Purpose Statement

The St. Thomas University Diversity Committee aims to affirm and guide diversity efforts for the University. To affirm diversity means to value the co-existence of multiple cultures in a global context. The study of diversity is wide-ranging and includes institutions, language, art, music, religion, ideals, philosophy, habits of thinking, learning styles, interpersonal and social relationships, and social relationships and the examination of the patterns of power. Select members of this committee staff and provide representation to the Mission Council.

Activities

Diversity Courses

St. Thomas University endorses the study of diversity as wide-ranging. Some of the classes offered are designated as a "Diversity Course." The Diversity Committee is involved in the approval of proposals for designation of Diversity Courses. As a result of completing a diversity class, students will be able to: discuss representative theoretical texts and articles that address the construction of race and gender, and their intersections with class, nationality ethnicity, sexuality, age, and physical ability, recognize the issues of cultural variables, the influence of power and privilege, and develop skills for navigating in a multicultural community. These courses may simultaneously satisfy other General Education or Major requirements.
Diversity courses compare and contrast at least two cultures, one of which can be the culture of origin; devote some course content and course competencies to the study of diversity; and, through their methods and objectives, offer specific strategies for acquiring cross-cultural and intercultural knowledge, and awareness of skills.

Some of the Diversity Courses offered in the past have included:

 - Florida Government and Politics
 - International Marketing Analysis
 - Multicultural Issues in Psychology
 - Society and Mass Media
 - Theology, Culture, and Pluralism
 - World Religion

Diversity (“D”) Courses offered Fall 2007

Section Term Course Title

16512 07/A6 PHI-150D_11 Introduction to Philosophy
16542 07/FL HIS-105D_01 World Civilization I
16544 07/FL HIS-105D_02 World Civilization I
16546 07/FL HIS-105D_03 World Civilization I
16548 07/FL HIS-105D_04 World Civilization I
16499 07/FL PHI-150D_01 Introduction to Philosophy
16504 07/FL PHI-150D_02 Introduction to Philosophy
16509 07/FL PHI-150D_03 Introduction to Philosophy
16275 07/FL RST-210D_01 World Religions