SOC/ANTH 301
Introduction to Diversity and Stratification
www.class.uidaho.edu/soc301
 Fall 2009
9:30-10:20 TR, TLC 147

Teaching Team

Professor: John Mihelich, Ph.D.
Email: jmihelic@uidaho.edu
Office hours:   TR 1:30-3:00, W 2:00-3:00
Office & phone: Phinney 401, 885-5046

Graduate Teaching Assistant:  Julia Nkanata
Email: julian@uidaho.edu
Office: Ed 211A
Office Hours: Tuesdays 12:00-2:00

Course Description

This introductory course examines multiple dimensions of diversity and stratification.  Our study of diversity is examined on three levels: individual, organizational, and societal.  At the individual level we explore the depths of cultural influence in terms of our own behaviors, perceptions, attitudes, and typical responses to difference.  At the organization level we explore organizational change processes concerning diversity including barriers to success and best business practices.  At the societal level we explore how the dynamics of differences often leads to inequalities and stratification. Throughout these levels of exploration, we attend to the global context.  The course provides opportunities for students to understand and apply diversity theoretical frameworks to lived experience, to critically examine their own personal experience related to deep culture, difference and privilege, and to practice their diversity competency skills.

Most people tend to have strong feelings about diversity, stratification and difference.  While students will be encouraged to share their thoughts, experience, and insights in this course, they also will be will be expected to temporarily “suspend subjectivity” and employ both a sociological imagination and critical thinking in examining their own assumptions, beliefs, values and practices, as well as those of others, and in analyzing the role of diversity and stratification in society.  Critical thinking does not mean criticism.  It refers to a mode of information gathering, analysis, and evaluation and entails a degree of reflexivity and openness of mind.

Required Texts and Readings:  

• Shaules, Joseph. 2005. Deep Culture: The Hidden Challenges of Global Living. Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters LTD.
• Loden, Marilyn. 1996. Implementing Diversity. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Fadiman, Ann. 1998. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Selected Readings (library ereserve)

To access ereserve, go to the library reserve page and enter the following username and password to access reserve materials:
          Username:  reserve
          Password:   Ei8erg

Students with Disabilities 

Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability.  Please notify your instructor during the first week of class regarding accommodation needed for the course.  All accommodations must be approved through Disability Support Services located in the Idaho Commons Building, Room 306.  Phone: 885-6307 Email: dss@uidaho.edu Website: www.access.uidaho.edu,

Class Policies

1. Active and constructive class participation. Students will be asked to participate in class discussions and exercises. We will engage in a number of experiential exercises in dyads or small groups. The focus of such exercises is to explore students' attitudes, feelings, and beliefs about themselves and about those who are different from themselves.  Class exercises and classroom discussions also encourage the use of application of course material and critical thinking. Active, constructive, and engaged class participation will raise final course grades.  Students who are disrespectful, unprepared, dominate class discussion, or who fail to engage positively in classroom dialogue, will have an opportunity to meet with the instructor to discuss ways to develop more positive contributions to classroom dialogue.  Ongoing problems with negative contributions will result in a lowered class grade.
2. In this class a substantial amount of the content is mastered primarily through class participation.  As such, regular and punctual attendance is essential and will be reflected in grading. 
3. No make-up quizzes or late papers are accepted.    
4. Submitting papers. All papers must be typed, single spaced, in 12 font, with your name, date, and course title, in the upper right hand corner of the first page. Do not email your papers unless you are directed to do so.  Late papers will not be accepted unless circumstances warrant a short-term extension.
5. Technology.  No cell phone use is allowed in class; please turn your cell phone to vibrate.  No laptops will be allowed unless there is a documented disability that requires the use of one.
6. Code of ethics.  Violations of the student code of ethics will result in a failing grade of the assignment and/or the course.  This applies to all components of the course: class meetings, quizzes, and papers.  To ensure proper citation practice, use standard ASA style.  Be sure to both paraphrase and to clearly indicate your sources within and at the end of your paper.  For further details, see the University of Idaho student code of conduct.  Because personal reflections are integral to this course, confidentiality will be upheld.  Do not share information shared by others in class without their permission. Violating this confidentiality clause may result in a failing grade.