Overview
Psychology 210: Experiential Learning in the Celebration of Diversity employs a blend of adult learning theory, experiential learning theory, and transformative learning theory to engage the learner in a unique and participative set of learning experiences. As we increasingly interact with people from other countries, backgrounds, and cultures, increased awareness and celebration of cultural diversity can translate into more tolerance, respect, and appreciation for the uniqueness of all people and cultures. In this course, students will apply blended learning theories to a process involving “ambassadorship” roles in which students teach to and learn from someone who has a birth culture different from their own. This process of “partnered ambassadors” allows students to experience and celebrate cultural similarities as well as the differences in a self-directed learning process.
Outline
Upon successful completion, the student should be able to
- define cultural ambassador, and demonstrate enhancing ambassador behaviours.
- compare and contrast ambassador behaviours and effective communication skills used in cultural outing situations.
- identify and analyze the changes in cultural beliefs, values, and assumptions, through the use of before and after student cultural profiles.
- identify and analyze the similarities and differences of his/her personal cultural heritage with someone who has a different cultural heritage.
- apply a theoretical knowledge base that incorporates experiential learning theory, transformative learning theory, adult learning theory, and effective communication skills.
- create a personalized cultural website.
- communicate effectively in writing, and apply research skills and APA Style.
Evaluation
To receive credit for PSYC 210, you must complete four prerequisite activities, three essays, a cultural website, and a reflective research paper; and must achieve a composite course grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Three essays (20% each) | 60% |
| Cultural Website | 15% |
| Reflective Research Paper | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
All course materials, including readings, can be accessed online.