Main Content
Syllabus
HRER 836: DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE (3 credits) This course examines workplace diversity, gender and race challenges facing employers and employees, and the skills for managing diversity.
Overview
With demographic changes and globalization as well as global competition, the composition of the labor force in the U.S. and around the world has changed. Workers are more diverse than ever before and the concept of diversity is not limited to race and ethnicity. Diversity has been broadened to comprise groups of people with different experiences such as their religion, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, physical and mental disability, social class, income, educational differences, age, and union affiliation among other things. As a result of these different group memberships, employers are faced with various kinds of diversity related challenges and complexities in the workplace. There is little doubt that organizations must manage diversity-related challenges in the workplace with effective human resources policies and practices.
This course has three interrelated components: One component examines the concept of diversity and why it matters. Specifically, attitudes towards majority and minority groups, stereotyping, cultural background, and prejudice that affect how different groups interact in the workplace. The second component examines employment and discrimination laws, work and family, recruitment and selection policies, and sexual harassment guidelines. The third aspect of the course deals with best practices for successful diversity management in the workplace through recruitment, training, mentoring, promotion, and inclusion and retention of diverse team members. The course will provide an opportunity for students to share diverse perspectives, opportunity for self-assessment, to examine the challenges of workplace diversity and existing laws, and to develop policies and strategies to manage diversity.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing the course, you will be able to:
- Define the scope of diversity.
- Assess your personal view of diversity, biases, and behaviors.
- Identify the business case for diversity.
- Describe your own culture and how cultures differ.
- Discuss the academic discourse on the challenges of diversity in the workplace.
- Examine the benefits of managing a diverse organization while minimizing workplace conflict.
- Explain how differences in cultural values affect interpersonal relations and interactions in organizations.
- Discuss social policy and employment laws that pertain to diversity in the workplace.
- Discuss the changing trends in demographic composition of the labor force.
- As a human resources professional discuss culture and how it impacts work behavior, attitude, and performance.
This is an interactive, discussion-based online course and your willingness to share your thoughts and opinions is important to the success of your experience in this class. You will be able to meet the learning objectives through readings, group discussions, experiential activities, and two research papers. You are expected to read the assigned readings and it is your responsibility to complete all activities according to the schedule on the syllabus and within the activity instructions themselves. These activities are designed to help you develop critical understanding and awareness of issues associated with diversity and managing a diverse workforce. To maximize learning, you will be required to find relevant materials on your own and apply to class activities. Along with mastery of content, you're expected to exhibit effective time management skills, and effective communication among group members and classmates.
Required Course Materials
- There are no materials required for this course. All materials will be provided by the instructor either through Online Resources, or through E-Reserve various links. Reading assignment may be updated and supplemented by the instructor as appropriate. Students are also encouraged to incorporate current events and conduct research on their own to complete their activity each week.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Library Reserves
This course requires that you access Penn State library materials specifically reserved for this course. You can access these materials by selecting Library Resources in your course navigation, or by accessing the Library E-Reserves Search and search for your instructor's last name.
Technical Specifications
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
|---|---|
| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
Unless otherwise noted, all assignments are due by Noon (ET) on the Monday after each Lesson's timeframe.
|
Readings: |
Lesson 03 Commentary E-Reserve Readings:
Other Readings:
|
|---|---|
|
Activities:
|
|
|
Readings: |
Lesson 04 Commentary E-Reserve Readings:
Other Readings:
|
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
Other Readings:
|
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
Other Readings:
|
|---|---|
|
Activities: | Note that you'll need to plan ahead for this activity as you will need to go out into the field before you complete it. Read the assignment for details.
|
|
Readings: |
Lesson 07 Commentary Web Resources
|
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
Lesson 08 Commentary Other Readings:
|
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
Lesson 09 Commentary Other Readings:
|
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
Lesson 11 Commentary |
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
Lesson 12 Commentary Other Readings:
|
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
Lesson 13 Commentary E-Reserve Readings:
Other Readings
|
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
None |
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
|
Readings: |
None |
|---|---|
|
Activities: |
|
Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Grading
The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. The grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:
A = (Excellent) Indicates exceptional achievement
B = (Good) Indicates extensive achievement
C = (Satisfactory) Indicates acceptable achievement
D = (Poor) Indicates only minimal achievement
F = (Failure) Indicates inadequate achievement necessitating a repetition of the course in order to secure credit
The final grade will be calculated on the basis of 1000 total points.
