Syllabus

Master of Science in Education

EDU 625 – Developing a Framework for Diversity and Inclusion (Fall 2021)

Credits - 3

Description

This course centers on the principles of diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Participants will create a framework for diversity and inclusion through engagement with the literature and theories on social identity in the historic context of America. We will examine how individual differences, institutional systems, and social assumptions contribute to or inhibit cultural pluralism. Major emphasis will be placed on building skills in critical analyses of social structures, interrogating our personal and professional praxis, and expanding our knowledge base to promote social justice.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

• Engage with issues of identity and power while distinguishing the dynamics of dominance and oppression and their impact on human functioning and social relations
• Apply critical contextual thinking to illuminate underlying assumptions, biases, and possible opportunities
• Challenge oppressive assumptions, biases, and prejudices to mobilize power toward positive change
• Create a framework for promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice through engagement with the literature and theories on social identity in the historic context of America

Assignments

Discussions

There will be a whole-class and/or small group discussion topic to engage with most weeks.

Week 1: Data Collection Plan

Throughout this course, you will work toward a final project, an autoethnographic video story (due in Week 8). For this first assignment, you will write a short summary of how you plan to collect and track your data (e.g. field notes, personal journaling, interviews, social media analysis, etc.) for your autoethnographic video story throughout the term. You will not be asked to submit your raw data as part of your final project.

Week 3: “Controversy in the Capstone Crew” Case Study

You will view a brief animated case study and submit a written assignment explaining and analyzing the social location dynamics that may have played a major role in the tension the students experienced.

Week 4: Local Newspaper Op-Ed

You will be asked to write an op-ed to a local newspaper on power, privilege, oppression and social location. There is no requirement to submit this op-ed to any publication.

Week 5: Englewood Case Study

Based on presented course materials, you will submit a written assignment explaining the political, economic and socio-cultural factors resulting from oppression and power.

Week 5: Literature Review

You will submit a written literature review of the scholarly sources you’ve collected for your final course project.

Week 6: Socioeconomic Initiative Mandate

From the perspective of an organizational leader, you will submit a written list of programs you would develop to address socioeconomic inequities in your organization and provide a rationale for each activity.

Week 7: Disability Representation in Media

You will document how the media and society represent and depict disabled people and summarize your observations and findings in a 3–4 minute video.

Week 8: Reflection on Inclusive Excellence

You will submit a written reflection to the concluding video lecture on inclusive excellence addressing your observations/takeaways and questions.

Week 8: Autoethnographic Video Story

Based off of knowledge gained throughout the course and your own individual research, you will create and share with your classmates a 12 to 15-minute autoethnographic video story. The story will be a compilation of your introspection and self-reflection throughout the term and should address how your own identities, culture, and lived experiences shape and influence your view and interaction with the world.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignments	Points
Discussions (7)	25
Week 1: Data Collection Plan	3
Week 3: "Controversy in the Capstone Crew" Case Study	7
Week 4: Local Newspaper Op-Ed	7
Week 5: Englewood Case Study	7
Week 5: Literature Review	12
Week 6: Socioeconomic Initiative Mandate	7
Week 7: Disability Representation in Media	7
Week 8: Reflection on Inclusive Excellence	7
Week 8: Autoethnographic Video Story	18
Total	100

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00