reflection on the influence of the teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families. Classroom materials and environments will be evaluated and modified to promote anti-bias and anti-racist learning opportunities for all children.

Prerequisites

Quarters Offered
Fall
Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:

  1. Examine and discuss the impact of various societal influences on the development of children’s personal and social identity.
  2. Describe the ways that developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and anti-bias approaches support learning and development.
  3. Identify the influence of teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching approaches and interactions with children and families.
  4. Evaluate and modify curriculum and materials to ensure they promote anti-bias and anti-racist classroom environments.
Institutional Outcomes

None

Course Content Outline
  • Foundational understandings for teaching in a diverse society
    • Defining and clarifying dimensions of diversity
  • Trends and current issues of equity and access as they relate to learning and development
    • Equity and access
    • Effects of the dominant culture
    • Addressing misconceptions
  • Classroom Curriculum and Environments
    • The influence of teachers
    • Recognition of teacher’s personal bias and its impact on teaching
  • Supportive communication and interactions
    • Modeling of respectful and inclusive behaviors
    • Collaborative partnerships with families
  • Culturally responsive, inclusive, anti-racist teaching
    • Defining the terminology
    • Curriculum and learning experiences
    • Equity and access for all children
    • Teaching strategies and modifications
    • Environments and materials
Department Guidelines

None