| Course Title: | Cultural Diversity in the Professions |
|---|---|
| Course Number: | SOCS-350 |
| Course Description: | The focus of this course is an exploration of cross-cultural issues and diversity to help create a positive foundation for understanding and working effectively with others. Cultural issues, including values, beliefs, and practices impacting individuals, groups, and communities, are discussed. Case studies and other applications are examined, particularly as these relate to the workplace and to professional practice. The course includes experiential learning designed to increase understanding and appreciation of differing cultures. |
| Course Prerequisites: | PSYC110, SOCS185, SOCS187 or SOCS190 / 3-3 |
Syllabus
Course Information
Course Specific Requirements
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Textbooks and Resources
Required Textbooks
The following books are required for this course:
Understanding and Managing Diversity
6th Edition
by Carol P. Harvey & M. June Allard
2015 Pearson
Harvey, C. P. & Allard, M. J. (2015) Understanding and managing diversity (6th ed.) Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson
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Campus Additional Information
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Terminal Course Objectives
DeVry University course content is constructed from curriculum guides developed for each course that are in alignment with specific Terminal Course Objectives. The Terminal Course Objectives (TCOs) define the learning objectives that the student will be required to comprehend and demonstrate by course completion. The TCOs that will be covered in detail each week can be found in the Objectives section for that particular week. Whenever possible, a reference will be made from a particular assignment or discussion back to the TCO that it emphasizes.
1
Given an example of the need to increase productivity in a workplace unit, such as a department of a large corporation, analyze the impact of cultural diversity on team building in the workplace and formulate strategies for facilitating cooperation among members of a culturally diverse work group.
2
Given a simulated situation where a qualified minority candidate is denied employment based on the hiring manager's cultural prejudice and practice of discrimination, correctly assess the situation and recommend intervention strategies to correct the situation.
3
Given a situation in a culturally diverse workplace where tension among employees is rising and job satisfaction is low, formulate a plan to evaluate organizational culture and strategies to increase organizational cultural competence.
4
Given a case study or simulated situation in which an individual must give directives or recommendations, such as work directives or healthcare recommendations, to an individual from a different culture, assess the potential cultural barriers to communication and compliance with the directives or recommendations and suggest methods for improving communication and ensuring compliance.
5
Given a situation in which absenteeism in the workplace due to illness is at an all time high, integrate knowledge of values and cultural healthcare practices in instituting health promotion and illness prevention programs.
6
Given the changing demographics of the United States and the globalization of markets, compare and contrast cultural differences and illustrate their impact on providing services to members of different cultures, especially non-dominant populations in the United States.
7
Given a workplace conflict involving members of different cultures, integrate knowledge of cultural communication to select strategies for avoiding or resolving conflict in the workplace or professional arenas.
8
Given a situation in which an urban neighborhood is experiencing conflict due to increasing cultural diversity among residents, integrate critical thinking and decision-making skills in preparing a personal plan for developing cultural competence.
Lab Schedule
Week 1
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
Week 2
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
Week 3
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
Week 4
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
Week 5
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
Week 6
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
Week 7
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
Week 8
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
Course Schedule
| Week, TCOs, and Topics | Readings and Class Preparation | Activities and Assignments |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 TCOs 1, 2, and 8 Getting Started | Understanding workplace diversity: Where have we been and where are we going? SECTION I. Understanding individual perspectives of diversity. | Quiz |
| Week 2 TCOs 3, 4, 5, and 6 | SECTION II. Understanding the primary dimensions of diversity: Race and ethnicity. | Course Project: Topic Proposal Due |
| Week 3 TCOs 3, 4 and 6 | SECTION III. Understanding the primary dimensions of diversity: Age, gender, sexual orientation, and physical and mental challenges | Quiz |
| Week 4 TCOs 4 and 7 | SECTION IV. Understanding secondary aspects of diversity: Social class, religion, appearance/ weight, language/communication, and military service | Course Project: Reference List and Outline Due |
| Week 5 TCOs 7 and 8 | SECTION V. Managing diversity in terms of ethical, legal, media, and marketing issues | Quiz |
| Week 6 TCOs 7 | SECTION VI Managing Organizational change and diversity: current issues |
Graded Discussion Topics |
| Week 7 TCOs 1, 3, 4, and 8 | SECTION VII. Capstone experiences for understanding and managing diversity | Quiz |
| Week 8 All TCOs | Course Project: Final Paper Due | |
Blended E-Learning
This course is an 8-week, intensive course that includes both classroom-based and e-learning activities. Your participation in both areas is essential to your success in this course. You should expect to spend time each week participating in the prescribed activities both before and after our class meeting.
Participation before, during, and after class meetings is critical to your success in this intensive environment.
To get the most out of our weekly class meetings, it is essential that you come to class prepared. The weekly readings listed in the Course Schedule will prepare you for class. Our class meetings, in turn, will prepare you for upcoming exams and assignments.
