Intercultural Relations

Students taking this course will learn the definition of culture and will be introduced to inter-cultural communication theories such as differences in gestures, personal spaces, and customs. By identifying intercultural issues in North American society, student will learn how they can apply intercultural communication theories to their daily lives and how they can respect and understand persons from other cultures. The main objective of this course is to create an environment in which students will feel comfortable communicating with people from different cultures and backgrounds. As part of the course, students will communicate with people from other cultures electronically. This course will be of interest to workers in health services, education, human resources, and business as well as those people who want to enhance their communication skills particularly as they apply to communicating with people from other cultures.

In this course, current social science paradigms and theories will be used as a framework for analysis of contemporary social issues relevant to vocations in police services. Topics such as crime, violence, abuse, social stratification, ageism, and racism will be included. The course focus will be on how individual behaviours collectively create social issues.

Students taking this course will learn the definition of racism and discrimination, and will be able to identify the various sources of discrimination and racism resulting from cultural values and physical differences between individuals. By identifying racism and discrimination issues in North American society, students will learn how to analyze the sociological factors that cause bias and prejudice to surface in our society. The main objective of this course is to enhance sensitivity to and intolerance of mistreatment based on racial or ethnic background and appearance, and to consider how to handle these issues as professional individuals in a pluralistic Canadian society. As part of the course, students will communicate with one another through electronic discussion and learn to appreciate through various readings and assignments the many facets of racism and discrimination. This course will be of interest to workers in health services, education, human resources, and business as well as those people who want to enhance their knowledge and sensitivity to issues of racism and discrimination particularly when communicating with people from other cultures or with physical appearances that differ from their own.

This course provides students with introductory knowledge about diverse populations, faiths and cultures. In the context of law enforcement, students will be provided tips on dealing with various victimized persons and the mentally ill. Basic concepts such as culture, ethnicity, race, and discrimination are explored with a view to preventing racial profiling. Students are exposed to societal factors that contribute to crime or stereotypes among various populations. Students will reinforce concepts surrounding community policing in the context of diversity. Laws which influence the protection or discrimination of various communities are also explored. Students will be provided introductory knowledge about First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. Topics include history, socio-economic issues, beliefs, treaties, residential schools and the criminal justice system.