Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Explores historical and systemic inequities in US society and how our own identities are socially constructed. Considers our own role and  responsibility in creating socially just and equitable schools where all students, families and communities are valued.

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Provide a broad definition of culture that includes nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, amongst others.

2. Articulate one’s own cultural framework and how that shapes one’s own pedagogical methods and communication styles.

3. Apply the critical elements to creating a sense of belonging and recognition of different identities in the classroom.

4. Describe and analyze systemic and historical inequities in US society and how these inequities impact students, families and communities

The classroom community will foster a sense of belonging and connectedness.

Students deepen their own cultural self-awareness , especially understanding where they experience privilege.

Using an equity lens, students will be able to recognize embedded systemic issues that impact K-12 students.

Students will present their learning in the form of discussions, group presentations and writing assignments on diversity, equity and inclusion issues in K-12 schools (may vary- depending on modality of delivery). 

They will view and analyze relevant films, research, articles and books.

The student will be able to articulate strategies that will help them to more appropriately meet the needs of culturally diverse learners.

Students will be evaluated, and criteria developed for assigning a course grade using the following tools (depending on the modality):

• written assignments
• presentations
• participation in group and class discussion
• research project
• school and text analysis
• optional legacy assignments

Cultural Self-awareness

Cultural Identity

Systemic and historic oppression in US schools

Culturally Responsive teaching

Equity vs Equality

Critical Pedagogy

Critical Race Theory