The objective of courses in a multicultural-women’s studies component of a core curriculum is to introduce students to areas of study which enlarge their knowledge and appreciation of the diverse, multicultural world in which they live. Such courses should also examine social institutions, norms, and practices for their impact on the status and roles of women. The courses should approach these areas of study from a feminist/social-justice perspective which reflects women's experiences, ideas, issues, and needs as valid in their own right.

The term "multicultural," as it refers to the core curriculum, is defined broadly, to include disability, economic status, gender, nationality, ‘race’/ethnicity, region, religion, and sexuality. Multicultural-women’s studies may be interpreted as applying to courses focusing primarily on women’s issues and including relational explorations of four or more cultural perspectives; at least two must be traditionally under-represented. Multicultural-women’s studies courses assist students in understanding the responsibilities of living in a culturally diversified world.

Through courses within a multicultural-women’s studies component of a core curriculum, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of culture (the acquired skills, beliefs, perceptions, behaviors, and practices specific groups of people employ) and knowledge of cultural domains: the norms, understandings, concepts of reality, values, and worldviews held by members of specific cultures.

2. Develop basic multicultural understanding, empathy, and communication.

3. Understand the responsibilities of living in a multicultural world.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of some of the ways existing social inequalities develop, function, and change as well as an understanding of possibilities for social change.

5. Understand gender (as culture) in relation to the larger world through examination of the similarities and diversities of women historically and multiculturally.

6. Develop some understanding of the diversity in feminist and/or social-justice theories.

7. Understand and be able to identify some of the intersecting dynamics of disability, economic status, gender, nationality, "race"/ethnicity, region, religion, and sexuality.

Note to departments: Courses approved for this area of the core would be expected to show instruction and assessment of at least 5 of the 7 exemplary objectives above and for at least 4 of the 6 basic intellectual competencies.

Approved by Core Curriculum Task Force 10-31-05