Briar Cliff University - The Catholic Franciscan Learning Place

Diversity Studies (Minor)

Minor

The United States has always been a diverse nation, and current demographic projections indicate that it will become increasingly diverse over the next several generations. The minor in diversity studies is designed to allow students the opportunity to examine the numerous aspects of life in a diverse American society in great detail. Through the coursework offered in the program, students will be exposed to various facets of the racial, ethnic, socio-economic, gender and religious diversity in the United States and the ways in which this diversity is manifested in the nation's culture, economy and politics.

Upon graduation, students with a minor in diversity studies will be able to:

• Discuss the racial and ethnic diversity in the United States, its historical development and its current manifestations;
• Understand the socio-economic divisions in United States society, economic and political causes and consequences of that inequality; • appreciate the changing nature of gender roles in the United States;
• Discuss the ways in which diversity is manifested in literature, theatre and/or the arts;
• Respect religious diversity and freedom of conscience;
• Recognize prejudice and discrimination and work to eliminate it;
• Apply the knowledge that they acquire through their coursework in their workplaces, daily lives and as citizens.