International/Multicultural Education Requirement (I/M)

The International Multicultural Education requirement may be met by a course taken in another area. Either include one course (indicated by “+”) from the general education areas of Social/Behavioral Sciences, Humanities or Fine Arts or select one of the following courses and it will be used towards elective hours (include course list). A B.A. degree at many four-year colleges may require college level foreign language.

Philosophy

The goal of the International/Multicultural Education requirement is to help prepare students to:

1. Foster awareness and mutual respect by seeking to understand our own and other people’s cultures, characteristics, histories, conditions, social realities, issues and contributions;

2. Live effectively in an increasingly connected global community;

3. Bring informed multiple perspectives to the work force.

"Reflected through this requirement is the recognition that “diversity is an essential and defining characteristic of our nation – of the world – and the conviction that this diversity can enrich all of us if we respect, value, and cultivate it.” Janice R. Welsch (1999), Preface Cultural Diversity: Curriculum, Classroom, and Climate.

Requirement

Students pursuing transfer degrees (A.A./A.S./ A.E.S./A.F.A.) are required to pass an I/M course that focuses primarily on the underrepresented groups within the United States or on the culture of a society outside the United States. Courses may fulfill a core General Education requirement or elective requirement while at the same time satisfying the international/ multicultural emphasis. Students should meet with an Academic Success Advisor or consult the catalog for appropriate courses.

I/M Course Criteria

Courses may be in any discipline and will seek to promote a more reasoned understanding of human diversity within the United States or within a society outside the United States. See the lists below for courses that meet the I/M Education requirement criteria.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Approved I/M courses must demonstrate all of the following learning outcomes. Upon successful completion of an I/M course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the significant conditions and contributions of (a) traditionally underrepresented groups within the United States or (b) of world societies;

2. Develop an informed perspective on (a) traditionally under-represented groups in the United States or (b) world societies;

3. Explore and utilize the information and ideas generated in class to compare and contrast their own background, beliefs, and values