Diversity Studies (DVST)

DVST 3301. Introduction to Social and Cultural Diversity.

This course examines U.S. diversity through a multi-disciplinary lens, focusing on historical and contemporary patterns among major racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Latina/os, Native Americans, and European Americans. Students analyze theoretical frameworks used to study social categories such as culture, language, age, gender, and ability/disability. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these dimensions shape social structures and interactions. The course encourages critical evaluation of scholarly approaches to diversity and their implications for interpreting social dynamics.

DVST 3320. Introduction to Global Social and Cultural Diversity.

This course examines the economic, political, and cultural relationships between the United States and other nations. Students analyze historical and contemporary factors shaping global interactions, including the impact of colonialism on patterns of development. The course evaluates how policy decisions in one country influence international systems and explores responses to globalization through social and institutional change. Emphasis is placed on applying interdisciplinary frameworks to interpret global interdependence and its implications for economic and political structures.

DVST 3325. Foundations of Social Organization and Difference.

This course explores theories of social difference and their application to understanding social interactions in diverse contexts. Students examine categories such as race, class, gender, sexuality, age, and ability/disability through case study analysis. The course investigates institutional and organizational processes that shape social structures and evaluates their effects on patterns of participation and resource distribution. Emphasis is placed on analytical reasoning and evidence-based interpretation of complex social phenomena. Prerequisite: DVST 3301 with a grade of a "B" or better.

DVST 4375. Directed Research.

This course provides an advanced, supervised research experience for individual students or groups focused on a selected topic in diversity studies, emphasizing scholarly inquiry, appropriate methodologies, and evidence-based analysis. Approved projects may include, but are not limited to, scholarly papers, abstracts, articles, poster presentations, oral presentations, and field-based research. Permission to enroll and project approval must be obtained from the instructor prior to registration. This course may be repeated once for credit with permission of the instructor.

DVST 5310. Social Groups and Society: Theories & Issues.

This course analyzes major frameworks for the study of race, ethnicity, and class in U.S. society. Focusing on Native American, African American, Mexican American, and Asian American communities, students investigate historical developments, cultural representations, and social structures in the U.S. The course integrates theoretical readings with literary works to assess how social categories are constructed and contested in society by applying interdisciplinary perspectives and fostering an evidence-based understanding of diversity as a subject of scholarly inquiry.

DVST 5320. Global Perspectives: Race, Ethnicity, and Social Stratification.

This course examines global issues of race, ethnic and cultural groups through the lens of political, economic, and social transformations affecting developed and developing nations. Students analyze how structural changes influence international relations, resource distribution, and cultural dynamics. Using interdisciplinary frameworks and case studies, the course evaluates competing explanations for global disparities and interconnected challenges. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based reasoning and comparative analysis to understand patterns of change and continuity in a global context.

DVST 5388. Directed Research.

This course provides graduate students an advanced, supervised research experience focused on a selected topic in diversity studies, emphasizing scholarly inquiry, appropriate methodologies, and evidence-based analysis. Approved projects may include, but are not limited to, scholarly papers, abstracts, articles, poster presentations, oral presentations, and field-based research. Permission to enroll and project approval must be obtained from the instructor prior to registration. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.