Your World and What Shapes It from Coursera

Thriving organizations strive for equity at all levels. Dynamic global DEI initiatives strengthen connectivity within individual teams and foster cross-cultural collaboration and mutual understanding while encouraging the inclusion of employees from all regions. Broader global relations aside, there also exist country-specific ethnic dynamics that make DEI a critical conversation. Global dynamics present a possible risk (and opportunity) for organizations. In this course, we will explore the complex topics that shape your views and ideas by exploring historical narratives while working on your journey towards improving cultural competence.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

Course logo image credit: Clay Banks. Available on Unsplash at https://unsplash.com/photos/LjqARJaJotc

What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding Yourself

In this module, you will focus on setting the foundation for this course and the specialization by gaining awareness of yourself, your culture, and your environment.

Uncovering Historical Narratives

In this module, we will build on understanding the exclusion of populations and how this leads to bias and lack of support for these communities. During this process, we will reflect on our own role in marginalizing others.

Recognizing Personal Bias

This course examines the implicit bias with emphasis on differentiating and understanding while working on your journey toward improving your cultural competence.

Developing Relationships

This module focuses more on the label of ‘different’ and understanding the intersectionality and complexity of those who are marginalized.

Rediscovering Yourself

This module concludes by combining the learnings of the historical narratives and terminology by allowing time for deeper reflection

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes building cultural competence and fostering inclusivity, addressing a critical need in global organizations

Recognizes the importance of understanding historical narratives to uncover biases and promote equity

Led by Dr. Jessica Rush Leeker, an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion with extensive experience in academia and industry

Provides a comprehensive overview of global DEI initiatives, including country-specific ethnic dynamics

Can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder's Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree, enhancing its credibility and value

Leverages a multi-modal approach with videos, readings, and discussions to enhance engagement and learning

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 Your World and What Shapes It with these activities:

Practice Active Listening and Empathy

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Engage in exercises that enhance your ability to listen attentively, understand different perspectives, and respond with empathy.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Find a partner for practice.
Take turns being the speaker and the listener.
Focus on active listening and providing empathetic responses.

Explore Online DEI Training Modules

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Supplement your learning with self-paced online modules on DEI topics to reinforce your understanding and stay up-to-date on best practices.

Browse courses on Online Learning

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Identify reputable online platforms offering DEI modules.
Select and complete relevant modules.
Reflect on the key takeaways and their application.

Read 'The Culture Map'

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Gain insights into the cultural dimensions that shape global business practices and communication styles, enhancing your ability to navigate diverse environments.

View Penguin Readers Level 4: No Rules Rules (ELT... on Amazon

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Read through the chapters on different cultural frameworks.
Identify key takeaways and cultural differences relevant to your field.
Apply concepts to real-world scenarios and interactions.

Four other activities

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Attend Industry Events Focused on DEI

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Connect with professionals in your field who are passionate about DEI, sharing insights and expanding your network.

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Identify and register for relevant events.
Attend the events and engage in discussions.
Follow up with new connections.

Launch Personal Transformation Plan

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Embark on a self-guided journey to identify areas for growth and develop a plan to foster personal and professional transformation.

Browse courses on Self-Reflection

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Conduct a values and beliefs assessment.
Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Create a detailed action plan with specific goals.
Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

Develop a DEI Communication Strategy

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Create a communication plan that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that messages and interactions are respectful and welcoming to all.

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Define the target audience and communication objectives.
Research best practices and guidelines for inclusive communication.
Draft and review the communication strategy document.
Implement the strategy and monitor its effectiveness.

Mentor or Coach Individuals on DEI

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Share your knowledge and experiences with others who are seeking to develop their cultural competence and contribute to a more inclusive environment.

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Identify opportunities to provide guidance and support.
Establish clear goals and expectations.
Provide constructive feedback and encouragement.
Monitor progress and adjust your approach as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Your World and What Shapes It will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers develop and implement policies and programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives, to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment. This course may be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape diversity and inclusion. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and inclusive policies and programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Equity Manager

Equity Managers develop and implement policies and programs to promote equity in the workplace. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives, to create a more equitable and just work environment. This course may be useful for Equity Managers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape equity. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and equitable policies and programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Equity Manager

Social Justice Advocate

Social Justice Advocates work to promote social justice and equality for all people. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, and the public, to develop and implement social justice initiatives. This course may be useful for Social Justice Advocates by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape social justice issues. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and inclusive social justice initiatives.

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Community Engagement Manager

Community Engagement Managers build relationships with communities to develop and implement programs that meet their needs. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including community leaders, residents, and businesses, to identify and address issues. This course may be useful for Community Engagement Managers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape communities. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and inclusive programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Engagement Manager

Intercultural Communication Specialist

Intercultural Communication Specialists help people from different cultures to communicate effectively with each other. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and educational institutions, to develop and implement intercultural communication programs. This course may be useful for Intercultural Communication Specialists by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape intercultural communication. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and inclusive communication programs.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study the social behavior of people and societies. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including social institutions, social stratification, and social change. This course may be useful for Sociologists by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape social behavior. This knowledge can help them to conduct more informed and nuanced research.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to overcome social and economic challenges. They work with a variety of clients, including individuals, families, and communities, to provide support and services. This course may be useful for Social Workers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape social and economic challenges. This knowledge can help them to provide more effective and inclusive support and services.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop and implement plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, businesses, and the public, to create more livable and sustainable cities. This course may be useful for Urban Planners by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape urban development. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and inclusive plans for urban development.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists study the cultures of different societies, past and present. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including social organization, political systems, economic systems, and religious beliefs. This course may be useful for Cultural Anthropologists by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape different societies. This knowledge can help them to conduct more informed and nuanced research.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the political systems of different societies, past and present. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including political institutions, political ideologies, and political behavior. This course may be useful for Political Scientists by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape political systems. This knowledge can help them to conduct more informed and nuanced research.

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Ethnographer

Ethnographers study the cultures of different groups of people by observing and interacting with them over a period of time. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including social organization, political systems, economic systems, and religious beliefs. This course may be useful for Ethnographers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape different cultures. This knowledge can help them to conduct more informed and nuanced research.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues and make recommendations to policymakers. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, interest groups, and the public, to develop and implement public policy. This course may be useful for Public Policy Analysts by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape public policy. This knowledge can help them to conduct more informed and nuanced research and analysis.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of human resources for an organization, including recruiting, hiring, training, and development. They also develop and implement policies and programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape diversity and inclusion. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and inclusive policies and programs.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers oversee sales teams and are responsible for achieving sales goals. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, sales representatives, and managers, to develop and implement sales strategies. This course may be useful for Sales Managers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape sales. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and inclusive sales strategies.

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Corporate Trainer

Corporate Trainers develop and deliver training programs for employees. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including managers, employees, and executives, to identify and address training needs. This course may be useful for Corporate Trainers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape training needs. This knowledge can help them to develop more effective and inclusive training programs.

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Your World and What Shapes It

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Syllabus

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