We will critique ‘diversity and inclusion’ policies and initiatives from a range of professional and organisational settings in relation to their cultural values and contexts, considering how their language shapes their parameters. We will consider how popular interventions such as ‘unconscious bias’ training intersect with understandings of systemic inequality and personal responsibility.

Using critical analytic tools such as intersectionality, we will consider the relationship between knowledge, power and discrimination. We will use critical reflection activities to consider the relationship between theoretical claims and praxis, and forum discussions to diversify your perspectives. This module will enable you to develop an applied practice of diversity and inclusion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• Situate the language of ‘diversity and inclusion’ in key contemporary debates about identity, privilege, oppression, power and inequality.
• Critically evaluate the language of ‘diversity and inclusion’ policies and initiatives from a range of professional and organisational settings.
• Use critical theoretical tools to explore contemporary approaches to diversity and inclusion.
• Develop a meaningful praxis of diversity and inclusion that intersects with theoretical claims.
• Present arguments, both orally and in written form.
• Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-motivation and strong organisational abilities.
• Move with ease and reflection between different genres of communication.

The standard entry requirements comprise:

• A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent,
• A CV and personal statement outlining your reasons for study,
• English language band C (for example, IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in reading & writing and 6.0 in listening & speaking).

Assessment

You will be assessed through a 3,000 word assignment.

This module is taught online and you will be expected to attend live webinars as part of your programme of studies. In most cases, modules will have more than one webinar group, which will be scheduled at different times of the day so students can make reasonable efforts to attend the sessions from where they are based in the world. In some cases, however, modules might only have one webinar group available. The day and time of webinar sessions will be available in the Global Cultures Hub on KEATS upon enrolment and are normally scheduled on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.

In the webinars you will have an opportunity to critically explore the module contents in more depth within small groups. These will be facilitated by your tutor and held via MS Teams. These 60-minute live sessions normally take place once a week and run throughout the six weeks of the teaching period. The sessions might include (but are not limited to) breakout rooms to discuss topics in smaller groups; open-floor discussion; presentations from students; debates; and close-reading analysis.

The most important aspects of these sessions are interaction and participation. It is paramount that you prepare in advance and take an active role in these sessions. Webinars are not recorded. If you miss a session, you are encouraged to use the weekly forums to catch up on the discussion and get in touch with your study group. Module tutors will provide feedback on the forum posts where applicable and may offer slots during ‘office hours’ (availability may vary) to discuss specific queries.