Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Changing Landscapes, Identities, and Discourse

This week, we introduce a set of key terms (specifically, LGBTQIA) and explore the significance of these terms in a wider social and political context. This sets the groundwork for the following weeks by providing a shared language to discuss key issues in gender and sexuality studies and by introducing a range of critical issues that are directly related to gender and sexuality.

The History of Gender and Gender in Theory

This week, we cover a range of topics on gender including the evolution of ideas about gender, the history of gender in the U.S. workplace, and key theories of gender from the 1970s to the present.

The History of Sexuality and Sexuality in Theory

This week, we provide a brief overview of the historical and emerging understanding of sexuality and sexual identity. We then explore the history of sexuality and sexual identity discrimination in the workplace (early days of allowed discrimination against LGB people; larger issue of job insecurity for LGB folks; advent of ENDA, controversies around ENDA –how that has played out to pit LGB people and trans* people against one another).

Trans Topics Today and Trans in Theory

This week, you will learn about the evolution of understanding about transgender people’s lives and identities, exploring the long history of gender transgression across different cultural contexts, and talk about the ways we understand gender transgression to function. We then discuss how those who identify outside the gender binary present important challenges to fixed ways of being/thinking about gender. Finally, we examine the ways that transgender individuals have faced and surmounted oppression in the workplace (also known as genderism, a term coined by Riki Wilchins), and the kinds of laws that are designed to protect their rights.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops a foundational understanding of gender, sexuality, and women's studies, which is useful for personal growth and development

Presents a comprehensive study of gender, sexuality, identity, and the workplace

Emphasizes key concepts to interpret and understand the world, which is useful for personal growth and development

Examines the history and evolution of gender and sexuality, which is highly relevant to academic settings

Taught by Julie Beaulieu and Susan Marine, who are recognized for their work in gender, sexuality, and women's studies

Emphasizes the importance of identity in shaping experiences in culture and the workplace, which is highly relevant to industry

Reviews summary

Lgbtqia in the workplace

Learners say this course is largely positive, well received, and helpful for understanding diversity and inclusion in the workplace for LGBTQIA identities. Instructors Julie Beaulieu and Susan M. Stryker are described as knowledgeable and passionate. According to students, the course has clear, concise lectures and engaging assignments that foster critical thinking. They add that it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace and historical context for understanding these challenges.

Assignments are said to be engaging, thought-provoking, and foster critical thinking.

"The assignments have significantly helped broaden my mind and conscience."

"This course was very helpful for me! I was able to understand more about LGBTQIA issues and how to make the workplace more inclusive for all workers."

"This course really changed my perspective of sex, gender and sexuality."

Lectures are described as clear, concise, and well-organized.

"The course is very informative, very nutrido and essential to know and finish to understand many differences or circumstances that are presented with the people LGBTIQ."

"It was very insightful and informative. I am taking my new found knowledge and transferring it into my daily life."

"This course is a must do for not only students and learners but for everyone living i the contemporary world. This course has been my best companion and has helped me to gain quality knowledge with fun lectures and great assessments."

Provides historical context for understanding challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace.

"explores the past as a way to understand current societal frameworks, and covers dominant social constructs and legal protections"

Instructors are highly praised for their knowledge, passion, and delivery of course material.

"Excellent course providing me with a greater understanding of Gender and Sexuality issues in the workplace as well as the ignorance one can have as it relates to these topics"

"Lecturers are outstanding! There is a lot of material, but it is a large topic. I found myself working on the class until 4am because the information was so interesting."

Emphasizes importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, particularly for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

"If you need a basic understanding of the every day experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially in the workplace, this is the best place to start."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace with these activities:

Explore online resources on gender and sexuality

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Complement your learning by exploring curated online resources that provide additional insights and perspectives on gender and sexuality.

Browse courses on Online Learning

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Identify reputable websites and organizations
Explore articles, videos, and podcasts
Engage in online discussions and forums
Bookmark and organize your findings

Volunteer with an LGBTQIA+ organization

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Gain first-hand experience and contribute to the LGBTQIA+ community by volunteering your time with an organization that aligns with your interests.

Browse courses on Activism

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Research organizations and identify a suitable fit
Apply for volunteer positions
Attend training and orientation
Engage in meaningful activities
Reflect on your experiences

Attend a workshop on LGBTQIA+ advocacy

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Expand your knowledge and skills by attending a workshop that focuses on LGBTQIA+ advocacy and strategies for promoting inclusivity and equality.

Browse courses on Social Change

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Search for workshops and identify relevant events
Attend the workshop and actively participate
Network with other attendees
Implement the strategies and insights in your own work or community

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Create a project that showcases your understanding of gender and sexuality

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Demonstrate your learning and kreativty by creating a project that tackles a specific issue or topic related to gender and sexuality.

