Human Diversities

In order to lead or serve in a global society, students need self-knowledge and an understanding of how they and their communities shape and are shaped by social systems. This component of the curriculum consists of Global Language (3–6 credits, depending on whether students come in with language credit), Global Perspectives, and US Diversities.

FYS and Senior Seminar often emphasize self-knowledge and therefore are particularly well suited to have students reflect on understanding themselves in relation to others. The other requirements attend to helping students understand issues of diversity in different political, economic, social, cultural, religious, scientific, and/or artistic contexts

Our plan deemphasizes a checklist approach and instead allows students to engage with issues of diversity and inclusion throughout their education at Hope.

Human Diversities components throughout the curriculum:

• FYS component on intercultural competence
• Global Languages
• US Diversities
• Global Perspectives
• Senior Seminar component on intercultural competence; assessment of intercultural competence

Courses and/or sections of courses satisfying the US Diversities and Global Perspectives requirement are offered throughout the curriculum, both in the general education program and within major programs and will be flagged as such in the class schedule.

Associated Student Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes will be introduced:

Global Language

1. Examine fundamental or emerging questions about humanity, the natural world, or God by seeking answers through different modes of inquiry.

2. Reflect on the diverse perspectives, cultures, and historical experiences of people in the United States and the world.

4. Demonstrate an ability to communicate to a specific audience by employing multiple approaches, media, or languages.

U.S. Diversities

2. Reflect on the diverse perspectives, cultures, and historical experiences of people in the United States and the world.

Global Perspectives

2. Reflect on the diverse perspectives, cultures, and historical experiences of people in the United States and the world.

Courses

Global Language (3–6 credits)

The Global Language component centers on achieving a deeper understanding of the culture(s) of countries or communities through the study of language. Language study addresses what it means to be creators and users of language and prepares students to live in a global society. These courses will help students:

• Develop competence in reading comprehension and written expression in a second language, as well as listening and oral communication for modern languages
• Develop a deeper appreciation for worldviews different from their own through knowledge of the history, politics, religion, literature and the arts that shape cultures and societies in the past or present
• For modern languages, gain empathy and learn to respect and understand personal cultural differences
• Enhance their understanding of their native language

U.S. Diversities (1 course)

The primary focus of the U.S. Diversities component centers on the diverse perspectives, cultures, and/or historical experiences of historically marginalized groups in the United States. with a focus on race as well as other categories such as ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic class, disability and/or environmental conditions.

• The majority (more than 50%) of the course content is authored by or from the perspective of historically marginalized groups.
• The course explores how communities and individuals within the United States shape and are impacted by ideas, institutions and systems. This includes a focus on issues such as equality, equity, access, justice, resilience, creative expression, and belonging.
• These can be offered from many departments and could be part of or outside of a student's major.

Global Perspectives (1 course)

The primary focus of the Global Perspectives component centers on the diverse perspectives, cultures, and/or historical experiences of the people and communities in nations or regions outside of the United States.

• These courses will help students to understand connections between communities, nations and/or environmental conditions.
• The majority (more than 50%) of content authored by or from the perspective of the people of that nation or region.
• The course explores how communities and individuals within the nation or region shape and are impacted by ideas, institutions and systems. This includes a focus on issues such as equality, equity, access, justice, resilience, creative expression, and belonging.
• These can be offered from many departments and could be part of or outside of a student's major.