Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace (5 cr)

Objective

Explain the nature and value of a diverse workforce and its successful inclusion in the workplace.
Critically assess the advantages and challenges of a diverse workforce.
Apply the principles of diversity communication to group work.
Apply the principles of diversity communication to the international project module.
Critically reflect on the topic in relation to the theory and the student’s own experience.

Content

The course will take place in Moodle, and it is divided into modules for a multifaceted and thorough learning experience.

Module 1:
A theoretical approach to diversity: What is diversity? What are the characteristics of and problems specific to the main diversity categories? Advantages and disadvantages of a diverse workforce. What cognitive processes underly diversity dynamics?

Module 2:
The students will evaluate the difficulties in implementing inclusion at individual and organizational levels and propose solutions. In this module, the students work in groups and research the topic. Each group will present their findings and possible solutions.

Module 3:
This module consists of a project where the students work together with students from Monterrey University (Mexico).

Each module has three sections designed to engage the student in the cognitive and applied aspects of the topic:
Reading: This section contains reading material, audio files, PowerPoint presentations, guest lectures.
Writing: This section includes responding to discussion forums posts, mindmaps, peer to peer evaluations and reflection papers. Instructions will be given in each area to tell the students where they should post their material.
Doing: this section focuses on putting the student’s knowledge into practice.

Location and time

The course will take place in Moodle from September to December 2024. Students and the lecturer will meet weekly online. Some meetings will be compulsory.

Materials

The learning material and recommended literature will be uploaded to Moodle. In addition, students need to do their own research.

Teaching methods

The course will be in Moodle and divided into modules for a multifaceted and thorough learning experience.

Module 1:
A theoretical approach to diversity: What is diversity? What are the characteristics of and problems specific to the main diversity categories? Advantages and disadvantages of a diverse workforce. What cognitive processes underly diversity dynamics?

Module 2:
The students will evaluate the difficulties in implementing inclusion at individual and organizational levels and propose solutions. In this module, the students work in groups and research the topic. Each group will present their findings and possible solutions.

Module 3:
This module consists of a project where the students work together in groups.

Each module has three sections designed to engage the student in the cognitive and applied aspects of the topic:
Reading: This section contains reading material, audio files, PowerPoint presentations, and guest lectures.
Writing: This section includes responding to discussion forum posts, mindmaps, peer-to-peer evaluations, and reflection papers. Instructions will be given in each area to tell the students where to post their material.
Doing: This section focuses on putting the students' knowledge into practice.

Employer connections

The course will give students a broad perspective on diversity and inclusion. These skills are critical to addressing complex problems in the workplace. More broadly, the gained skills will contribute to achieving social sustainability.

Exam schedules

The course is based on assignments, and there are no exams. The assignments will be different for bachelor's and master's students.

Student workload

The course is based on a five-credit workload.

Content scheduling

The schedule will be uploaded to Moodle.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient performance:
showing just enough understanding of the subject to merit a pass grade but requiring greater effort to achieve a more satisfactory result

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good performance:
showing strong understanding of basic concepts and good grasp of techniques, but with certain minor problems still requiring further attention.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent performance:
not only fulfils all standard requirements but demonstrates originality and imagination

Assessment methods and criteria

(1-2) Sufficient performance:
Showing just enough understanding of the subject to merit a passing grade but requiring greater effort to achieve a more satisfactory result

(3-4) Good performance:
Showing a strong understanding of basic concepts and a good grasp of techniques, but with certain minor problems still requiring further attention.

(5) Excellent performance:
It not only fulfils all standard requirements but demonstrates originality and imagination.

Qualifications

This course is aimed at advanced Bachelor students and Master students.