'Their' World and How You Define 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 develop a more profound knowledge and understanding of diverse groups by hearing actual accounts from various marginalized populations and adopting an approach of first looking inward, then confronting ignorances, biases, and stereotypes of marginalized populations, and ending each lesson with a personal reflection.

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: Ave Calvar. Available on Unsplash at https://unsplash.com/photos/5u4L-E4eQWw

What's inside

Syllabus

Moving Beyond Yourself to Accept Others

In this module, you will spend time moving beyond yourself and learn the process of empathy through candid conversations to help you prepare for learning more cultural empathy and awareness in the following lessons.

What Supporting Women Really Means

In this module, you will focus on the plight of women in various roles while understanding our position in their journey. Using these concepts, you will be challenged to explore how a feminist/womanist understanding can shape and ground everyday feminist’s life.

Being Black in The World

In this module, you will focus on the many forms of Black experiences and how they are shaped based on different perspectives worldwide. This lesson considers fundamental questions about the nature of identity, identification, and belonging.

Understanding the Intricacies of GLBTQ+

In this module, you will build on the history of colonialism and media from course one to examine how contemporary non-normative sexualities and genders exist at the intersection of local and global processes.

What is Normal

This module provides essential background about neurodiversity by uncovering the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and utilizing their talents to increase the innovation and productivity of the global society.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Offers a critical perspective on DEI and its impact on fostering workplace inclusivity and mutual understanding

Provides insights into the unique experiences and perspectives of marginalized populations, fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity

Examines diversity and inclusion not only within global organizations but also within specific cultural contexts

Features candid conversations with marginalized individuals, offering first-hand accounts of their lived experiences

Designed to help learners develop a deeper understanding of intersectionality and the complexities of identity

Taught by Dr. Jessica Rush Leeker, an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion

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 'Their' World and How You Define It with these activities:

Connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds

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Build your network and seek guidance from professionals who can share their insights and experiences on diversity and inclusion.

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Identify and connect with professionals from different backgrounds and industries

Review empathy basics

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Refresh your understanding of empathy before diving into the course materials.

Browse courses on Empathy

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Review a textbook chapter or article about empathy, such as the University of California, Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center's article

Explore online resources on cultural diversity and inclusion

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Expand your knowledge on cultural diversity and inclusion to broaden your understanding of different perspectives.

Browse courses on Cultural Diversity

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Access online resources from organizations like the United Nations or the World Economic Forum

Six other activities

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Develop a personal reflection on your own biases and stereotypes

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Practice identifying and confronting your own biases and stereotypes to lay the foundation for cultural empathy.

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Identify a specific bias or stereotype you hold
Explore the origins of this bias or stereotype
Consider the impact of this bias or stereotype on your thoughts and actions

Practice active listening skills in conversations

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Refine your active listening skills to enhance your ability to understand and connect with diverse perspectives.

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Engage in conversations with people from different backgrounds or experiences
Listen attentively to their perspectives without interrupting
Reflect on what you have heard and ask clarifying questions

Attend a workshop on unconscious bias

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Deepen your understanding of unconscious bias and its impact on workplace dynamics.

Browse courses on Unconscious Bias

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Identify and register for a workshop on unconscious bias

Compile a list of resources on best practices for promoting diversity and inclusion

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Gather and organize valuable resources to support your learning and application of diversity and inclusion principles.

Browse courses on Diversity and Inclusion

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Identify and collect articles, books, and online resources on best practices for promoting diversity and inclusion

Volunteer in a community organization that supports marginalized groups

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Gain firsthand experience working with and learning from marginalized communities.

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Research and identify community organizations that align with your interests
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities

Develop a presentation on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace

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Solidify your understanding by creating a presentation that highlights the value and benefits of diversity and inclusion.

Browse courses on Diversity and Inclusion

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Gather data and research on the positive impact of diversity and inclusion
Develop a compelling presentation that is both informative and engaging

Career center

Learners who complete 'Their' World and How You Define It will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

A significant part of a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist's job is supporting initiatives that uplift and address the challenges faced by marginalized groups. This course can contribute to your goal by developing a deeper understanding of these populations, and building empathy. Once you have heard the accounts of these populations, you will be better equipped to understand their priorities, and take steps to help your organization create a more diverse and inclusive environment.

