Course Description

A study of individual, family, and cultural community diversity

Core Content

1. Explain concepts such as diversity, stereotype, lifestyles, class, racism, sexism, sensitivity, tolerance, etc.

2. Critically examine minority group contributions to American society.

3. Demonstrate an awareness of the cultural experience of ethnic/diverse groups other than his/her own

4. Understand what is involved in developing wholesome self-identities

5. Evidence awareness and justification of the need and value of multiculturalism

6. Distinguish similarities and differences among majority and minority cultures

7. Recognize communication patterns in self and others that enhances or inhibits the communication process

8. Synthesize the communication patterns of diverse populations and how they relate to interpersonal relations

9. Summarize scholarly resources related to diversity

Core Skills

1.     To learn to respond appropriately to diverse needs

2.     To learn to apply concern for diversity in professional and social environments

3.     To communicate and work effectively with diverse groups

4.     To develop a vision of society that promotes the success of all members, based on relevant knowledge and theories

5.     To demonstrate the ability to combine impartiality, sensitivity to diversity, and ethical consideration in interactions with others

6.     To develop multicultural awareness, gender sensitivity, and ethnic appreciation in the community

7.     To develop responsiveness to diverse sociological, linguistic, cultural, and other factors

8.     To serve as an advocate

9.     To demonstrate the ability to analyze the complex causes of poverty and other disadvantages and their effects

Face to Face Class:

You are expected to be dependable, reliable, responsible, on time and in attendance to each class session for the entire class you are enrolled in according to your assigned schedule. You are also expected to ask questions, participate in class activities and discussions. Tardiness, leaving early, and excessive absences (3) are considered evidence of lack of dependability, and are taken seriously. It is the student’s responsibility to make up for any missed assignments. In class activities cannot be made up. Excessive tardiness (determined by the professor) can be defined as an absence and subject to the absentee policy. Three instances of tardy arrival will be counted as one absence. In the event that a class member is absent, for whatever reason, that individual assumes responsibility for contacting the instructor to account for missed work and to turn in work. It is impossible to provide a summary of all that takes place during any given class via email. If a student is going to be absent, they have the responsibility to contact the instructor to turn in assignments and obtain copies of any handouts from the missed class. Tentative assignment due dates are listed on the course schedule. While the actual due dates may vary due to the flow of the class, all assignment due dates will be finalized and announced in class well in advance of the specific date. Late work, unless arrangements are made by the student and approved in advance by the instructor, will not be accepted for full credit. Participation points will be deducted for each absence. You will be given a verbal or written warning prior to being dropped from the class.

Any student who misses class (for any reason) remains responsible for contacting other students to obtain class materials. In the event that a class member is absent, for whatever reason, that individual assumes responsibility for contacting the instructor to account for missed work and to turn in work. It is impossible to provide a summary of all that takes place during any given class via email. If a student is going to be absent, they have the responsibility to contact the instructor to turn in assignments and obtain copies of any handouts from the missed class. Tentative assignment due dates are listed on the course schedule. While the actual due dates may vary due to the flow of the class, all assignment due dates will be finalized and announced in class well in advance of the specific date. Late work, unless arrangements are made by the student and approved in advance by the instructor, will not be accepted for full credit.

Work must be turned in when it is due for full credit. Late work will only be accepted if cleared with Dr. Robles due to an emergency.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed the 6 hours of Communication Core and 2) earned 60 hours. Students may meet this requirement in one of three ways: by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, passing two Writing Intensive Courses (only one can be in the core), or passing English 2113. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.