List of diversity courses
List of diversity courses that are also LER
List of diversity course that are also writing intensive

The purpose of Kent State’s diversity requirement is to help educate students to live in a world of diverse communities,many of which are becoming increasingly permeated with cultural and ideological differences. The study of diversity is intended to promote awareness of local and global differences, to identify shared values, to improve understanding of one’s own culture, and to encourage people to explore and respect differences.

The diversity requirement is part of the university’s broader efforts to encourage, both at the university and beyond, the development of communities in which all members and their contributions are recognized and valued. Diversity courses provide opportunities for students to learn about such matters as the history, culture, values and notable achievements of people other than those of their own national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, physical and mental ability, and social class. Diversity courses also provide opportunities to examine problems and issues that may arise from differences, and opportunities to learn how to deal constructively with them.

Criteria
Courses that satisfy the diversity requirement aim to give students significant opportunities to:

• Address diversity issues, particularly those involving unequal and/or discriminatory treatment
• Compare positive and negative implications of various parochial or “...centric” perspectives
• Encourage global awareness and sensitivity
• Engage issues of racial or ethnic perceptions, attitudes and stereotypes
• Examine patterns and trends of diversity in the United States
• Explore ways to communicate and participate constructively in a diverse community
• Foster appreciation of aesthetic dimensions of other traditions and cultures
• Learn systematic approaches to understanding cultural differences and commonalities
• Learn systematic techniques for dealing constructively with problems arising out of cultural differences
• Participate in special programs that promote understanding other peoples
• Study Western and non-Western cultures in a world context or from a comparative perspective
• Understand how one’s own culture shapes one’s perceptions, ideology and values

It is understood that not every course will address all of these criteria.

Guidelines

1. As part of the requirements for any baccalaureate degree, all students must satisfy the diversity requirement. Normally a student must complete two courses chosen from the diversity course listed on the Diversity Course List page.
2. At least one course must be taken as part of the Liberal Education Requirements (LER) and thus cannot be in the student's major field.
3. Student may satisfy the second diversity requirement in one of three ways:
4. 1. They may complete a second diversity course from the LER list. This course may also count toward the LER but in that case cannot be in the student's major field.
   2. They may complete any non-LER diversity course. This course may also count toward major or minor program requirements or may be used as an elective.
   3. They may, with approval from their dean, satisfy the second diversity requirement by completing one semester of study in another country.
4. Students are required to take one course addressing domestic (U.S.) issues and one course addressing global issues.