This module is a resource for lecturers
Introduction
This Module explores the concepts of diversity, tolerance and pluralism. It examines ways in which the acceptance of diversity may be difficult, but can be understood and accomplished by drawing on ideas and examples of ethical behaviour. The Module provides a menu of options and approaches for addressing ethical challenges involving issues of race, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, political views, and a range of others. It illustrates the relevant concepts through discussing historical social systems in which tolerance and pluralism were evident, and historical role models of integrity who provided inspirational leadership in modelling diversity and acceptance in vexing situations. The Module also discusses moral quandaries in which solutions to a moral dilemma are not clear-cut and require specific forms of ethical reasoning. The discussion emphasizes and explores the importance of diversity not only in the context of fairness to individuals and marginalized groups, but also as a means to improve society as a whole. The Module engages the students with a variety of pedagogical techniques including mini-lecture, discussion, debate, and role playing to encourage participatory decision-making within both hypothetical and real-life diversity-sensitive situations.
The Module is a resource for lecturers. It provides an outline for a three-hour class but can be used for shorter or longer sessions, or extended into a full-fledged course (see: Guidelines to develop a stand-alone course).
Learning outcomes
- Understand and define diversity, tolerance and pluralism
- Perceive the value of cultures, identities, histories, and points of view other than one's own
- Provide examples of moral role models whose actions promote the values of tolerance and pluralism
- Demonstrate a preliminary understanding of more complex aspects of diversity such as intersectionality, identity and subcultures
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