Cultural Diversity Seminar

THEO 33959/SOC 33062/CSC 33959

Seminar Learning Agreement

Immersion Dates:  During Fall Break; dates to be announced

Size:  12 Students

Cost:  $250

Application Deadline:  To be announced

Application:  (the online application will be available later this summer)

Instructor:  Iris Outlaw

Center Contacts:  Jay Brandenberger, Sally Burns

Overview

The Cultural Diversity Seminar explores the rich cultural heritage of Chicago's ethnic neighborhoods and immigrant traditions while examining the corresponding problems of urban life and racism. The Seminar’s focus is a week-long immersion (during break) in Chicago that involves dialogue with various community groups, participation in ethnic activities, and academic reflection. The seminar is a one-credit hour course (THEO 33959/SOC 33062/CSC 33959) graded "S" or "U."

Course Objectives

1. To experience the beauty, validity, and struggles of various cultures from their perspective.
2. To analyze the cultural forces and diversity of a major urban center (Chicago) in light of relevant readings, including Catholic Social Teachings
3. To increase awareness of the variety of approaches and strategies employed by ethnic organizations, churches, and others to improve the social conditions.

Course Requirements

• Attendance at three preparatory sessions
• Follow up meeting
• Assigned readings
• Participation in the meetings and activities in Chicago
• Five-page reflection paper or other approved project

Application Process

• Online application deadline is Thursday, August 28 (the online application will be available later this summer).

• Saint Mary's College students:  When the online application is made available, instructions for you will be posted here.

• By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of the Cultural Diversity Seminar.

• All applicants will be notified regarding seminar selection by email on or before the first Sunday of the semester (Sunday, August 31, 2008). If you are applying to more than one seminar, you will receive a single email noting whether or not you have been selected to participate, and the name of the seminar you will be taking part in.

• Contact the Dean's office if you are over the maximum number of credit hours allowed by your College. Social Concerns Seminars do not apply to overload.

Criteria for Selection

• The seminar is open to any undergraduate or graduate student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College. Admittance to the seminar is based on a variety of factors. The primary criterion is expressed interest in the course objectives and aims of the seminar.
• We have a limited number of spots available. Students who submit their application later than others may be placed on a wait list. Preference will be given to upper class students who may have fewer opportunities to participate in the future. While previous study in social justice issues is not necessary, all participants are expected to become acquainted with and investigate such issues with respect to the region and its people.

Course Registration

• You will receive email notification on a). whether you have been selected to participate in a seminar and b). which seminar you have been selected to participate in (this circumstance applies if you have applied to more than one seminar). Subsequently, the course instructor will email instructions on course registration. Contact the Assistant Dean's office of your College if you are over the maximum number of credit hours allowed by your College. There may be specific dates when your Dean gives special approval; find out what these dates are. You must register by the end of the day September 3.

Fees and Expenses

• The cost of the Seminar is $250. This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts. This fee contributes to van rental, lodging, site fees such as building materials, gas at the site, tolls, and food.

• If you are accepted and you decide not to participate in the Seminar before the final day to drop noted on the calendar below, your student account will be charged a $40 cancellation fee.  If you are accepted and you decide not to participate in the Seminar after the final drop day, your student account will be billed the full $250. This is necessary because the Center allocates site payments based on your acceptance to the program, which may have precluded someone else from participating.
• Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, contact Sally Burns prior to the first scheduled class.

Use of Personal Vehicles

• If a personal vehicle is used during this seminar,  the vehicle owner acknowledges and represents that the personal vehicle is adequately insured and that in the event of an automobile accident, the personal automobile insurance will respond as primary insurance coverage.  In addition, the personal automobile insurance should provide coverage for any physical damage (comprehensive and/or collision) loss which may occur to the vehicle. The University will not respond to any claim for damages to the vehicle, whether insured or not insured, including deductibles.

Withdrawal from the Course

• Please notify the Seminar Director if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the Seminar.   Final day to drop is Fri., Jan. 30th. To withdraw from this course, an Academic Course Change Form (obtained from the Center for Social Concerns), must be completed and signed by the Center's Director of the Cultural Diversity Seminar. Saint Mary's students must complete the SMC drop-slip, signed by the student's academic advisor and the Director of Appalachia Seminar, and processed through the SMC Registrar. 
• Drops after the final drop day and/or failure to follow proper withdrawal from course procedures will automatically result in a grade of "U."

Calendar Fall 2008

Thurs., Aug. 28      
Online application deadline: (the online application will be available later this summer).

Sun., Aug. 31
Acceptance confirmed by email.  If you apply to more than one seminar, you will receive ONE email for the seminar you have been admitted into.

Wed., Sept 3

Last date to register. You must register with ND's online system and/or complete all registration forms by midnight.

Fri., Sept. 5
Final day to withdraw from course without penalty of being charged full fee.

Tues., Sept 23

REQUIRED: Cultural Diversity Class I  7:00-8:30 pm. DBRT 101

Tues., Sept 30

REQUIRED: Cultural Diversity Class II  7:00-8:30 pm. DBRT 101

Tues., Oct 7

REQUIRED: Cultural Diversity Class III  7:00-8:30 pm. DBRT 101

Thurs., Oct 16

Seminar Send-Off Mass

Fall Break           
Immersion in Chicago

Tues., Nov 4

REQUIRED: Cultural Diversity Class IV  7:00-8:30 pm. DBRT 101