ANT 114(B) - Understanding Diversity and Valuing Similarities

Credit(s): 3
MassTransfer Block Code: Social Sciences
Knowledge of Diversity Code: KOD
This course serves as an exploration, inquiry, and analysis of the complexities of cultural diversity in the United States. While cultural diversity in the U.S. tends to focus on ethnic and racial “minorities”, this class will not be limited to such a narrow definition and instead will discuss various forms of difference including race, class, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, and religion. This class will discuss the racial experience in America by learning about the heritage of Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans in relation to the historically dominant group, whites. Acknowledging that a class on diversity is about understanding the various forms of difference outside of race (i.e., social class, religion, gender, age, ability and sexual orientation) that exist and are often ignored and/or downplayed, we will also identify how socially constructed markers of difference have been organized in U.S. society. This multilayered analysis will allow students to explore their own differences and the role of contemporary discussions of difference in defining their lives.

Click here for the Summer 2024 Class Offerings.

Click here for the Fall 2024 Class Offerings.

Click here for the Spring 2025 Class Offerings.