DESCRIPTION:

Diversity and pluralism are distinguishing characteristics of the current American landscape, and they will increasingly impact our worldviews and our ways of functioning, organizationally and interpersonally. This course is offered as an attempt to provide a variety of frameworks for understanding the challenges and opportunities created by diversity, and to provide the conceptual tools which can be applied for successful leadership in diverse settings. Above all, this course will attempt to build a Christian foundation for living with, and serving as a leader in, diverse settings.

Diversity can polarize, alienate, and build barriers. It can create shame, guilt, or anger. The United States, including its churches and schools, is becoming increasingly pluralistic. This course is directed at helping Christians identify and come to a deeper understanding of the issues associated with increasing diversity, in order to be able to provide leadership in diverse settings effectively.

This course will utilize lecture/discussion, including outside presentations, visits to field sites, and small groups. Class will meet weekly for a three-hour session.

Allport, Gordon. The Nature of Prejudice. Anchor Books, 1958.

Bolman, Lee and Terrence E. Deal. Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership. Josey Bass, 1991.

Either

Mouw, Richard. Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil World. InterVarsity Press, 1992. OR

Volf, Miroslav. Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness and Reconciliation. Abingdon Press, 1996.

Additional reading as chosen from extended bibliography to fit an area of student's choice, in consultation with professor, but to include a novel or biography representing the life of two particular ethnic groups, cultures, or a gender issue which has implications for leadership.

Steward, Edward. American Cultural Patterns: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. Pittsburgh Regional Council for International Education, 1971.

1. A brief paper (2-3 pages) documenting the student's personal interest and questions for the course, including personal experiences with issues of diversity.

2. A research paper which studies a selected topic of the student's choosing related to this course. The paper should indicate familiarity with research and writing in the field, and the implications of that for leadership. The paper should focus on either a specific cultural group, or a specific topic which is studied across a variety of group perspectives.

3. Class attendance and participation are REQUIRED.

None.

Meets requirement in Leadership Ministry for M.A.C.L.; meets M.A.T. core requirement in Ministry Foundation (MIN F).