Class Format

Class time will consist of a variety of ways to help you engage the course material, including (but not limited to): reflection papers, videos, case studies activities, and discussion posts. Each class’s lecture will be designed based on the assumption that you have completed the assigned readings and are familiar with the topic(s) being covered that day. To get the most out of class time, it is important that you read the assigned material beforehand. This class is conducted in an asynchronous, virtual format. You have flexibility in completing your assignments at your own pace throughout the week, as long as they are completed before their respective deadlines.

Evaluation Criteria

Your course grade is determined by your performance on the following:

1. Discussion Posts (25%)
2. Reaction papers (48%: 8% each)
3. Case Study Report (27%)

Discussion Posts (25%)
a) Discussion Posts (25%): Each week you will need to write and post a short paragraph (50-100 words) about the reading assignment for that week, and a response to one of your peer’s posts. It can be something you found interesting, a question you might have about the reading, a reflection on the reading or a connection between the reading and something else. You can also use these short posts as jumping off points for your reaction papers. Late posts will not be accepted.

• Initial Post Deadline: Your discussion post is due by Wednesday at midnight each week.
• Peer Comment: You must also comment on at least one peer’s discussion post (e.g., by asking a question, adding a perspective, or building on their ideas). Peer comments are due by Saturday at midnight each week.

Reaction Papers (42%)

• Reaction papers are based on a chapter or other assigned reading. These assignments are designed to get you to think deeply about the readings and spark class discussions.
• There are 6 reaction papers assigned. See course schedule for due dates throughout the semester. The reaction paper should be double-spaced, with your name and the chapter number or name of reading at the top of the page, and should be 1-2 pages. A formatting template is posted on BrightSpace.
• For each reaction paper, include the following information:
  • Briefly describe something from the reading that you learned that was surprising and/or significant to you.
  • Provide the source of this information (i.e., chapter or title of reading; page number).
  • Explain why it was so surprising and/or significant – and how it relates to your prior experiences or thinking. For example, does is relate to a personal experience in some way? Does it help explain something that happened to you that you couldn’t explain before? Does it relate to something else you have learned? Or perhaps the concept is hard to understand, in which case you should explain why – and try to figure it out.
  • What implications does this have for employees and organizations? How is this important?

Reaction papers are due on Brightspace by 11:59pm on Saturdays unless otherwise specified. Late assignments will be deducted 20% for each day it is late.

Reaction papers will be scored on a 25-point scale:

• A (<23/25) = Well-written, thoughtful, and properly followed instructions
• B (20-22/25) = Minor issues with content, writing, or formatting; or did not provide a thought-provoking discussion question, but overall good and demonstrated effort
• C (18-19/25) = Poorly written, provided overly simplistic discussion question, numerous minor issues, and/or failed to address the assigned reading
• *Anything below an 18 indicates a problematic lack of effort

Case Study Assignment (33%)

You will analyze diversity and inclusion issues within an organization described in a case study. Additionally, you will write a report with recommendations that address these issues based off scholarly evidence. The point of this assignment is to introduce you to some of the practical challenges of managing diversity within organizations and familiarize you to some of the relevant research on this topic.

The report is due by DATE 11:59pm via Brightspace. Full instructions and format templates are posted here.  Late projects will be deducted 30% for each day they are late.

Grading Scale 

Grade	Grade Point Equivalent	Percentage Equivalent
A	4.0	93.0-100.0
A-	3.7	90.0-92.9
B+	3.3	87.1-89.9
B	3.0	83.0-87.0
B-	2.7	80.0-82.9
C+	2.3	77.1-79.9
C	2.0	73.0-77.0
C-	1.7	70.0-72.9
D+	1.3	67.1-69.9
D	1.0	60.0-67.0
F	0.0	Below 60.0

Class Policies

Attendance

Given that this is an asynchronous course, your participation score will serve as your attendance to class. Given the flexibility of this course, it’s expected that you will complete all lectures. If you need extra time or if something comes up, you’re expected to ask for an extension before to deadline or AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Per university policy, students who stop attending class but do not officially withdraw will be given a WU grade, which is equivalent to failing the class.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement:                                    

“It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, religion, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups. In addition, if any of our class meetings conflict with your religious events, please let me know so that we can make arrangements for you.” I am using this statement that was taken from the University of Iowa College of Education because it aligns with my perspective on DEI.

