Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for CG 191 Winter 2025


Course Number:
CG 191
Course Title:
Exploring Identity and Diversity for College Success
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces the impact of diversity and social justice on human development as they relate to the experiences of college students. Explores different facets of identity development and how one's culture impacts their college experience. Includes developing cultural consciousness and skills beneficial for success in college and in a diverse society. Prerequisites: Placement into WR 121, and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Explain how one's cultural identity impacts others, and why cultural consciousness is important in a diverse society.
  2. Analyze how stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and oppression affect human development and one’s personal, career, and academic goals.
  3. Articulate the various socio-cultural contexts which influence the development of cultural identity and self-concept.

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

General education philosophy statement

Cultural identity is a key contributor to people’s wellbeing. It is important for students to explore the breadth and variety of cultural identity and diversity. This can help break down barriers and build a sense of trust between people as well as help students identify what can contribute to barriers between groups. In this class students will define individual identity within the context of human diversity, evaluate their ability to adapt when relating and working in diverse contexts, and identify strategies for developing cultural intelligence.

Aspirational Goals

Practice personal cultural self-awareness in a diverse society.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

1.    Respond orally and/or in writing to course related assignments.

2.    Participate in and report on an experiential or service learning activity.

3.    Develop an individual and/or group presentation based on a specific topic of the course.

4.    Write journals reflecting personal experiences and reactions to course related topics.

5.    Participate in class experiences and discussions.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  1. Introduction to identity development theory
  2. Exploration of diversity, pluralism, and social justice issues
  3. Power, privilege and oppression
  4. Exploration of values, definitions, language, views, and myths as they relate to cultural issues
  5. Exploration of cultural identity in the U.S. including:
    • Race and ethnicity
    • Gender
    • Sexual orientation
    • Disability/ability
    • Multiracial/biracial identity
    • Age
    • Religion
  6. Functioning in a diverse society
  7. Cross-cultural conflict

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

  1. Identify one’s own culture
  2. Develop a basic understanding of various identity development models
  3. Be able to define and use human diversity terminology that is appropriate and inclusive of all groups
  4. Develop an understanding of how identities intersect
  5. Develop an understanding of how stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and oppression are interconnected
  6. Develop an understanding that diversity and social justice education is a life long learning process
  7. Recognize the impact of culture and identity on interpersonal relationships
  8. Learn what constitutes the components of culture
  9. Enhance skills related to critical thinking, speaking, and writing as they relate to social justice, diversity, and identity development