Core Areas

Human and Cultural Diversity in a Global Context (CAGC)

Students must satisfactorily complete three (3) credit hours of approved coursework in Human and Cultural Diversity in a Global Context (CAGC). Courses in the Human and Cultural Diversity in a Global Context core area apply principles and theories to the understanding of global processes and phenomena in an interdisciplinary manner. Courses should develop an understanding of prevailing world conditions and trends, create an awareness of the diversity of cultures and their roles in the global political economy, foster knowledge of the interrelations among global economic, political, environmental and social systems, and create an awareness of the problems confronting cultural groups, nations, and the human species as a whole.

It is not realistic to assume that any single course can treat all aspects and dimensions of human and cultural diversity in the global context with equal depth. Therefore, different disciplines or combinations of disciplines emphasize those areas that represent their respective strengths. All courses should, however, afford students a basic understanding of:

  • Human and cultural diversity as an integral part of the evolution of humanity.
  • The interrelations among ecological, biological, cultural and gender diversity.
  • The distinction between diversity as product and cause of evolution, and the politicization of diversity.
  • That a balanced appreciation of human and cultural diversity can be achieved only if the topic is examined historically within the context of the global system.

The ideal course on Human and Cultural Diversity achieves the following:

  • Include material from different disciplines - though it may have a specific disciplinary core.
  • Include historical as well as contemporary case material.
  • Treat diversity from a global comparative perspective.
  • Provide for a classroom learning environment of structured opportunities for discussion among peers from different cultural, "racial", ethnic, class and gender backgrounds.
  • Contain projects that take students outside of the classroom and into settings that are inherently culturally diverse.
  • Contain projects that engage the use of different languages.