CU:

Core Curriculum: Human Diversity

(Revised 8/2009)

6. Human Diversity (3 semester hours) Courses fulfilling this requirement increase the student's understanding of the world's diversity and pluralism through the study of one of two broad and interrelated areas: (1) the nature and meaning of diversity and the experience of marginalized groups; and (2) cultures other than those of Europe and the United States. This requirement explicitly identifies an awareness and understanding of pluralism as essential to a liberal education.

(1) Gender, Ethnic and Social Diversity. Courses in this area are designed to expand the range of each student's understanding of the experience of individuals and groups who, because of such fundamental components of identity as race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics, have been historically marginalized by society and placed outside the mainstream. Generally courses will explore the ways in which marginalization has occurred and the reasons for this marginalization. The intent is to expand understanding of these social groups with the goal of identifying the way social categories shape human thought and experience.

(2) Non-Western Cultures. These courses are designed to expand the range of the student's understanding of cultures that are not derived principally from the western experience. A comparative perspective introduces students to the commonality and diversity of cultural responses to universal human problems. Each course seeks to cultivate insight and respect for diversity by requiring students to explore a cultural world quite different from their own. Courses satisfying this requirement are intended to portray culture in the most integrated sense, including aspects of material adaptation, social pattern, ideas and values, and aesthetic achievement.

Students are required to pass 3 hours of course work from any course listed below. Students who take approved CU-Boulder course work to fulfill this requirement must take the course for a letter grade and receive a passing grade of D- or higher. Students who graduate with a major in ethnic studies are exempt from completing the human diversity requirement.