MOVING BEYOND THE 'ADD AND STIR' APPROACH TO INCREASING DIVERSITY IN THE SCIENCES: DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE ENTITLED ETHNIC MINORITIES IN SCIENCE

摘要

In an effort to create a more culturally inclusive undergraduate science curriculum, a course entitled "Ethnic Minorities in Science" was designed and implemented. The course has the following learning objectives: 1). to understand the history and culture of science in the U.S., in order to recognize what has led to the current underrepresentation of specific ethnic groups in the sciences; 2). to appreciate the often undervalued or overlooked contributions of minority scientists and physicians; 3). to gain a perspective on the disparities in the quality of health care available to various ethnic groups in the U.S; and 4). to identify ways to initiate change and improve the climate for minorities in the fields of science and medicine. Course readings, pedagogical methods, and the impact of the course on students' awareness of diversity issues in science are discussed.