Week 1 Open Forum

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Prior to beginning work on this discussion, review this week’s readings, guidance, and announcements. Reflect on what you found interesting, surprising, or confusing.

In this course, we’re going to consider many kinds of diversity that exist in our culture, as well as the ways in which these different kinds of diversity interact with each other. We are also going to consider how beliefs about diversity advantage or disadvantage different groups of people. Some of the ideas we are going to talk about may conflict with your own beliefs, preconceptions, and ideas. Please resist the urge to respond with your preconceived ideas! Instead, try to look at the information with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Look at the information in the textbook and other required resources. Consider why someone coming from another perspective might believe or act as they do. You do not have to agree with them—just try to understand their perspective(s).

This discussion forum is an opportunity for you to explore topics that interest you, share critical insights and questions that you are working with, share your struggles and triumphs, and discuss difficulties that may have arisen this week. Your initial post should describe your experiences in the course this past week, prompting further discussion. Address at least two of the following questions:

· What caused you to view the world around you differently or examine a topic from a different perspective?

· What struck you as you explored the course materials this week?

· Do you have questions that your classmates might be able to help you with? (If you have a question for the instructor, be sure to contact your instructor via email or in the Ask the Professor forum).

Guided Response: You are required to post at least 150 total words in this forum this week. You can post one time or ten times, the only requirements are that you post at least 150 words total and that you engage in conversation related to course content. This Open Discussion forum is a place for you to collaborate and connect with your classmates, as well as support one another. Ask questions, answer questions, provide extra resources you found that are interesting, or engage in a debate about something you learned this week.

When responding to your classmates, be sure to elaborate. For example, if you write that you also found a specific topic interesting, explain what about that topic you found interesting and why.

· Are they the same aspects of the topic that your classmate found interesting?

· If you notice a classmate is struggling with something that you can help with, use your responses to support them.

· Helping your classmates will not only benefit them, but it will also help to solidify your own knowledge.

All your participation in this forum is due by Day 7 of the week. Students who post early in the week and use this forum to engage their classmates on a regular basis tend to do well and get more out of the course. If you have a question for your professor, you should contact your instructor through email or in the Ask the Professor forum. Your professor will monitor this board and may post, but they are not expected to answer all questions.

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