Browse courses on Project-Based Learning

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Identify a relevant topic and research it
Define your project goals and objectives
Develop a project plan and timeline
Execute your project
Present your project and reflect on your experience

Design an inclusive workplace policy

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Demonstrate your understanding of the course concepts by creating a comprehensive workplace policy that promotes inclusivity and supports the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Browse courses on Workplace Policies

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Research current policies and best practices
Identify areas for improvement and inclusion
Draft your policy proposal
Review and refine your work
Share your policy with peers for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Gender Studies Professor

For those interested in becoming a Gender Studies Professor, this course is highly recommended. The course provides a solid foundation in the key concepts and theories of gender and sexuality. With this knowledge, future Gender Studies Professors will be better equipped to teach and research on these topics. It can provide insights and perspectives that will enable them to engage with students and contribute to the field of gender studies.

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Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace is very closely related to the role of Diversity and Inclusion Specialist. This course can provide the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. The course will offer insights into the key concepts of gender and sexuality and how they relate to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. With this understanding, Diversity and Inclusion Specialists can be more effective in creating and implementing programs and initiatives that promote an inclusive work environment.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Those who work as a Diversity and Inclusion Manager may find that Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace is very helpful to their career. This course is perfectly aligned with the responsibilities of this role, which include implementing diversity and inclusion programs, facilitating workshops and training, and overseeing policies relating to gender, sexuality, and other diverse characteristics in the workplace. This course will augment the knowledge needed for these tasks and allow a Diversity and Inclusion Manager to be more effective in their programs and training.

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EEOC Investigator

This course will also prove useful to professionals working as EEOC Investigators. EEOC Investigators are responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination, which include discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation. The course provides a solid understanding of the concepts of gender and sexuality and how they relate to the workplace. Investigators with this knowledge will be able to better understand and investigate complaints related to gender and sexual identity discrimination.

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Nonprofit Manager

For those pursuing a career as a Nonprofit Manager, this course may be useful. Nonprofit organizations often focus on issues related to gender and sexuality. This course provides an understanding of the key concepts and theories related to these issues. With this understanding, Nonprofit Managers will be better equipped to lead and manage organizations that are committed to diversity and inclusion.

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Human Resources Manager

A course like Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace may prove very useful for a Human Resources Manager. Many HR Managers have responsibilities related to training related to gender, sexuality, and diversity issues. The concepts learned in this course can assist in the development of diversity training materials, presentations, and corporate policies that address gender and sexual identity issues in a professional and sensitive manner. This course would provide needed context for these responsibilities. For those aspiring to management positions in HR, this is a course that can provide a strong foundation for future career success.

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Researcher

Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace provides a foundation that may be useful for Researchers. This course will provide an understanding of the key concepts and theories related to gender and sexuality. With this understanding, Researchers will be better equipped to conduct research on these topics and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

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Sociologist

The course content of Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace can also be applied to the field of Sociology. This course introduces concepts, tools, and methods to understand and analyze how identity shapes our experiences in culture and in the workplace. Sociologists use these same concepts to study social problems, social change, and social institutions. The course will help build a foundation for sociological research and analysis and will support a career as a Sociologist.

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Policy Analyst

For those pursuing a career as a Policy Analyst, the course may be valuable. Policy Analysts are often involved in developing and evaluating policies related to gender and sexuality. This course can provide the necessary foundation of knowledge to understand the issues and perspectives surrounding these policies. With this foundation, Policy Analysts will be better equipped to contribute to and analyze these policies.

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Consultant

Individuals interested in a career as a Consultant may also find Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace helpful. Consultants are often called upon to provide expertise in areas such as diversity and inclusion. This course will provide an understanding of the key concepts of gender and sexuality and how they relate to the workplace. This can give Consultants the knowledge and skills needed to advise clients on these issues.

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Lawyer

For those seeking a career as a Lawyer, this course may be useful as it will teach key concepts of gender and sexual orientation and their relation to the workplace. In employment law, knowledge of discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation is important and can be applied in various legal settings. This course will provide a foundation for understanding employment-related legal issues that will be useful for work as a Lawyer.

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Social Worker

For those interested in working as a Social Worker, taking a course on the topics in Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace can be useful. The content of the course relates to issues that are often encountered by social workers, such as issues related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and discrimination. Having the context and knowledge gained from this course can support a Social Worker in better understanding and supporting their clients.

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Educator

Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace may prove helpful to aspiring Educators. Many educators work with students who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those related to gender and sexuality. This course provides an understanding of the key concepts of gender and sexuality and how they relate to the learning environment. With this knowledge, Educators can better appreciate and support the needs of their students.

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Psychologist

Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace may be useful to those who are preparing for a career as a Psychologist. This course provides an introduction to the field of gender and sexuality studies and its implications for identity and experiences in culture and the workplace. Psychologists commonly work with clients experiencing issues related to gender, sexuality, or other aspects of diversity within the workplace. Familiarity with the content of this course will allow the Psychologist to better meet the needs of these clients.

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Journalist

For those pursuing a career as a Journalist, the course may be useful as it provides an understanding of issues related to gender and sexuality in the workplace. Journalists often report on these issues and need to have a strong understanding of the language and concepts surrounding them. This course can provide that foundation and help equip Journalists to accurately and sensitively report on these topics.

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