This course explores the influence of social issues such as discrimination, diversity, equity, racism, sexism, homophobia, and ethnic and socioeconomic pluralism in American schools. The goals for this class are to understand and be sensitive to the values, beliefs, lifestyles, and attitudes of individuals and the diverse groups found in a pluralistic society and to translate knowledge of human relations into attitudes, skills, and techniques that will support favorable learning experiences. Through critical analysis, this course reveals ways in which dehumanizing biases may be reflected in instructional materials, methodologies, media, and everyday encounters, and students learn how these interactions may influence classroom dynamics and student learning. No alternate grade option. This course also counts toward the GSS major.