MSP 5060 Seminar in Understanding Cultural Diversity

The course begins with the premise that American society is built by people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This requires citizens to develop an understanding about a wide range of values, beliefs, and actions. The course seeks to develop an awareness and sensitivity toward others by examining some of the stereotypes which hinder the understanding of diverse people and groups, including those which shape our attitudes and actions toward racial and ethnic minorities, gender and age-based groups, and those with alternative lifestyles. Certain class sessions will be devoted to exploring the stereotypes which shape behavior toward a specific group. Some of these sessions will often include speakers from the various groups who will relate how these misperceptions can cause communication difficulties and hamper effective interaction.