Sample Diversification: Social Sciences (DS) Initial Application and Syllabus

As most of the required questions in the Initial Application are straightforward and easy to respond to (e.g., pro forma questions about course alpha, number, title, etc.), the Diversification Board has chosen to provide a sample response to the last question: "Which Diversification hallmarks does your course fulfill, and how does this course fulfill those hallmarks in your selected Diversification category/categories?"

As noted in the Diversification Board Proposal Guide, one should take care to explain, by way of a short narrative, how the course meets those hallmarks through the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs). A mere list of CLOs is insufficient to satisfy this requirement. In your response to this final question of the application, please be aware that you do NOT need to prove how two-thirds of the required class meetings fulfill the hallmarks of the Diversification designation being sought. Instead, use the syllabus to establish the two-thirds requirement.

The below response was supplied in the Initial Application for a Diversification: Social Sciences (DS) Designation for Women's Studies 200: Gender, Culture and Appearance. Take particular note of the way the applicant explains which hallmarks of the DS designation the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) fulfill and how the CLOs fulfill them. The attached syllabus at the bottom of this page establishes how two-thirds of the required class meetings demonstrate the hallmarks of the DS designation.

Please remember that responses should be entered into the online Initial Application form.

Sample Response

Which Diversification hallmarks does your course fulfill, and how does this course fulfill those hallmarks in your selected Diversification category/categories?

DS.1 uses the terminology of theories, structures, or processes in the social or psychological sciences.

SLO 1 meets this hallmark (refer to sample syllabus, page 1).

The quizzes in the class will be made up primarily of questions covering the terms and theories related to gender, culture and appearance.

DS.2 involves concepts, models, practices, or issues of concern in the scientific study of these theories, structures, or processes.

SLO 2, 3, and 4 meet this hallmark (refer to sample syllabus, page 1).

Concepts, models and practices in the scientific study of gender, culture and appearance is covered throughout the entire semester. Refer to the chapter headings in the Course Outline and Assignment section of the sample syllabus (pages 3-4).

DS.3 demonstrates inquiry that is guided by quantitative and/or qualitative methods employed in the scientific study of structures or processes of these sciences.

The textbook, Dress and Society, is selected for this class because it presents a sociological perspective on how peoples dress and a research perspective on how to develop and appreciate research skills.

Several documentaries are used in this course (refer to the sample syllabus, pages 3-4).

Paper 3 requires each student to practice qualitative research by engaging in an appearance norm violation and then write a paper about it (refer to sample syllabus, page 4).

Sample Syllabus

Attached below is the accompanying syllabus for Women's Studies 200. Please note that a syllabus does NOT require a daily course calendar updated for the semester of application, though it may. Rather, a syllabus that includes a list of topics and/or issues covered over the sixteen weeks of instruction may be submitted instead. However, the syllabus provided must be updated for current course alpha, number, and catalog description; credit hours; and Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs). If you are uncertain about any of these required elements, please consult the course information archived in the Kuali Student Curriculum Management system.