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Integrating Diversity and Equity across the Curriculum: Examples in STEM

Saturday, November 5, 2022

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Location: Arlington & Fairfax

Co-Presenter(s)

Brad G. Knight (he/him/his)

Senior Director, AU Core & University College
American University
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Sarah Mady (she/her/hers)

Senior Professorial Lecturer
American University
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
BC

Brenda Chow (she/her/hers)

Senior Professorial Lecturer
American University, United States
AQ

Abigail Quick

Professorial Lecturer
American University, United States

Program Abstract: How can we upend the traditional STEM curricula long criticized for sidelining those who do not fit the archetype of a “scientist?” What is the role of a liberal arts curriculum in that effort? This session will demonstrate how American University’s new general education program successfully incorporated diversity and equity across the curriculum through a required course taken in a student’s major (including in STEM). Building on the Writing in the Disciplines approach, this initiative focuses upon field- or discipline-specific issues of power, privilege, and inequality that are embedded in social, cultural, or economic hierarchies. In this session, participants will learn from examples of success, and sometimes struggles, of our efforts to develop diversity and equity courses in STEM majors. We will offer practical guidance—with participant discussion a central feature—on how to successfully design and implement courses that center diversity and equity across departmental and/or disciplinary divides.