GED 8072 - Intercultural Competency and Dimensions of Diversity

As our schools become increasingly diverse with students from various ability, racial, economical, linguistic, sexual, and religious backgrounds, it is vital that intercultural competency and critical reflection are valued to ensure effective teaching and cross-cultural communication. Participants examine how various dimensions of difference impact the life experience and access to opportunity of people in U.S. schools and society. Dimensions for consideration include race, ethnicity, citizenship status, sexual orientation, home language, (dis)ability, gender, religion, and intersections of these. This course will offer teachers an in-depth analysis of who they are culturally and identify at least one identity of intersectionality and how to improve their practice as it relates to meeting the needs of diverse learners in the 21st century. Two tools will be used in the class to assess students on their current level of intercultural competency; Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), and Racial Identity Development Models and Theories. Within this course students will continue the process of researching and generating the final project(s) of the MAT degree, utilizing the research and writing skills introduced in the first program course.

Credits: 4