Diversity Studies

The minor in Diversity Studies has two purposes: to teach students about diversity of the United States, with a special focus on gender, and to help students find innovative ways of living within a pluralistic society. For the purposes of this minor, “diversity” encompasses cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, sexual, generational, and physical diversities within the United States. “Gender” is understood as a subset of diversity, and includes the physiology, sociology, or psychology of gender difference, sexual identities, gender stereotypes, and/or social, economic, cultural and historical structures relating to men’s and women’s status.

The minor is intended to complement students’ majors. Its interdisciplinary design introduces students to the different ways the disciplines conceptualize, investigate, and analyze issues of diversity. The program of study will also aid students in refining and expressing their own ideas about diversity, and will encourage them to bring new perspectives to bear on their other areas of study. A capstone seminar will provide students with theoretical tools to integrate the material from their courses with their research or career choices in a sophisticated manner.

Direct all questions related to the Diversity Studies minor to the director of the Diversity Studies Minor: Dr. Deb Esty, in the Psychology Department.