Multicultural Modules Introduced in Family Studies Courses

Approximately 80 students participated in multicultural modules introduced in their

family studies courses this semester. The two-week session modules were the result of

a collaborative effort between the family studies de partment and the Office of Human

Relations Programs (OHRP).

"A primary goal of this collaborative effort was to provide students from diverse

backgrounds with opportunities to discuss diversity issues, challenge stereotypes and

learn about others who were very different from themselves," says Sall y Koblinsky,

chair of the family studies department.

"These modules were designed to give students ongoing education and experience

surrounding diversity instead of the traditional ‘one-time’ training," says Mark

Brimhall-Vargas, acting assistant director of OHRP.

The first module developed for FMST 105: Individuals and Families focused on cultural

identity and interpersonal relationships. It encouraged students to think about how

important their ethnicity is to them, how they feel about it and how it affect s their

behavior, says Koblinsky.

Experiential learning activities were used extensively and included exercises such as

show and tell with a cultural symbol and "Bafa Bafa," which emphasized the challenges

of learning to communicate with individuals from a different cultu re. The various

activities were complemented by small group and class discussions. At the end of the

two-week module, students developed an action plan describing ways they would

continue to explore diversity in the future.

"The module was very valuable," says Maria Vandergriff-Avery, FMST 105 professor.

"The activities allowed us to experience issues of multiculturalism in a personally

meaningful way. The various exercises and discussions also brought the class together

in terms of creating a warm and interactive environment."

Students appeared to share the same enthusiasm about the module. "This class and

the activities we engaged in encouraged participation and opened a lot of minds," says

Rita Lewis, a senior communication major. "This activity should be included in more

classes," she adds.

Diversity in the workplace was the focus of the second module in FMST 383: Delivery of

Human Services to Families. The students in this class are primarily family studies

majors and will participate in a field assignment (e.g., in day care centers, hospitals)

before they graduate.

For one of the major assignments, students were asked to research and role play

hypothetical workplace problems, including gender discrimination, racial bias and

domestic partnership benefits. Students prepared cases and worked with other "employees" to develop solutions to the identified problem. "Students were challenged to

consider the importance of cultural competence when working with families and fellow

workers from diverse cultural, ethnic, or class backgrounds," says Kob linsky.

The family studies department plans to conduct a formal evaluation of the modules at

the end of this semester. Factors such as ethnic identity, attitudes toward diversity, and

interaction with students from diverse backgrounds will be examined. ;

Not only is the family studies department planning to present the modules in the same

two courses in the future, but also is developing new modules to address additional

aspects of diversity in other family studies courses.

"We would be happy to share the modules and our experiences with other interested

departments," says Koblinksy. For more information, contact the family studies

department at 405-3672.

–JAMIE FEEHERY SIMMONS