B2770 - DIVERSITA' E INCLUSIONE

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of the principles of diversity and inclusion.
• Analyze mechanisms of segregation, discrimination, and exclusion based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, and other identity factors.
• Identify and apply strategies to prevent stereotypes and prejudice and to promote the value of diversity.

Course contents

The course offers an in-depth examination of issues related to diversity and inclusion from multiple theoretical and practical perspectives. Its unifying framework is the intersectional approach to diversity, namely the analysis of the ways in which multiple identity factors (gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, social class, disability, age, etc.) intersect and interact. The concept of intersectionality—formulated in the late 1980s by feminist legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how racism and sexism uniquely affect African American women—will serve as the theoretical lens through which to analyze the production of social privilege and complex forms of discrimination. This framework provides the basis for addressing and overcoming stereotypes and bias across a range of contexts, including professional and organizational environments. Particular attention will be devoted to theories concerning gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class. The course will also explore the linguistic representation of diversity in different cultural settings.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography and references will be made available on the Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

Students are required to attend at least 70% of classes.

Lectures and seminars, workshops focused on case study analysis, and the viewing of films and documentaries. The course requires the active participation of students.

Assessment methods

Students are required to complete a project on topics covered in class. Work will be carried out in small groups (2 to 4 students). The final assessment consists of two parts:

• Written essay: an essay presenting the project/analysis carried out. The file must be submitted by email prior to the exam date, by the deadline that will be communicated by the professor. Length: minimum 3,000 – maximum 4,000 words.

• Oral presentation: delivered on the day of the exam. The presentation will be based on the essay. All group members are expected to contribute to the presentation. Time allocated per group: minimum 15 – maximum 20 minutes. 

Note: During the course, groups will be required to give a mock presentation (not graded) as preparation for the final exam.

 

Learning assessment scale:

30-30L (excellent): Excellent, in-depth knowledge of the course content, excellent ability to apply theoretical concepts, excellent exposition, as well as excellent capacity for critical analysis.

27-29 (above average): Accurate and extensive knowledge of content, good ability to apply theoretical concepts, ability for critical analysis, accurate and correct exposition.

24-26 (generally sound): Appropriate content knowledge, fair ability to apply theoretical concepts and to present content.

21-23 (sufficient): Appropriate but not extensive knowledge of content, partial ability to apply theoretical concepts, presentation of content acceptable.

18-20 (minimum): Sufficient but superficial knowledge of content, simple exposition, uncertainties in the application of theoretical concepts.

Failed (insufficient): Fragmented and superficial knowledge of content, errors in applying concepts, poor exposition. The exam must be repeated.

 

Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) or with disabilities that can affect their ability to attend courses are invited to contact the University service for students with disabilities and SLD at the earliest opportunity -- ideally before the start of the course: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students. The University service will suggest possible adjustments to the course work and/or exam, which must then be submitted to the course leader so they can assess their feasibility, in line with the learning objectives of the course. Please note that adjustments to the exam must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Teaching tools

Slides, videos, films and documentaries, bibliography and other material, all made available on the platform Virtuale in the dedicated section.

Office hours

See the website of Beatrice Spallaccia