20809215Education in a Pluralistic Society
Course Information
Description
Students will engage and explore diverse educations of people in the United States, and beyond through lenses of privilege, oppression, and opportunity. With self-analysis, reflection, historical investigation, contemporary school programming, schools and society, and communication-skill building, students learn how to be culturally responsive to contexts of communities.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Transfer Credit (includes Certifications)
  • Experiential-Portfolio
Course Competencies
  1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary experiences of diverse peoples and cultures in the United States, recognizing multiple cultural perspectives as well as commonalities.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written essay and/or group discussions
    Criteria
    Exhibit self-awareness and self-management skills necessary to succeed in increasingly challenging academic environments
    Define multicultural education characteristics and goals
    Discuss the relationship between culture and educational achievement
    Describe the ways that an understanding of culture can help educators make effective connections between students’ social lives and their learning

  2. Examine the intersections of race and ethnicity with other culturally significant characteristics, such as class, gender, sexuality, and ability, and acknowledge the role of power and privilege in identity constructions.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written essay and/or group discussions
    Criteria
    Recognize the contributions of diverse cultures, historical periods and art forms to the improvement of the human condition in a global society
    Examine social class and its impact on education
    Define Pluralistic Culture and the role of religion on American life

  3. Analyze the ways in which cultural conventions affect interactions and communications among people from diverse cultures in the United States.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written essay and/or group discussions
    Criteria
    Explore gender bias and LGBTQ lessons in multicultural education
    Examine backstage racism and approaches to multicultural curriculum reform
    Describe collaborative approaches to school-family partnerships
    Describe practices for culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms
    Discuss strategies to help prevent misdiagnosis
    Identify examples of mainstreaming and inclusive education

  4. Define the issues related to educational equality for students with disabilities and the cultural response to special education.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written essay and/or group discussions
    Criteria
    Define diagnostic criteria that ensure access to special education services
    Discuss the meaning of least restrictive environment
    Explain Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974
    Identify the way in which the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act opened educational opportunities

  5. Explain the impact of school reform on student learning using a multicultural perspective.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written essay and/or group discussions
    Criteria
    Examine historical examples of school reform
    Define improvements through a multicultural lens
    Analyze programs for communities, schools and families to work together