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

International Relations Manager

In your job as an International Relations Manager, you will need to be able to operate with diverse teams across geographies. The 'Their' World and How You Define It course can help you get there by exploring cultural dynamics, and examining how different cultures interact. Ultimately, this will help you in your goal of building strong relationships across borders.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Manager

Cultural Anthropologist

As a Cultural Anthropologist, understanding the nuances of different cultures is part of your job description. This course can build on your existing knowledge and understanding of diverse groups. The course's focus on empathy and self examination can prepare you to conduct your own research, in the field.

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Global Human Resources Manager

As a Global Human Resources Manager, you may be tasked with overseeing diversity and inclusion initiatives for global teams and their locations. This course can help you get there by building cultural empathy, and equipping you with tools for understanding the challenges faced by marginalized groups. This course will support your efforts to create inclusive environments and policies for employees across different regions.

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Development Consultant

In this role, you may be supporting global initiatives. The concept of inclusion is central to the work that you do. This course may be useful in your line of work by strengthening your understanding of diverse groups. Furthermore, the emphasis on empathy and self examination in the course can help you in understanding the needs and challenges of different communities.

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Social Worker

In your role as a Social Worker, you may encounter individuals from diverse population groups. By taking this course, you will have the opportunity to build empathy for their unique challenges. Moreover, the focus on understanding different cultures, and dismantling stereotypes can help enhance the quality of care and support you provide.

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Community Organizer

As a Community Organizer, you are likely passionate about improving the lives of marginalized groups in your community. This course may offer new perspectives on the challenges faced by these groups, from various parts of the world. The emphasis on empathy and personal reflection can aid you in building authentic connections with community members as you advocate for change.

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Diversity and Inclusion Trainer

As a Diversity and Inclusion Trainer, you are tasked with educating and facilitating discussions on diversity and inclusion. This course can provide foundational knowledge of different marginalized groups. Through its emphasis on empathy, the course can also prepare you with the skills needed to lead impactful and engaging workshops. Ultimately, this course may help you to become a more effective trainer.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

In your role as a Nonprofit Program Manager, you will likely collaborate with diverse stakeholders to create and implement programs that support marginalized communities. This course can contribute to your success by developing a deeper understanding diverse groups, and building your capacity for cultural empathy. As you take this course, you will explore the complexities of different cultures, their histories, and their lived experiences.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you may be reporting on issues affecting diverse communities. This course can help you do this more effectively by promoting cultural empathy, and encouraging critical thinking about bias and stereotypes. Furthermore, the course's focus on country specific dynamics may equip you to tell multidimensional stories that accurately reflect the local and global experiences of marginalized groups.

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Educator

In your role as an Educator, you may be teaching students from diverse backgrounds. This course can support this work by helping you build empathy for your students, and by challenging your own biases. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on understanding different cultures and identities can help you create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.

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Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you may be developing policies that impact diverse communities. This course can provide you with a deeper understanding of these communities, and their unique challenges. By taking this course, you will be better equipped to create policies that are inclusive and equitable. The course's emphasis on empathy, cultural understanding, and personal reflection will be especially valuable in your role as an analyst.

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Human Rights Advocate

In your role, you are likely passionate about fighting for the rights of marginalized groups. This course can contribute to your work by providing a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. The course will also help you develop empathy and cultural understanding, which are essential for effective advocacy. As you take this course, you will learn from the experiences of marginalized communities, and you will be better equipped to fight for their rights.

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Grant Writer

As a Grant Writer, you may be responsible for writing proposals that request funding for programs that support marginalized communities. By taking this course, you will learn more about these communities, and their unique needs and challenges. This will help you write more compelling and effective grant proposals that will be more likely to get funded. The course's emphasis on empathy and understanding different cultures will be especially useful in your work as a grant writer.

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Community Development Worker

As a Community Development Worker, you may be working alongside diverse populations to improve their lives and build sustainable communities. This course can support you in this work by deepening your understanding of these communities and the challenges they face. The course emphasizes empathy, cultural understanding, and personal reflection. This will help you establish trust and rapport with community members, and create a more inclusive and equitable community development process.

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