This course provides an introduction to critical multicultural education in the context of the sociopolitical issues surrounding U.S. schools today. The course begins with the examination of culture as a framework through which our identities are shaped. Students will analyze how oppression and power operate in the context of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, language, dis/ability, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation in the public school system. Students will examine critical multicultural education as a platform for civil rights and social justice through coursework and weekly observations at a local urban high school. Students will critique the current structure of public education that perpetuates inequalities while also celebrating practices that disrupt inequities and foster critical hope. As a culminating experience, students will participate in a community based “Project for Change” proposal to advance critical multicultural education in our local community. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Social Inequality requirement. Meets the Equity and Power: EPUS requirement. (Not offered 2024-25).

Degree requirement — Critical Perspectives: S, Equity and Power: EPUS

1 unit

Previously Featured Offering

From Multicultural Education to Critical Pedagogy: Civil Rights in the U.S. Public Schools

Nov. 2019
Instructor: Tina Valtierra

This course provides an introduction to multicultural education and critical pedagogy along with the sociopolitical issues surrounding the multicultural context of U.S. schools today. Students will be prompted to examine multicultural education as an act of civil rights through readings, films, and their participation.

Civil Rights in the U.S. Public Schools

Apr. 2017
Instructor: Tina Valtierra

Civil Rights in the U.S. Public Schools provides an introduction to multicultural education and critical pedagogy along with the sociopolitical issues surrounding the multicultural context of U.S. schools today.

This course provides an introduction to multicultural education and critical pedagogy along with the sociopolitical issues surrounding the multicultural context of U.S. schools today. The course begins with the examination of culture as a framework through which our identities are shaped. Students will be prompted to examine culture through films, their participation in a school setting and engagement with community activist organizations that represent civil rights in education. Through these experiences, students will critically examine the micro cultures represented in schools, including: socio-economic class, ethnicity and race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, language, ability, age - to mention a few. In addition, the acculturation process will be examined, in particular the act of schooling as acculturation. Finally, students will develop a Project for Change advocating for multicultural critical pedagogies for youth in the Colorado Springs community.

No offerings are currently scheduled.