Diversity within Common Courses
Diversity/Multicultural Descriptions & Requirements in Common Courses
ENG 2310: American Literary Cultures
“This course will emphasize the major works of American literature, by men and women, by authors from different regions of the United States, and by authors from the many cultural backgrounds that constitute the complex, global history of great writing in America… By studying American literature in its historical and social contexts, students will learn to comprehend the diverse heritage of our cultures,… [and] will gain a global appreciation of the many cultures that have shaped the United States and how globalizing impulses continue to shape our nation.”
HIS 1300: The United States in Global Perspective
“An introduction to the history of the United States within a global context from 1776 to the present, this course examines the ways a distinctly American society developed within larger patterns of world history. Themes explored may include nationalism; imperialism; revolution; concepts of democracy, freedom, and equality; migration and immigration; industrialization and economic systems; and global conflict… Having knowledge of the global context within which the U.S. and all nations function, students will be better enabled and better equipped to practice informed engagement with diverse cultures, races, ethnic groups, and value systems, both American and non-American, by developing the virtues of empathy and humility, … [as well as] gain an understanding of and practice in the… appreciation for differing cultures and attitudes.”
PSC 1387: The U.S. Constitution, Its Interpretation, and the American Political Experience
“A study of the philosophic and historical background, development, and content of the United States Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court in a complex and ever-changing multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-religious society… Within the context of this constitutional perspective, the course also examines major political issues and concerns, such as equal protection and due process of law (voting, marriage, education), racial and gender equality, freedom of religion, speech and press, and the rights of the accused. Among other cases, ones that illustrate America’s ethnic, religious, and moral diversity may be examined.”
REL 1310: Christian Scriptures
“Students will learn to appropriate critically informed strategies for the interpretation of the Bible—learning various critical perspectives needed to evaluate contemporary interpretations of the Bible. With this broader, more in-depth understanding of the Christian Scriptures, students will be better enabled and better equipped to have informed engagement with others from a Christian perspective—a critical dimension of a transformational Christian education…. The course, then, contributes to a transformational general education curriculum that facilitates the process of students becoming informed and productive citizens of a democracy and servant leaders of faith communities, which highlights the cultivation of normative Christian virtues.”
REL 1350: Christian Heritage
“An introduction to Christian life and thought, from the early church to the present, through an examination of great texts with an emphasis on Christian doctrine, ethics, witness, and institutions. With this broader, more in-depth understanding of the Christian heritage/tradition, students will be better enabled and better equipped to have informed engagement with others from a Christian perspective—a critical dimension of a transformational Christian education. The course, then, contributes to a transformational general education curriculum that facilitates the process of students becoming informed and productive citizens of a democracy and servant leaders of faith communities which highlights the cultivation of normative Christian virtues.”