Special Topics in Human Development in Context (351-0-20)

Topic

Identities, Intersections and Organizations

Instructors

Lilah Devra Shapiro

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G02: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Fundamental to nearly all life experiences is a) who we are - who we understand ourselves to be and who others think we are, b) the organizations and groups of which we are a part, and c) the co-construction and myriad entanglements and interactions of these things. Using primarily seminar-style discussion and a series of case studies, this course focuses on building and analyzing theoretical frameworks to understand the nature of individual, group, and organizational identity, identity politics, theories of intersectionality (that is, the critical interactions/tensions among social roles, histories, identities, social locations, and so on), and how each of these function and manifest in the life of and life in myriad types of organizations. Developing a robust understanding of how to identify and deconstruct the dynamic and varying role that identities play in organizations is key to understanding how/why organizations behave, whose needs they serve/who is left out or marginalized, and the possibility of/conditions for change. Further, the relationship between individuals and organizations is bi-directional, each acting upon and shaping other. The course will also provide the tools to analyze the impact of organizations on the individual/group.

Teaching Method

Seminar with some lecture

Evaluation Method

Papers, group projects

Class Materials (Required)

There are no textbooks required for this course and no anticipated financial costs. All assigned readings will be available in e-reserves, as ebooks, or posted on Canvas.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-Registration -- Reserved for SESP Students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites, if applicable.