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Course Overview
In keeping with principles of adult learning, Experiential Learning
in the Celebration of Diversity has been designed to enable you to significantly
determine what you learn [the content] and how you learn it [the process].
In addition to Adult Learning Theory, a solid grounding in Experiential
Learning Theory and Transformative Learning Theory is provided. See
Student
Manual - Theory for a more thorough description of the theoretical
underpinnings, as these provide a rich tapestry of opportunities for you
to become a more active participant in your own learning.
The course Web site is the primary mode of access for information you
will need to be successful and it presents:
Introduction - includes welcome, course syllabus, course coordinator,
and acknowledgments.
Student Manual - includes course overview, theoretical underpinnings,
and course readings.
Study Guide - includes a description of all assignments.
Assignment Resources - includes samples of student essays, student
cultural Web pages, the digital reading room, and marking matrices.
Other Resources - includes writing help, psychology resources,
on-line glossary, the AU library, and Web-based writing skills resources.
Experiential Learning in the Celebration of Diversity is about:
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uncovering, clarifying, and challenging your cultural belief and value
systems. |
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developing or enhancing yourself as a global citizen. |
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exploring, discovering, and (re)affirming your culture, who you are,
and what shaped or influenced you along the way. |
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engaging in Cultural Ambassador roles to explore, discover, and (re)affirm
your respective cultural roots. |
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discovering elements that two seemingly unique and different cultures
have that are the same or similar or in common and celebrating their shared
similarities and their differences. |
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exploring cultural rites of passage that have withstood
the test of time; cultural events that have changed or evolved
over time; cultural mores and folkways that have been lost
over time, due to choice, design or happenstance. |
| In this course, you will be selecting a partner from a different birth
culture than your own. You will each be acting as Cultural Ambassadors
for your respective cultures, and therefore, you will be teaching aspects
of your culture to your partner who, in return, will do the same.
You will share these experiences in your essays.
Steps to Complete the Course
To successfully complete the requirements for this course, you will
be working through the following five steps in order. You will note
that all of the steps are required and that a step may involve more than
one graded assignment. The details of each step are found in the
Study
Guide.
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Declare your cultural background, select a partner, complete the student
contract, and introduce yourself and your partner to your tutor via e-mail.
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Compose a Cultural Ambassador definition.
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Create a Student Cultural profile.
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Experience six cultural outings with your partner and write three essays,
each based on two outings.
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Develop a set of linked cultural Web pages.
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Write a reflective research paper.
NOTE: The marks for your Introduction, your Cultural Ambassador
definition, and your Profiles will be included in the grade for your Reflective
Research Paper.
Course Theory
The Course Theory section describes the theoretical underpinnings
of the course and the Digital Reading Room contains selected readings
in the areas of:
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experiential learning,
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transformative learning,
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andragogy / adult learning,
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communication skills
The selected readings for the course theory are all located in the AU Library
Digital Reading Room, which you can access through the digital reading
room link under either the Student Manual or Assignment Resources.
Course Grading Scheme
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Profile & Reflective Research Paper
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3 Essays [20% each]
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Cultural Web Site
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25%
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60%
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15%
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You may wish to print this section to have a hard copy reminder of the
steps for progressing through the course. |
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