COUN 212: Valuing Diversity

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2022
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
District General Education: D2. Behavioral Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Proposed
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course will increase the level of cultural literacy and awareness for students by examining the complexities of interpersonal relationships within the diverse cultures and ethnic groups in our society. Students will examine their attitudes and cultural perceptions, while exploring self-concepts, values, beliefs, communication styles, religion, gender, ageism, and lifestyles in order to increase respect for cultural differences and to develop a sense of community and advocacy. The course will also explore how culture and diversity differences impact the world of work. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate how one's own cultural background and experiences have influenced one's attitudes, beliefs, values, and biases.
  • Compare and contrast human diversity by exploring cultural beliefs and attitudes in a nonjudgmental fashion.
  • Compare and contrast verbal and non-verbal communication styles and differences. Compare and contrast how our individual styles of communication may clash with others, different from oneself.
  • Demonstrate specific knowledge and information about particular groups and discuss life experiences, cultural heritage, family systems, and historical background of identified culturally different individuals.
  • Analyze how socio-political and economic influences impact self-esteem and self-concept
  • Participate in activities outside the academic setting (e.g., community events, social, political, religious functions, celebrations, friendships, neighborhood groups and the like), to clarify one's role in social justice, advocacy, and conflict resolution, and to facilitate one's knowledge of culturally different groups.

Major Course Content

  1. What is Diversity?
    1. Spectrum of Diversity
    2. Racial Diversity 
    3. Key components of Culture and Cultural Differences 
    4. Ethnic groups in the United States 
      1. Native Americans 
      2. European Americans  
      3. African Americans  
      4. Hispanic Americans  
      5. Asian Americans 
      6. Middle Eastern Americans 
    5. Humanity and the Common Experience 
    6. Components and Significance of Individuality 
      1. Individual Personal Characteristics 
        1. Character Traits  
        2. Psychological Characteristics 
        3. Physical Attributes 
      2. Relationship between Humanity, Diversity, and Individuality 
      3. Life Experiences 
      4. Cultural Heritage 
      5. Family Systems 
      6. Historical Background 
    7. Diversity and the College Experience 
    8. Diversity and Student Identity 
      1. Awareness of Group Identity 
      2. Awareness of Social Identity 
        1. Race or Ethnicity 
        2. Gender 
        3. Socio-Economic Class 
        4. Sexual Orientation 
        5. Religion 
        6. Generation 
        7. National Region 
        8. Marital Status 
      3. Awareness of Own Cultural Background and Experiences  
      4. Awareness of How Cultural Background and Experiences have Influenced Your Attitudes, Beliefs, Values, and Biases 
  2. Major Components/Factors of Diversity 
    1. Ethnic and Racial Diversity 
    2. Ethnic groups including but not limited to: 
      1. Native Americans (American Indians) 
      2. Hispanic Americans (Latino/Latina, Latinx)
      3. African Americans (Blacks) 
      4. Asian Americans 
    3. Gender Diversity 
    4. Sexual Diversity 
    5. Social Economic Diversity 
      1. Diversity in Level of Education 
      2. Diversity in Occupational Prestige 
      3. Diversity in Income 
    6. Religious Diversity 
    7. Generational Diversity 
    8. Individual Diversity  
      1. Personality Traits and Individual Differences 
      2. Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Styles 
      3. Individual Styles of Communication 
  3. Benefits of Experiencing Diversity
    1. Embracing Diversity
    2. Diversity and Self-Awareness
    3. How Diversity Enriches Multiple Perspectives through a College Education 
    4. Awareness of Diversity in Your College 
    5. Different Perspectives on Diversity 
      1. Historical Perspective
      2. Contemporary Perspective
      3. Futuristic Perspective 
      4. Perspective of Self 
      5. Family and Community Perspective 
      6. Societal and National Perspective 
      7. Global Perspective
    6. Diversity and its Impact on Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 
    7. Diversity Enhances Career Preparation and Career Success 
  4. Overcoming Barriers to Diversity 
    1. Ethnocentrism 
    2. Stereotyping 
    3. Prejudice 
    4. Discrimination 
    5. Segregation 
    6. Privilege 
    7. Developmental Model for Overcoming and Appreciating Diversity 
      1. The Cycle of Diversity Appreciation 
        1. Awareness 
        2. Acknowledgment 
        3. Acceptance 
        4. Action 
        5. Cultural Sensitivity, Appreciation and Cultural Competence 
  5. Making the Most of Diversity in College and Beyond 
    1. Infusing Diversity into Your College Experience 
      1. Self-Reflection in Your Experience with Diversity  
      2. Infusing Electives Courses on Diversity Into your Educational Plan  
      3. Identifying Opportunities to Enhance Your Diversity Experience 
    2. Strategies for Acquiring Knowledge about Diverse Cultures 
    3. Strategies for Communicating Across Cultures and with Members of Diverse Groups

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Writing/Skill Building Students use the concepts and theories learned in the class to analyze their own culture, while they compare and contrast cultural diversity from the course objective areas.
Example: Take an in-depth look at your own culture, and the variations within it. Explore dividing lines within your own culture such as, socio-economic status, skin tone, education levels, religion, and the like. Examine how you would handle future situations with someone of your own culture, where some of these issues are present. Pay attention to what personal biases/ethical issues that may come up for you. Write a two page summary (depth not breadth) on what you discovered. Be prepared to share and discuss your findings with peers/instructor.
1. One (1): Two (2) page typewritten Summary regarding the Personal Experience Activity 2. One (1): Five (5) page formal typewritten Research Paper of an Ethnic Group/Culture of choice. 3. One (1): Two (2) page typewritten Summary regarding the Research of one's own Ethnic Group/Culture.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students use the terms, concepts and theories learned in the class to analyze, compare and contrast their own culture and other cultures from the course objective areas.
Example 1: Complete weekly take home chapter quizzes.
Example 2: Select a cultural group of interest to you. Immerse yourself into that culture for a minimum of three days. Write a two-page Personal Experience Summary regarding your experience functioning in a culture different from your own.
Example 3: Research your own culture based upon the 12-Aspects of Culture. Write a two-page summary of your findings.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture