The Deconstructing Diversity Initiative combines rigorous classroom instruction with a year-long series of workshops and summer travel to sites of historical and contemporary importance to the experience of race in America. Participants will be required to complete at least 12 units of academic courses focused on issues of race that are central to American society (see list) in order to participate in travel.
Throughout in-class instruction, workshops, and experiential learning trips, students
will investigate institutional and contextual forces, power differences, real or imagined,
that are at the heart of racial/ethnic tensions and should be considered in developing
and implementing strategies for improving race relations. These include structures
and practices, mores, traditions, beliefs, and stereotypes, and varying methods employed
by communities and organizations to tackle issues of race.
COURSE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this course is to raise student awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The objective is to provide students with the education, training and experiences needed to better understand, negotiate and resolve racial and ethical tension. The program not only endeavors to prepare students to engage in a diverse environment, but also equips them to be agents of change within their campus and home community.
The travel component of DDI is intended to provide students with an opportunity to engage with a variety of community members and leaders, policymakers, grassroots activists, academic institutions, religious organizations and NGOs, to learn about the ways in which they are working to address issues of race in their communities. Travel will also allow students to strengthen their skills at navigating important—and often controversial—topics with sensitivity to the diverse narratives that underlie issues of race in America.
Note: A large part of this program is to apply and pass on knowledge and experience. Therefore,
the year after completing DDI, students serve as mentors in the Diversity, Inclusion,
and Racial Healing Ambassador Program (DIRHA), and/or are assigned to sit on campus
committees or workgroups committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.
SCHEDULE:
Fall Quarter
The first quarter focuses primarily on providing students with theoretical frameworks for understanding the impact of race on the American experience, paying particular attention to the experiences of African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos. Topics include psychological approaches to racial identity formation and structural approaches to race such as critical race theory, differential racialization, intersectionality, anti-blackness, and white privilege.
Winter Quarter
The second quarter will provide a chance to further explore critical issues that are impacted by race and race relations in America, such as race and education; the Asian American Achievement Paradox; immigration, labor, and race; allyship and the politics of solidarity; anti-blackness and the queer rights movement; art and racial resilience; and multicultural / diversity initiatives.
Spring Quarter
During the final quarter, students will focus on local initiatives and begin to develop their own to educate and impact the local community.
Summer Quarter
During summer, students will travel to Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Montgomery, and New Orleans.