I. Course Title: Introduction to Multicultural Education (GE)
II. Course Number: EDUC 370
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: None
V. Course Description:
The course focuses on the development of culturally responsive educators who will
be prepared to work effectively with all students and families in a pluralistic society.
In this course, students will come to understand how beliefs, values, perspectives,
and experiences are shaped and influenced by one’s environment, and understand how
past and present dominant sociopolitical policies and practices affect curriculum,
instruction, and schooling practices and outcomes. Additionally, students will be
introduced to critical pedagogy for multicultural teaching to be prepared to enact
principles of multicultural education in their future spheres of influence.
Note(s): General Education and Applied Learning designated course.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
Course concepts will include:
1. The scope of what culture is and how cultures influence values, beliefs, perceptions of the world, and behavior;
2. A conceptual framework for understanding identity development;
3. An introduction to what privilege is, as well as an examination of one’s own privilege;
4. Equity issues experienced by individuals, groups, and communities resulting from marginalization and discrimination by the dominant group, including:
5. An examination of how each of the preceding factors plays a role in the schooling experience of diverse children; an analysis of the prevailing assumptions, discipline practices, and expectations for diverse students in U.S. schools; and an examination of school outcomes for diverse learners, including achievement, graduation rates, and other key indicators;
6. An introduction to culturally-responsive teaching as a means to address inequities and remove barriers to school success for diverse students.
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
The course will be based on constructivist theories of learning and transformative education; therefore, students will engage in substantive discussion and engage with the content in meaningful ways, including but not limited to individual and group projects, presentations, and assignments that require reflection on content delivered via articles, textbooks, and videos.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Goals, objectives, and assignments address the Virginia Department of Education competencies and requirements for preparing educators that focus on serving a diverse student enrollment. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessments may include, but are not limited to:
Review and Approval
August 2020
March 01, 2021