My first year full time at FMCC (2011) I developed and taught a course called SOC 230A – Building Peace: History, Theory, and Practice in the Spring. I continue to do so. It focused on the causes of and solutions to structural violence. One example of this type of violence that is present in all our lives is an increasing awareness of institutionalized or systemic racism. The murder of George Floyd has galvanized our entire country and the world into action to address this violation of human rights. Next was PSY 230 A- Ecopsychology, I’ll explain how that relates to human rights another time. Last Fall I developed and taught SOC 121 – Sociology of Human Rights. I was the only non-minority in the room. I did a lot of listening. The class, for the most part, belonged to the students. In classes I often call myself out as an Old White Guy because I am, at least in appearance. I want to address this “elephant in the living room”, to create the conditions where we can talk about things that matter; to provide an opportunity for people to have a voice. It is important for us to remove the barriers between us and race, gender, and age are just some of the factors to address. So I am inviting you to offer your perspectives here, in classes, or wherever else you would like to. We all have implicit bias and I am willing to learn and grow so we can have the best chance possible to reach our potential.
In 2018 some of us got together and offered a Multicultural Studies Program that was not approved. The alternative that I proposed has been approved and we now offer a three level Microcredential: Level I – Society and Human Rights, Level II – Multiculturalism and Diversity, Level III – Compassionate Communication and Action. This is an attempt to have discussions about so many of the issues we are facing today that we do not address adequately.
In closing for today I would like to say, I may be an OWG, but not in spirit, and I am committed to a creating a more just and equitable world for all. We can do this but it must be together.
Faculty Name: John Van Bladel
Academic Program: General Studies, Individual Studies
Name of Badge: Society and Human Rights
Justification for Micro-Credential Badge:
This micro-credential sequence is structured to prepare students for the increasing expectations of diverse workplaces and/or transfer to four year institutions to continue their studies in Sociology or Multicultural Studies This sequence provides a foundation for students who would like to pursue careers in Sociology, Diversity and Inclusion, or Multicultural Affairs. Students will explore how race, social class, gender, religion, and sexual orientation influence social justice and learn evidence-based approaches to mitigate structural violence and create just and equitable environments.
Criteria for Micro-Credential Sequence Completion:
- A Credential of Learner is rewarded upon completion of each course in the defined sequence with a minimum grade of “C” in each required course.
- A Credential of Excellence is rewarded upon completion of each course in the defined sequence with a minimum grade of “A-” in each required course.
Micro-Credential Course Requirements:
SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology Core Requirement – Fall
PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology Core Requirement –Fall/Spring
SOC 121 – Sociology of Human Rights Elective – Fall
SOC 200 – Diversity in America Elective – Fall/Spring
Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
- knowledge of the major concepts, models, and issues of human rights; and an understanding of what constitutes human rights violations and strategies to address human rights violations.
- understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social (human rights) phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection.
- analyze how race, social class, gender, religion, and sexual orientation impact social justice
Faculty Signature:__________________________________________________________
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Approval of Independent Learning Committee:___________________________________
Dean’s Office:_____________________________________________________________
Faculty Name: John Van Bladel
Academic Program: General Studies, Individual Studies
Name of Badge: Multiculturalism and Diversity
Justification for Micro-Credential Badge:
This micro-credential sequence is structured to prepare students for the increasing expectations of diverse workplaces and/or transfer to four year institutions to continue their studies in Sociology or Multicultural Studies This sequence provides a foundation for students who would like to pursue careers in Sociology, Diversity and Inclusion, or Multicultural Affairs. Students will explore how race, social class, gender, religion, and sexual orientation influence social justice and learn evidence-based approaches to mitigate structural violence and create just and equitable environments.
Criteria for Micro-Credential Sequence Completion:
- A Credential of Learner is rewarded upon completion of each course in the defined sequence with a minimum grade of “C” in each required course.
- A Credential of Excellence is rewarded upon completion of each course in the defined sequence with a minimum grade of “A-” in each required course.
Micro-Credential Course Requirements:
HIS 189 – African American History or Elective – Spring
HIS 110 – History of Russia Elective – Fall
SOC 200 – Diversity in America Elective – Fall/Spring
SOC 285 – Gender in Society Elective – Spring
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- explain multicultural concepts related to race, social class, gender, religion, and sexual orientation
- analyze how race, social class, gender, religion, and sexual orientation impact social justice
Faculty Signature:__________________________________________________________
Approval of Independent Learning Committee:___________________________________
Dean’s Office:_____________________________________________________________
Faculty Name: John Van Bladel
Academic Program: General Studies, Individual Studies
Name of Badge: Compassionate Communication and Action
Justification for Micro-Credential Badge:
This micro-credential sequence is structured to prepare students for the increasing expectations of diverse workplaces and/or transfer to four year institutions to continue their studies in Sociology or Multicultural Studies This collection of courses provides a foundation for students who would like to pursue careers in Sociology, Diversity and Inclusion, or Multicultural Affairs. Students will explore how race, social class, gender, religion, and sexual orientation influence social justice and learn evidence-based approaches to mitigate structural violence and create just and equitable environments.
Criteria for Micro-Credential Sequence Completion:
- A Credential of Learner is rewarded upon completion of each course in the defined sequence with a minimum grade of “C” in each required course.
- A Credential of Excellence is rewarded upon completion of each course in the defined sequence with a minimum grade of “A-” in each required course.
Micro-Credential Course Requirements:
HUM 170– Myth, Story, and Symbol or Elective – Spring
HUM 171 – Comparative Religions or Elective – Spring
PSY 250 – Social Psychology Elective – Fall/Spring
SOC 230 – Building Peace: History, Theory, and Practice Elective – Spring
PSY 230 – Ecopsychology Elective – Fall
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- identify and apply the concepts human rights, and multiculturalism and understand their interdependence with environmental rights
- demonstrate effective communication skills: active listening, empathy, compassion, civility and conflict resolution skills
- apply multicultural best practices of equity, justice, compassionate communication, and human rights advocacy methods utilized to affect social change.
Faculty Signature:__________________________________________________________
Approval of Independent Learning Committee:___________________________________
Dean’s Office:_____________________________________________________________