Human Nature and Diversity (ES 6330) Spring 2013 Western Michigan University Instructor: Ralph Shoub, PhD

Phone: 269-342-8640 Email: g_bough@sbcglobal.net (put ES 6330 in subject line) Course Texts 1. Stevenson and Haberman, Ten Theories of Human Nature. (5th Edition) Oxford University Press, 2009. 2. Kottak, C. & Kozaitis, K. On Being Different.(4th Edition) Boston, McGraw-Hill, 2011. 3. Reich, Rob. Bridging Liberalism and Multiculturalism in American Education. University of Chicago, 2002. Course Description This course examines practical and theoretical issues in the definition of desirable educational aims and practices as related to the perceived needs, interests and potentials of those involved. The course places the process of defining aims and practices in social, cultural, and historical perspective, with particular attention to the influence of conceptions of human nature and potential. Prominent views of human nature and diversity that have influenced the course of American schooling will be examined. The course provides a basis for ongoing professional inquiry concerning the fit between educational practices and the cultural assumptions regarding human nature, interests, and potential. Course Goals Students will: Develop an understanding of how conceptions of human nature, interests, and potential bear on educational practices, with particular attention to the issue of diversity with respect to individuals and culture groups; Acquire an awareness of how conceptions of human nature and diversity manifest themselves in historically pertinent and current controversies regarding educational aims and practices; Develop an understanding of moral and political dimensions in evolving conceptions of human nature, interests, and potential; Increase their awareness of conceptions of human differenceparticularly those linked to race, gender, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientationand how patterns of tacit understanding and bias are related to those conceptions; Develop skills necessary for ongoing critical inquiry concerning ways that educational aims and practices relate to conceptions of human nature, interests, and potential. Course Requirements and Evaluation

 Oral Presentations (20%): Using the Stevenson/Haberman book, arrange your human nature presentation to include: 1. Worldview 2. Theory of human nature 3. Diagnosis 4. Prescription 5. Critique Using the Kottak/Kozaitis book 1) give a brief synopsis of the group in question and 2) describe what accommodations (if any) need to be made for individuals in that group. Give a synopsis of Reichs position on multiculturalism and a critique of his position. Mid-Term Paper (40%): Select an educational theorist or philosopher and analyze this persons work using the same format that you used for your oral presentation on human nature. Final Paper (40%): Focus on your personal view of human nature, diagnosis of the major problem facing education or society and your prescription for resolving this problem. You should also include your views on how society and the schools should deal with the issue of diversity. (40%) Schedule: Session 1: Introduction to the courseHuman nature, diversity, and education Assignment: Ten Theories IntroductionChapters 1- 3 and 6. Session 2: Religious TraditionEast and West Assignment: Ten Theories Chapters 4-7 and Historical Interlude Session 3: Philosophical TraditionPlato, Aristotle, and Kant Assignment: Ten Theories Chapters 7 and Historical Interlude Session 4: Philosophical Tradition 2- Descartes, Hobbes, Hume, Rousseau and Kant Assignment: Ten Theories Chapters 8-10 Session 5: Modern VisionMarx, Sartre, and Darwin Assignment: Presentation of papers Session 6: Presentation of papers Assignment: Presentation of papers Session 7: Presentation of papers Assignment: On Being Different Chapters 1-8 Session 8: Diversity, Ethnicity, Race and Religion Assignment: On Being Different Chapters 9-12

Session 9: Diversity: Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Body Image Assignment: On Being Different Chapters 13-16 Session 10: Diversity: Class, Geography, Speech, and Family Background Assignment: Bridging Liberalism Session 11: Bridging the Demands of Diversity and Conformity Assignment: Personal Statement on Human Nature and Diversity Session 12: Personal Statement Presentations

Culture represents mans [a peoples] response to his [their] basic needs. --Ashley Montagu Areas of cultural response: I. Patterns of communicationslanguage, gestures, writing II. Material traits a. Food habits b. Personal care & dress c. Shelter d. Utensils, tools, weapons e. Occupations & industries f. Transportation & travel III. Exchange of goods & services: barter, trade, commerce IV. Forms of property V. Sex and family patterns a. Marriage and divorce b. Methods of reckoning relationships c. Guardianship d. Inheritance VI. Societal Controls a. Mores b. Public opinion VII. Government a. Political forms b. Judicial & legal procedures VIII. Religious & magical practices IX. Mythology & philosophy X. Science XI. Art XII. Recreational Interests