A Model to Address Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom
February 21 1:25-3:00
Homer Babbidge Library (HBL) 2153
Presenter: Jamie Kleinman, Psychological Sciences
It is important to include issues related to diversity and inclusivity in all undergraduate coursework. While some disciplines create a natural context and framing for these discussions, it can seem hard to know how to work these topics into other courses, particularly those with a STEM focus. In his 1942 book The Sociology of Science, Robert Merton proposed four ’norms’ that provide a framework for conducting all modern science: universalism, communality, distinterestedness, and organized skepticism. Introducing these norms during the first week of class in STEM courses can open up a dialogue and create a natural framework for future discussions related to issues of diversity and inclusion. This discussion will focus on the norm of ‘universalism’ which states that scientific validity is independent of the sociopolitical status/personal attributes of the individuals engaging in the scientific method.
Objectives:
Participants will describe Merton’s Norms for science.
Participants will identify issues related to the concept of ‘universalism’ in their own field or discipline.
Participants will apply Merton’s Norms to their own discipline and potentially create an exercise to use in a future course.
Register at - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=1146
For more information, contact: Stacey Valliere at stacey.valliere@uconn.edu