Fleming College

Highlights

The ability to communicate and work effectively across cultures and diverse populations, to recognize issues that can lead to exclusion and inequality and act appropriately is not only becoming a skill increasingly demanded by employers, but is also a core competency that all individuals in Canada should pursue in an increasingly globalized world.

This certificate program responds to learning needs identified by a broad range of representatives from multicultural, health, community services and justice agencies who recognize that racial inequity and negative stereotyping are significant social problems.

The core courses address a purposefully broad range of areas that include a variety of cultural aspects, gender topics, and mental health impacts both within the workplace and when dealing with external clientele of all walks of life. The curriculum will help you to examine diversity issues in a social context, explore critical differences in cross-cultural communication and identify the sources, causes, forms and manifestations of these issues in our society.

Admission Requirements:

• 19 years or older, or completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
• Basic Windows computer and internet skills (managing files and folders, keyboarding, email and Internet searches)

Courses in Diversity and Intercultural Relations

Details and registration below

Mandatory

• Introduction to Intercultural Communication (COMM100)
• Anti-Racism, Discrimination and Equity (LAWS164)
• Bridging Two Worlds: Connecting with Indigenous Peoples of Canada (SOCI248)
• Mental Health and Society (GNED144)

Electives - choose 2

• Counselling Gender and Diversity (COUN140)
• World Religions: Western and Eastern Traditions (SOCI200)
• Diversity and First Nations People (SOCI162)
• Diversity & Cultural Competence (SOCI247)
• Human Rights Law I (LAWS330)
• Social Psychology (SOCI127)

Mandatory

Introduction to Intercultural Communication

COMM100

Learn the definition of culture and explore intercultural communication theories, such as differences in gestures, personal spaces, and customs. Enhance your personal and professional ability to communicate with people from different origins comfortably.

Anti-Racism, Discrimination and Equity

LAWS164

This course will target racism and discrimination that are observed in the Canadian multiculturalism context. Learners are able to identify types of discriminations and racisms based on our cultural values and find the connection between discrimination and the society. We will also analyze sociological factors such as the media that could cause biases and prejudice. The objective of this course is to enhance the sensitivity and intolerance of the mistreatment based on racial or ethnic background and to consider how to handle these issues as occupational professionals and individuals in this pluralistic society.

Bridging Two Worlds: Connecting with Indigenous Peoples of Canada

SOCI248

Familiarize yourself with Indigenous worldviews as you learn from the experiences of Indigenous people to dispel stereotypes, myths and explore the historic and contemporary representations of Indigenous peoples of Canada. Using the Medicine Wheel to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, you will examine the significance of Land, Identify, Education and Health to Indigenous people. You will identify and discuss major events in Canada that have lead to the issues facing Indigenous people today and build knowledge and skills to interact in a mutually respectful way with Indigenous peoples in our communities and workplaces.

Mental Health and Society

GNED144

Drawing on literature, arts, politics, media, medicine, and the social sciences, you will examine the ways in which mental health and addiction is viewed by society and how these perceptions influence society's response to the practical and socio-political aspects of mental illness. Personal attitudes, societal myths, and stereotypes related to mental illness and addiction will be discussed. You will be challenged to reflect upon how your personal orientations and resulting behaviours regarding mental illness, addiction, and wellness impact those who are experience them.

Electives - choose 2

Counselling Gender and Diversity

COUN140

Enhance your capacity in working with members of non-dominant populations. Learn to facilitate development of self-awareness, theoretical knowledge and skill acquisition. Assignments will entail a strong component of personal reflection and self-assessment. Gain knowledge and skills necessary to work with multicultural and diverse individuals and groups identified by age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity and socioeconomic, etc. Students will critically examine the concept of diversity, stigmatized social identities and the impact on services and supports.

World Religions: Western and Eastern Traditions

SOCI200

Examine the various ways in which some of world's religions have transformed over time and responded to new environments, new circumstances, and new challenges. To understand these living religious traditions, we look at their origins and histories, and discuss the figures, beliefs, sacred texts, rituals, stories and historical events which helped to shape their development. Particular attention will be paid to founding narratives and figures, the histories of religious traditions and their diversification, theological doctrine, mystical traditions, ritual, concepts of life, death and time, and conceptions of the relationship between religion and ethical, social and political life.

Diversity and First Nations People

SOCI162

Gain an introductory knowledge about diverse populations, faiths and cultures. In the context of law enforcement, you will gain tips on dealing with various victimized persons and the mentally ill. Basic concepts such as culture, ethnicity, race, and discrimination are explored with a view to preventing racial profiling. Examine societal factors that contribute to crime or stereotypes among various populations. Review concepts surrounding community policing in the context of diversity. Laws which influence the protection or discrimination of various communities are also explored. Topics include history, socio-economic issues, beliefs, treaties, residential schools and the criminal justice system.

Diversity & Cultural Competence

SOCI247

Develop a better understanding of the concerns and issues of culturally diverse clients and their communities. Gain appreciation for the diversity of cultures and subcultures and their interactions in Canadian society. Examine your personal as well as professional values and your relationships to clients of culturally diverse views.

Human Rights Law I

LAWS330

Study the history of the Ontario and Canada Human Rights Codes, including the legal principles and practices related to discrimination in employment. Legislation and regulations including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (including Bill 168), Employment Standards Act, the Employment Equity Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and their effect on disability management are explored through a review of case law. Examine prohibited grounds of discrimination regarding employment and the employer's obligation to accommodate in the absence of undue hardship.

Social Psychology

SOCI127

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, interact, influence and relate to others. Gain an understanding about how and why individuals behave, think and feel in social situations, focusing particularly on the individual, their thoughts and resultant behaviour in social situations.