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 February to May. Students and the lecturer will meet weekly online.

Materials

The learning material and recommended literature will be uploaded to Moodle. Students must also do their own research.

Teaching methods

The course will be conducted in Moodle and 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 in groups. This module includes creating a theoretical framework to analyse real organisations and suggest strategies to improve DEI aspects.

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.

International connections

In the Spring, the course includes a collaborative module with the UACS University of Northern Macedonia.

Student workload

The course is based on a five ECTS workload amounting to 125 hours.

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

Students have to complete all the assignments to pass the course.

(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:
Not only fulfils all standard requirements but demonstrates originality and imagination

Qualifications

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