Western Carolina University

Curricula

WCU’s academic programs offer many opportunities for students interested in gaining more insight into diversity related issues.  Course offerings allow students to explore and learn about world cultures, religions, gender studies and other related areas.  Additionally, WCU’s engaged learning approach encourages students to enhance their classroom studies with related experiences outside of the classroom.  Specific courses offered at WCU with a diversity component can be found at the links to the right. Academic minors are offered in the areas of Cherokee Studies and Women’s Studies.   

The following courses are examples of how faculty have incorporated diversity into their course curriculum.

PSY 320	SPED 335
PSY 321	SPED 335, 336, 337
SOCW 402 and 504

Programs

WCU’s College of Education and Allied Professions serves as a model on campus for scholarly work in diversity issues, diversity outreach and inclusion of diversity in the curriculum.  The College’s current Diversity Plan demonstrates this commitment by stating the following:
 
“A diverse faculty, staff and student body can be a catalyst for diversity of thought.  At the heart of our scholarly work is the appreciation of the distinction between an event and multiple interpretations; we must be willing to nurture these interpretations, particularly when they depart from our own.  One expression of diversity of thought is a community that not only tolerates but also nurtures discussion of such sensitive topics as politics, religion and race because they challenge us to use our intellectual and communication skills, the very bedrock of teaching, and challenge us to examine our own views.  We know that knowledge advances only when conventional wisdom is challenged; therefore, it is our responsibility to create opportunities for cognitive challenge within a safe context.”  - College of Education and Allied Professions Diversity Plan 2006 – 2011.

First Year Transition

Transition courses offer important opportunities to develop a student’s awareness of the scope of the world, one’s place in that world, one’s impact on the world at many levels (local, community, region, country, continent, planet).  Another important aspect of transition courses is in developing or enhancing students’ appreciation for our diverse society. Transition courses present an opportunity for faculty to incorporate issues of diversity and sense of place into the undergraduate experience.