Technology Requirements:

To succeed in this course, students must have reliable access to a computer or tablet with an up-to-date web browser and a stable internet connection. You will need to use EdPuzzle, access course materials via Brightspace, and have access to your email. Ensure your device has functioning audio and video capabilities for any multimedia content. It is your responsibility to troubleshoot any technical issues and to contact support if necessary to avoid disruptions to your coursework.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this course is encouraged as a means to enhance the learning experience. Students are welcome to leverage AI tools and technologies to support their academic endeavors and explore cutting-edge applications in the field of study. The use of AI is intended to complement and enhance your learning experience, not replace essential aspects of the curriculum. It should be employed as an additional tool to facilitate understanding, analysis, and exploration of course concepts.

When utilizing AI, students are expected to adhere to responsible and ethical practices. Respect for academic integrity, intellectual property, and privacy rights must be maintained at all times. Plagiarism or any form of academic dishonesty, including utilizing AI to generate content without proper attribution,

Communication

I will post course materials on Brightspace. Additionally, I will communicate with you via the email address that is tied to your Brightspace account (usually your Baruch e-mail address unless you have specified otherwise). Please check both Brightspace and your email regularly.

Privacy Policy:

Your privacy is important in this course. All course-related communications and assignments conducted through EdPuzzle and email are confidential. Aside from discussion boards and the psychological disorder project, nothing will be shared without prior notice.

Departmental Student Learning Objectives:

• Gather, interpret, and assess information from a variety of sources and points of view.
• Evaluate evidence and arguments critically or analytically. 
• Produce well-reasoned written or oral arguments using evidence to support conclusions.
• Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and methods of a discipline or interdisciplinary field exploring the scientific world, including, but not limited to: computer science, history of science, life and physical sciences, linguistics, logic, mathematics, psychology, statistics, and technology-related studies. 
• Demonstrate how tools of science, mathematics, technology, or formal analysis can be used to analyze problems and develop solutions. 
• Understand the scientific principles underlying matters of policy or public concern in which science plays a role.​

Class Ground Rules

We are in this class to learn from each other and to help each other learn. Each of us is unique in our diversity, and our learning depends on our ability to communicate and share with each other. In order for this learning to occur, we need to develop an open and supportive class environment that nurtures the creative and open exchange of ideas, perceptions, experiences, and feelings. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

1. We only get as much out of this class as we put into it—both intellectually and emotionally.
   • We do not know everything about everyone, but we are here to learn from each other. There are no “stupid” questions.
   • Respect others’ rights to see the world differently than you do. The goal is to develop an atmosphere in which we can openly discuss our thoughts, feelings, and experience. This requires being supportive and tolerant of views that may differ from your own.
   • In order to have open discussions, it is important to respect the confidentiality of information and comments that are shared in this class.
   • Please show respect by listening to the speaker rather than engaging in side conversations.

University Policies

Academic Integrity and Misconduct

I fully support Baruch College’s policy on Academic Honesty, which states, in part: “Academic dishonesty is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Cheating, forgery, plagiarism and collusion in dishonest acts undermine the college’s educational mission and the students’ personal and intellectual growth. Baruch students are expected to bear individual responsibility for their work, to learn the rules and definitions that underlie the practice of academic integrity, and to uphold its ideals. Ignorance of the rules is not an acceptable excuse for disobeying them. Any student who attempts to compromise or devalue the academic process will be sanctioned.”

Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses. The following definitions are based on the College’s Academic Honesty website here.

Cheating is the attempted or unauthorized use of materials, information, notes, study aids, devices or communication during an academic exercise. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Copying from another student during an examination or allowing another to copy your work
• Unauthorized collaborating on a take home assignment or examination
• Using unauthorized notes during a closed book examination
• Using unauthorized electronic devices during an examination
• Taking an examination for another student
• Asking or allowing another student to take an examination for you
• Changing a corrected exam and returning it for more credit
• Submitting substantial portions of the same paper to two classes without consulting the second instructor
• Preparing answers or writing notes in a blue book (exam booklet) before an examination
• Allowing others to research and write assigned papers including the use of commercial term paper services 

Plagiarism is the act of presenting another person’s ideas, research or writing as your own, such as:

• Copying another person’s actual words without the use of quotation marks and footnotes (a functional limit is four or more words taken from the work of another)
• Presenting another person’s ideas or theories in your own words without acknowledging them
• Using information that is not considered common knowledge without acknowledging the source
• Failure to acknowledge collaborators on homework and laboratory assignment

Academic sanctions for plagiarism and cheating in this class will range from an F on the assignment to an F in this course. In addition, I am required by College policy to submit a report of suspected academic dishonesty to the Office of the Dean of Students. This report becomes part of your permanent file.