Articulated in the curriculum “Diversity in the United States Requirement” at the University of Buffalo, this course introduces key diversity issues in America from historical perspectives. Its goal is to help students achieve cultural competence—a fundamental skill to thrive in the diverse society of the United States. This is not a standard US history course that teaches major historical events such as the American Revolution or the Civil War chronologically. Instead, as part of diversity learning, the course focuses on controversial issues such as gender, race, class, and religion to help students understand the complexity of contemporary American society. By examining how these categories of diversity have changed over time and intersect, the course aims to show a historical and structural understanding of the United States.
The course also encourages students to examine American society in comparison to European contexts. Interdisciplinary in its approach, the course will utilize materials from history, social science, literature, film, and music. Students will engage in critical readings, discussions, and creative writing of Haiku about America. Haiku writing enhances students’ personal and critical reflection through process learning in a collective environment. The class format is a small-class discussion. At Riga Business School, this course is required for the marketing majors and those planning to study at UB for the dual degree program.
This fall, a particular focus will be placed on the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. We will closely follow the election process, the key issues, and the candidates.