| Grade | % Range |
|---|---|
| A | 93 -100 |
| A- | 90 - 92.99 |
| B+ | 87 - 89.99 |
| B | 83 - 86.99 |
| B- | 80 - 82.99 |
| C+ | 77 - 79.99 |
| C | 70 - 76.99 |
| D | 60 - 69.99 |
| F | 59.99 and below |
GRADING CRITERIA
| Lesson | Discussion Forum | Assignment | Quiz/Survey | Points Per Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Introduction Discussion Forum | Ungraded | ||
| 01 Part 2 | Lesson 01 Part 2 Culture and You Survey | 10 | ||
| 01 Part 2 | Lesson 01 Part 2 Dimensions of You Assignment | 30 | ||
| 02 | Lesson 02 Privilege and Disadvantage Assignment | 30 | ||
| 03 | Lesson 03 Discussion - Gender Issues in the Workplace | Lesson 03 Gender Issues in the Workplace Assignment | 40 | |
| 04 | Lesson 04 Discussion - Generational Diversity | 40 | ||
| 05 | Lesson 05 Discussion - Stereotypes | 40 | ||
| 06 | Diversity Case Project Step 1: Individual Research and Case Summary | Diversity Case Project Step 1: Individual Research and Case Summary | 20 | |
| 06 | Lesson 06 Discussion - Being a Minority | 80 | ||
| 07 | Lesson 07 Discussion - Religion Exercise | 40 | ||
| 08 | Lesson 08 Accomodation Challenges Assignment | 50 | ||
| 09 | Lesson 09 LGBT GROUP Activity | 60 | ||
| 09 | Lesson 09 Peer Evaluation | 20 | ||
| 10 | Lesson 10 Research Paper | 200 | ||
| 11 | Lesson 11 Mini Case Study Discussion | 50 | ||
| 12 | Lesson 12 Diversity Training Assignment | 40 | ||
| 13 | Lesson 13 Discussion - Mentoring, Recruitment, and Retention | 40 | ||
| 13 | Diversity Case Project Step 2: Group Case Summary | 30 | ||
| 13 | Diversity Case Project Step 2: Post Questions | 50 | ||
| 14 | Diversity Case Project Step 3: Answer Questions | 20 | ||
| 14 | Diversity Case Project Step 3: Bibliography | 20 | ||
| 15 | Diversity Case Project Step 4: Case Reveal | 10 | ||
| 15 | Diversity Case Project Step 5: Individual Reflection Assignment | 60 | ||
| COURSE TOTAL = 1000 Points |
* Graded in Lesson 15
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Activities
The teaching method for the course is largely based on participatory discussion. Students are expected to actively engage in discussions of assigned readings, class assignments, and case studies. Students are expected to learn from each other through online discussions and activities. Both individual preparations and working with groups are crucial for success in this course. Only through contribution to class discussions, doing the activities and assignmentss can students’ learning be meaningful.
Students please note: The Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations does not view Wikipedia as a valid source for information cited in academic work. It can be a useful tool for quickly finding general information on subjects or as a starting point for research. However, students should not cite Wikipedia as a source in papers, reports, activities, etc.
Some of your activities will include Group Work.
Research Papers — The American Psychological Association Citation (APA) Style should be used for your research paper.
NOTE: Prior to turning in your paper, you must run it through TURNITIN. It is recommended that you do this a few days before the deadline in case this turns up any problems with your paper. To do so, you will use the information your instructor will provide to access their services. Then follow the instructions to download your paper to "First Submission." It sometimes takes several minutes for the program to analyze your paper. Eventually you should see your "Report." The Report should include a percentage score and a color code. If the color is green or blue, you are OK. If it is yellow or red, click to see comments. The report should indicate where your text is too similar to a publication. If the program turns up passages of more than one or two lines, this needs correction - you will need to paraphrase them and cite the source, indicate they are quotations and cite the source, or remove these passages.
As a Penn State student, you have access to lynda.com, your one-stop shop for video tutorials on Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and hundreds more topics--all free to active Penn State faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students. Take tutorials to help with coursework, learn techniques for your own projects, and build tech skills to boost your résumé. Tutorials are not required or graded.)
Class Atmosphere
The issues discussed in this course may be considered controversial. Therefore all students are expected to welcome the expression of various points of view. Class participants are responsible for permitting each member of the class to express his or her views without pressure from others. It is not expected that we will all hold the same viewpoint. However, it is expected that we will all treat each other with respect regardless of the difference in our opinions.
Professional behavior is expected in this class. The instructor reserves the right to adjust the overall grade of any student who acts unprofessionally or is disrespectful.
Group Work
All of you will be assigned to a group and are required to work with your group to turn in activities and final projects. Group members will be required to exchange phone number, IM, or e-mail addresses to facilitate timely completion of work. Once groups are formed, the group should designate the time and day each activity is to be provided to the reporter of the week. It is your responsibility to let your group members know if you are having computer problems or other problems and cannot submit the actovity on the designated time agreed upon by the group. Remember, some of your members may work full-time or part-time. Each group member is expected to share his/her schedule in terms of when activities can be submitted, times to chat online etc. You are expected to use the group discussion forum as necessary to discuss issues with your group members. If you fail to work with your group, you will be expelled from the group. This means you will lose group points. You will receive three warnings from the instructor before you are expelled.
Exams
There are no exams in this course.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Additional Policies
Please note that course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. The course instructor and any teaching assistant(s), of course, have access to the course throughout the semester. Each course offered via the World Campus has several instructional design staff members assigned to assist in managing course content and delivery. These instructional design staff members have access to the course throughout the semester for this purpose. Also, World Campus technical staff may be given access in order to resolve technical support issues. In addition, mentor, department head, or program chair may be provided with course access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. Each of these individuals will keep confidential all student course and academic information.
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
Disclaimer
Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.