Course Description

A study of perspectives shaped by individual, family, and community experiences, incorporating inquiry and research to deepen understanding.

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
8. communication process
9. Synthesize the communication patterns of diverse populations and how they relate to interpersonal relations
10. Summarize scholarly resources related to diversity

Core Skills

1. To learn to respond appropriately to diverse needs
2. Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning
3. To learn to apply concern for diversity in professional and social environments
4. Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning
5. To communicate and work effectively with diverse groups
6. Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning
7. To develop a vision of society that promotes the success of all members, based on relevant knowledge and theories
8.  Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning, debate
9. To demonstrate the ability to combine impartiality, sensitivity to diversity, and ethical consideration in interactions with others
10. Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning
11. To develop multicultural awareness, gender sensitivity, and ethnic appreciation in the community Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning
12. To develop responsiveness to diverse sociological, linguistic, cultural, and other factors
13. Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning
14. To serve as an advocate
15. Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning, debate
16. To demonstrate the ability to analyze the complex causes of poverty and other disadvantages and their effects
17. Learning Activities: class discussion, lecture, guided reading, guest speakers, case study, peer practice, experiential learning, debate

Online Computer Requirements

Taking an online class requires you to have access to a computer (with Internet access) to complete and upload your assignments. It is your responsibility to have (or have access to) a working computer in this class. Assignments and tests are due by the due date, and personal computer technical difficulties will not be considered reason for the instructor to allow students extra time to submit assignments, tests, or discussion postings. Computers are available on campus in various areas of the buildings as well as the Academic Success Center. Your computer being down is not an excuse for missing a deadline!! There are many places to access your class! Our online classes can be accessed from any computer in the world that is connected to the internet. Contact your instructor immediately upon having computer trouble. If you have technical difficulties in the course, there is also a student helpdesk available to you. The college cannot work directly on student computers due to both liability and resource limitations however they are able to help you get connected to our online services. For help, log into D2L.

Instructor Class Policies

Cheating, collusion, and plagiarism (the act of using source material of other

persons, either published or unpublished, without following the accepted techniques of crediting, or the submission for credit of work not the individuals to whom credit is given) will not be considered. I use Turnitin for the written assignments and D2L directly syncs with it (you do not have to do anything). You will be able to see the plagiarism percentage and are welcome to make changes and resubmit *BEFORE* the due date. *Any plagiarism of 30% and above is too much! Your plagiarized assignment will not be graded, receive a zero, and no make-up allowed.

Self-plagiarism refers to submitting work for credit that is the same or substantially similar to work prepared or submitted for another course without appropriate citation. This includes reusing previous assignments, papers, presentations, or other submissions without instructor approval. Self-plagiarism gives the impression of original work when, in fact, the content has already been submitted for assessment elsewhere. To avoid self-plagiarism, communicate openly with your instructor about building on existing work or repurposing prior submissions. Provide proper citations for any previous work referenced. Unless the instructor indicates otherwise, all assignments submitted for this course must be newly prepared by you and you alone for this specific class. Any self-plagiarism of 30% and above is too much! Your plagiarized assignment will not be graded, receive a zero, and no make-up allowed.

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have now provided generative and creative applications such as Chat GPT, Google Bard, Guru, Microsoft Copilot, and others. Certainly, these tools can be quite useful in the learning process; however, the content they generate does not represent the effort and learning of the student. Since writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are part of the learning outcomes of this course, all writing assignments should be prepared by the student. Developing strong competencies in this area will prepare you for a competitive workplace. Submitting AI generated work in place of the original and genuine work of the student will be considered a form of academic misconduct. Therefore, AI-generated submissions are not permitted and will be treated as plagiarism. Any AI generated work of 30% and above is too much! Your assignment will not be graded, receive a zero, and no make-up allowed.

You may type a question into ChatGPT, you may not exactly copy and paste its response, and turn it in as your own. If you use ChatGPT or any AI, please use it in ways that are ethical, accurate, and useful.

Any instance of plagiarism, AI-generated content, and/or self-plagiarism will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy outlined in the Student Handbook. It's important to remember that the consequences of violating this policy are serious and can have a lasting impact on your academic record. By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge and agree to comply with this plagiarism and AI-generated content policy. Your understanding and commitment to academic integrity are crucial to our learning community

Course Description

A study of perspectives shaped by individual, family, and community experiences, incorporating inquiry and research to deepen understanding

Students are expected to attend all meetings of the classes in which they are enrolled. Although in general students are graded on intellectual effort and performance rather than attendance, absences may lower the student’s grade where class attendance and class participation are deemed essential by the faculty member.

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. Points will be deducted for activities not completed. You will be given a verbal or written warning prior to

being dropped from the class.

The instructor will give the student a verbal or written warning prior to being dropped from the class. Instructor’s records will stand as evidence of absences. A student with excessive absences may be dropped from a course by the instructor. Any individual faculty member or college has the authority to establish an attendance policy, providing the policy is in accordance with the General University Policies.

Work must be turned in when it is due for full credit. Late work will only be accepted if cleared with the instructor and due to an emergency. Late work will receive a 25% deduction per day per assignment (including Saturday and Sunday). This means if the assignment is for 100 points, you can make a

maximum score of 75 after one day, 50 after two days, 25 after three days, and zero after 4 days if all your answers are correct. *There is NO late work on discussion boards or quizzes! All this is non-negotiable!!! If there are any issues or you are confused about an assignment, contact me *BEFORE* the assignment is due (at least 24 to 48 hours before the assignment is due). Time shown on D2L, or email will be used. *Assignments are due by the due date, and personal computer technical difficulties will not be considered reason for the instructor to allow students extra time for submission.

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.

Obligation to Report Sex Discrimination under State and Federal Law

Midwestern State University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. State and federal law require University employees to report sex discrimination and sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Title IX. As a faculty member, I am required to report to the Title IX Coordinator any allegations, personally observed behavior, or other direct or indirect knowledge of conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, involving a student or employee. After a report is made, the office of Title IX will reach out to the affected student or employee in an effort to connect such person(s) with resources and options in addressing the allegations made in the report. You are also encouraged to report any incidents to the office of Title IX. You may do so by contacting:

Laura Hetrick

Title IX Coordinator
Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse
940-397-4213

laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu

You may also file an online report 24/7 at Maxient 

Should you wish to visit with someone about your experience in confidence, you may contact the MSU Counseling Center at 940-397-4618. For more information on the University’s policy on Title IX or sexual misconduct, please visit MSU Texas Title IX

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.