Diversity and Multiculturalism in Education

Catalog description

This course investigates the sociopolitical context in which schooling takes place, and how diverse groups are marginalized in the education system and in our society due to differences in race, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigrant status, etc. The students enrolled in this course will critically examine their own cultural frames which have shaped their beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions, leading to implicit biases that—if left unaddressed—would cause them to further perpetuate social inequalities through their work as classroom teachers. Instead, students will confront institutionalized knowledge, policies, and practices within the education system and our society that perpetuate stereotypes, inequalities, and the status quo. They will learn how to develop cultural awareness and become knowledgeable of children’s backgrounds and communities, and how to translate this knowledge into culturally responsive pedagogy that increases learning opportunities for all children.