Why Does Difference Matter?

Catalog description

The human experience is wrought with the challenge of difference every day ? differences of opinion, cultures, race, socioeconomic status, politics, and education, to name a few. We are confronted with ideas that challenge our own epistemological and ontological standpoints, and thus we are required to decide how we wish to approach the Other and negotiate difference for ourselves. In this course, we will explore the questions: Why does difference matter? What does it mean to be different? Why does difference lead us to a polarized, black and white world, both literally and figuratively? How can we achieve an understanding of common ground? ? that space where we can all meet to recognize our differences and appreciate our standpoints, but more importantly, to celebrate the interconnectedness of these differences. History shows us that our approaches to difference are not only problematic, often resulting in calamitous wars and wholesale human oppression, but also can be beneficial, leading to compromise, appreciation and prosperity. In this course, we will deconstruct ideas of difference and investigate how we communicate difference through themes that both disrupt our personal worldviews and galvanize larger social movements.