Cmty Dev & Apld Econ: D1:Persp on Ident,Predj&Pwr

This course introduces students to a variety of issues related to racial identity and culture and their impact and manifestations in community development. We will explore the interplay of racial/ethnic identity, prejudice and power. Students are encouraged to contribute to class discussions and to share their personal experiences and impressions in an open and respectful environment. The issues that will be most germane to this course include cultural competency on race, racism, and ethnicity; culture perspectives on community development, economic justice, the under representation of various racial groups in decision-making and resource control with respect to community development. We will explore the "roots and shoots" of this under representation and strategies for addressing their impacts; examine racial/ethnic identity, privilege,and oppression and explore how they play out in community development. Students will be expected to present their individual perspectives in written reflections as well as prepare written responses to discussion prompts.

Open to Degree and Continuing Education students

This course introduces students to a variety of issues related to racial/ethnic identity and culture and their impact and manifestations in community development. We will explore the interplay of racial/ethnic identity, privilege, prejudice and power with an emphasis on the US experience. At the end of this course, students should have a clear understanding of the definition of concepts of racial/ethnic identity and the range of perspectives that shape these concepts, as well as their impacts on community development in the social, cultural and economic spheres. Students will develop competency in perceiving and articulating different perspectives in this area. We will survey the “roots and shoots” of prejudice, privilege and power and examine strategies for combating and ameliorating their negative impacts on individuals, groups and communities. Teaching Strategies • Assigned readings/media viewings • Lecture presentations and in-class discussions/activities • Written responses to reading prompts/media viewings • Topical debates • Small group and whole class break-out sessions.

Attendance, active and respectful participation and timely completion of assignments/exams. Required Textbook –TBD

Grades (A-F) will depend on •Attendance • Individual engagement and participation • Written assignments/reflections • Mid-term and Final exam.