Identity, Diversity, and Leadership

• Program: Leadership Institute
• Course Code: CESO0916
• How to Apply

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Course Description

Who am I and how does my personal background impact my life experiences, my world view, and my relationships with others? To work effectively as a leader towards social change, one must have self-knowledge and an understanding of how individual, institutional, and societal inequity manifests in society.

Through engaging readings, provocative films and interactive activities, this course will provide students with the unique opportunity to closely examine their own social identities (i.e. race, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual orientation), systems of oppression, and liberation theory. Additionally, we will explore the concepts of power and privilege in the context of leadership and examine how our social identities bring both unearned privilege and unearned disadvantage. As students develop a more sophisticated understanding of their own identities they will have greater insight into how to work effectively with those from different backgrounds and how to address conflict within diverse groups. The required Action Plan will provide students with an opportunity to apply their new knowledge and leadership skills to a meaningful project in their home community or school. Students who are self-reflective, willing to step outside of their "comfort zone", and eager to share and listen to others' experiences are especially encouraged to apply.