Intercultural Community-Building

Catalog description

An experiential introduction to negotiating differences in small groups, families, institutions, and communities. HD FS 287Y Intercultural Community -Building (3) (GS;US) This course provides students an experiential introduction to how individuals and families both affect and are affected by the various cultural/community contexts in which they develop, including schools, places of work, and youth and community programs. Students will identify and explore their own unique and shared assumptions, and the relationships between those assumptions and life histories and experiences. They will become aware of the dynamics of how communities are formed and function by forming a community themselves, and through involvement in a local community group or agency. Group discussions and written reflections will link their personal experiences to theory and research presented in class and readings on such topics as developing systems theories, cultural communication theories, and decision-making. The goals of the course are to increase students' understanding of the relations between values, power relations, and the various processes of social change, and encourage the development of communication skills and citizenship. Special emphasis will be placed on developing relationships within culturally and ethnically diverse groups. Because it is designated as a writing intensive course, particular attention will be given to the development of written communication skills. Students will be evaluated on the basis on their performance in several areas, which may include examinations and quizzes, several writing assignments, and participation in class discussions and simulations. The course may be delivered at certain Commonwealth College campuses and Altoona College. Depending on location, the course may be offered during the fall, spring and/or summer sessions, with anticipated class enrollments of 12-20 students.