Diversity is a focus of this University in that “inclusive excellence” is one of the three “overarching and enduring commitments” of our long-range plan (http://www.missouristate.edu/longrangeplan/). Currently, students can pursue the study of diversity through more specialized programs in African American Studies, Asian Studies, Gender Studies, Gerontology, Latin American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Native American Studies, and Religious Studies. The new minor in Diversity Studies takes a more holistic approach, seeking to provide a broad picture of the range of diversity in society.
The Diversity Studies Minor is designed to look at and help understand the various diverse populations that comprise our communities. The focus includes the impact of race, class, age, culture, ability and sexual orientation and what we learn from these characteristics.
The new minor will assist students in learning and cultivating an appreciation of difference and become better citizens in the global world. Through the diversity studies minor, students are able to select courses from a wide variety of disciplines in an effort to learn from many areas of study and points of view.
The Diversity Studies minor is interdisciplinary in scope and content and seeks to give students a broad base of knowledge to learn and engage in difference. There is also a service-learning component, which gives students the opportunity to immerse in an area of particular interest to them.
The minor is jointly housed in the College of Humanities and Public Affairs and the College of Education. The Diversity Studies Minor Committee, which is comprised of faculty from various departments and colleges administers the program, provides advisement and considers request for elective substitutions.
Objectives:
- Introduce students to the main forms of diversity in society today; namely:
o Race and ethnicity
o Culture
o Gender
o Sexuality
o Religion
o Language
o Aging
o Disability
- Foster a depth of knowledge in at least three different areas of diversity
- Understand how diversity affects society
- Provide an opportunity for students to engage personally with diversity through Study Away or Service-learning experiences