SCR203 - Diversity Issues in the Workplace

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:56:58.119
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:12.754

Subject Title
Diversity Issues in the Workplace

Subject Description
This subject examines the realities, experiences and effects of diversity in the workplace. It will focus on the personal issues of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, (dis)abilities and other diversity related matters.  One's ability to manage workplace relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and to be managed in a diverse workplace setting is profoundly affected by how one is able to understand one's own biases as well as those of others. 

We will explore the importance of understanding cultural similarities and differences and how these issue s relate to the wider society and to the workplace.   This subject will provide you with the opportunity to explore and examine strategies such as team building, change and conflict management, as well as concepts of effective communication and good office etiquette to increase one's own ability to develop critical thinking , analytical and cross-cultural communication skills.  While doing so, you will also be challenged to develop a critical perspective on the struggles many workers experience in the Canadian workplace.   

Credit Status
One full credit

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:


• Apply theoretical perspectives to analyzing issues of race, ethnicity, age, gender, language, disability, religion and sexual diversity in the workplace.

• Identify various forms of discrimination, attitudinal/institutional barriers and power discrepancies in various Canadian workplaces.

• To critique organizations' diversity strategies and offer means to improve them.

• Develop an awareness of and leadership skills required to participate in and manage a diverse workforce.

• Identify the key characteristics of an equitable and progressive workplace and develop strategies to respond effectively to incidents of discrimination and barriers to equity in the workplace.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.