COUN 212: Valuing Cultural Diversity and Identity

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
District General Education: C2. Humanities, D2. Behavioral Science, E4. Counseling
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

An examination of social-scientific human behavior, identity, and sociocultural phenomena within U.S. society. Integrating perspectives from sociology, social psychology, and ethnic studies, students will analyze how cultural norms, social structures, and institutional systems shape personal and collective identities. Grounded in a theoretical point of view that includes Social Identity Theory, Social Learning Theory, Intersectionality, and Critical Race Theory, the course investigates the formation of identity, prejudice, privilege, and power across diverse social groups. Students will apply empirical research, theoretical models, and comparative analyses to interpret the effects of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social class, age, and ability on human development and opportunity. Emphasis is placed on applying social-science methods and evidence-based reasoning to evaluate inequality and to formulate informed strategies that promote inclusion, equity, and social justice. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Investigate cross-cultural perspectives of identity development\\nwithin social structures, including but not limited to race, ethnicity,\\ngender, class, and disability.\\n
  • Compare and contrast theories of identity development which\\ninclude individual, cultural, and ecological perspectives.\\n
  • Develop a greater awareness, and sensitivity and learn to value and\\nunderstand the dynamics and scope of majority-minority group\\nrelations.
  • Evaluate theories of self-concept, self-regulation, and motivation\\nwithin the context of student development in higher education.\\n
  • Define and analyze major aspects of the historical, political and\\nsociological relationships between dominant and non-dominant groups\\nfocusing on race, gender, class, culture and ethnicity.\\n
  • Evaluate current social, political, and economic issues affecting ethnic\\nminorities in the United States, and articulate impact on identity and self-development
  • Understand some of the causes and effects of majority-minority\\nrelations.\\n
  • Understand the history and complex nature of such things as\\nracism, and sexism. Especially as they are related to majority-minority group relations in the United States
  • Interact more positively and effectively with groups different from\\none’s own.\\n
  • Critically discuss and differentiate issues of prejudice and\\ndiscrimination, civil liberties, and social justice within higher\\neducation.\\n
  • Analyze and explain how power relationships, assumptions,\\nlanguage and values and belief systems affect cultural differences.
  • Asses and apply diversity consciousness and communication skills\\nto develop relationships in a global society.\\n

Major Course Content

  1. Examine Personal and Social Barriers in a Diverse Word 
    1. ​Compare and contrast personal and social barriers. 
    2. Examine barriers to success such as perception, ethnocentrism, stereotypes, prejudice, power and discrimination.
    3. Develop strategies for overcoming diversity barriers.
  2. Theoretical Foundations of Diversity and Identity 
    1. ​Definition and dimensions of diversity
    2. Spectrum of diversity: cultural, social, and individual differences
    3. Theories explaining human diversity and identity development
      1. Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner)
      2. Social Learning Theory (Bandura)
      3. Intersectionality (Crenshaw)
      4. Critical Race Theory (Delgado & Stefancic)
    4. Key sociological and psychological concepts: culture, norms, values, beliefs, and socialization
    5. Relationship between individual identity, social structures, and cultural systems
  3. Cultural and Ethnic Diversity in the United States
    1. ​Historical and contemporary overview of ethnic groups in the U.S.
      1. Native American / Indigenous Peoples
      2. African Americans 
      3. Hispanic/Latino Americans 
      4. Asian American and Pacific Islanders 
      5. Middle Eastern and North African Americans 
      6. European American 
  4. Critical Assessment of Research Methods in the Study of Identity 
    1. Observation 
    2. Ethnography 
    3. Critical Race Grounded-Methodology 
  5. Challenge Beliefs by Exploring Different Racial, Ethnic, Religious, and Sex Roles Views 
    1. ​Survey various cultural and ethnic belief systems
    2. Examine and reevaluate personal belief systems
    3. Analyze and compare personal belief systems with different racial, ethnic, religious and sex role views
    4. Recognize personal limited perceptions and barriers to developing diversity consciousness
  6. Apply Diversity Consciousness and Communication Skills to Develop Relationships in a Global Society 
    1. Recognize the value of diversity consciousness through:
      1. Developing a self-evaluation process
      2. Accepting diverse intellectual strengths and learning styles
      3. Maintaining individual background and cultural pride
    2. Develop diversity consciousness skills
      1. Examine why diversity consciousness is an ongoing process
      2. Discuss strategies for developing diversity consciousness
      3. Define the impact of cultural encapsulation
    3. Define and apply communication skills
      1. Explain the correlation between communication and culture
      2. Recognize intercultural communication
      3. Distinguish cultural diffusion
      4. Develop strategies for communication inclusive
  7. Stereotypes and Impact on Identity Development 
    1. ​Stereotype threat 
      1. Race
      2. Ethnicity 
      3. Gender 
    2. Prejudice and Discrimination  
    3. Social and cognitive origins of prejudice and stereotypes 
    4. Theories of bias and intergroup behavior 
    5. Comparative perspective on discrimination in local, national, and global contexts 
  8. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Identity 
    1. ​Psychological factors contributing to ethnocentrism 
    2. Intergroup attitudes 
    3. Ethnocentrism and stereotype thinking 
  9. Explain How Cultural Differences Affect Power Relationships, Assumptions, Language, Values, and Belief Systems 
    1. ​Examine the characteristics of individual social class
    2. Identify the major components of power
    3. Analyze the role of social organizations assigning power to different groups 
  10. Connections Between Social Structures 
    1. ​Race
    2. Ethnicity 
    3. Gender 
    4. Sexual orientation 
    5. Religion 
    6. Social class and socioeconomics status 
    7. Individuals with disabilities 
    8. Cultural groups 
    9. Immigrant experience 
    10. History vs. contemporary 
  11. Strategies for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Change
    1. ​Evidence-based approaches to reducing bias and promoting inclusion
    2. The role of education and community engagement in social transformation
    3. Research-based interventions for increasing cultural competence
    4. Empirical evaluation of diversity and inclusion initiatives
    5. Individual and collective agency in promoting equity and justice
  12. The College Experience and Social Identity 
    1. Diversity and identity development in higher education
    2. The role of college as a microcosm of society
    3. Examination of social identity in educational settings: belonging, motivation, and persistence
    4. Relationship between diversity, critical thinking, and cognitive complexity

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Williams-Paez, Pamela. Culturally Responsive Teaching. 2022

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