Through the DeVry e-learning platform, you will be able to
- review the Syllabus and weekly assignment information;
- submit completed work for grading;
- take quizzes and exams;
- obtain copies of class handouts and notes;
- e-mail the instructor and other students; and
- participate in online discussion of class material.
iConnect Live
This course contains iConnect Live sessions that provide students with the opportunity to attend live presentations, which cover course materials, projects, and assignments. Please see the iConnect Live items for the days and times of the live sessions and for the link to enter each session. You will also receive e-mail reminders each week.
If you are unable to attend the live session, you can watch the recorded session by clicking on the Recordings link that will appear in the iConnect Live item after the lecture has concluded. Please contact your instructor with any questions.
Please note that because of unavoidable technological issues and presenter availability, the live lectures may be substituted with prerecorded lectures.
Due Dates for Assignments & Exams
Unless otherwise specified, the following applies.
- Access to most weeks begins on Sunday at 12:01 a.m. mountain time (MT).
- All assignments are to be submitted on or before Sunday at the end of the specified week that they are due, by 11:59 p.m. (MT).
- All quizzes and exams are to be completed on or before Sunday at the end of the specified week that they open, by 11:59 p.m. (MT).
Week 8 opens at 12:01 a.m. (MT) on the ending Sunday of Week 7. Any assignments or exams must be completed by 11:59 p.m. (MT) Saturday of the eighth week.
Due Dates for Assignments & Exams
All assignments, quizzes, and exams are to be completed per the schedule indicated by your instructor.
Assignment Values and Letter Grades
The maximum score in this class is 1,000 points. The categories, which contribute to your final grade, are weighted as follows.
| Assignment | Points | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Discussions (30 points, Weeks 1–7) | 210 | 21% |
| Course Project Topic Proposal and Rationale (45 points, Week 2) | 45 | 4.5% |
| Course Project Reference List (100 points, Week 4) | 100 | 10% |
| Quiz (100 points, Weeks 1, 3, 5 & 7) | 400 | 40% |
| You Decide Assignment (45 points, Week 6) | 45 | 4.5% |
| Final Course Project (200 points, Week 8) | 200 | 20% |
| Total Points | 1,000 | 100 |
All of your course requirements are graded using points. At the end of the course, the points are converted to a letter grade using the scale in the table below.
| Letter Grade | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A | 900–1,000 | 90% to 100% |
| B | 800–899 | 80% to 89% |
| C | 700–799 | 70% to 79% |
| D | 600–699 | 60% to 69% |
| F | 599 and below | Below 60% |
DeVry Graduate Academic Policy and Relevant Resources
DeVry Undergraduate Academic Policy and Relevant Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When are grades calculated, and how can I view my grades?
- You must complete any quizzes and post your written assignments (if necessary) to the weekly Dropbox by Sunday 11:59 p.m. (MT) each week, except Week 8 which closes at 11:59 p.m. (MT) Saturday.
- Once your work is reviewed, you should see comments and total points for each assignment in the Gradebook. Instructors should have Discussion work graded by the following Tuesday and all other assignments by the following Friday.
- You may check your progress at any time by going to the Gradebook, selecting the week and then your name.
- Click on the points earned for each assignment in the Gradebook to see any instructor comments.
What should I do if a discrepancy is found with my grade?
- Double-check the error and try to determine what caused it.
- Send your instructor an email explaining your findings.
- Trust that any error in grading will be corrected quickly
What if I cannot get my work submitted on time?
- If you have an emergency that will cause your work to be late, please contact your instructor in advance of the due date so that arrangements can be made. Your instructor may reserve the right to deduct points for work turned in late based on the reason and the timeliness of notice.
- If a technical problem prevents you from meeting the scheduled due date, please contact the Help Desk at 1-800-594-2402 and immediately email your instructor about the situation.
How can I get extra credit?
Extra credit is not an option.
Questions and Concerns
Please feel free to contact me for help with coursework or other areas that may impact your progress. Here are some examples.
- Do you have general questions about attendance, deadlines regarding your courses, student financial aid, or other areas?
- Are you a member of the military service? Do you need to adjust your schedule due to active duty, or do you have questions about your GI Bill® benefits or have other unforeseen military and veteran-related issues that have developed?
- Do you need supplementary student assistance? Please let me know if you are having academic difficulty and would like an ADA accommodation. Although I can talk with you about getting assistance, an excellent point of contact is the Office of Student Disability Services. You can reach the Office by calling 877-496-9050, option 3, or by e-mailing adaofficer@devry.edu or adaofficer@keller.edu.
Regardless of your situation, please feel free to contact me for assistance in whatever area of concern you might have. I will do everything I can to assist you or put you in contact with University colleagues who are trained to assist you in whatever area of concern you might have.
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