As we approach the middle of this ten-week semester—hardly seems possible, but here we are in Week 4 of 10 weeks already!—since we have lots of written work coming up, this week will be something of a light assignment for you. 

  1. The Diversity & Re-Perception Quiz is mandatory but its score will not count toward your course grade. This is explained below.

  2. Your posting to the Discussions forum with your reflections on this quiz will count toward your final course grade. This is also explained below, with some prompting questions.


1) COMPLETE THE QUIZ 

When it comes to issues of diversity and considering multiple perspectives, we know that individuals tend to draw back into their preconceived notions about issues of diversity. That is, rather than be truly open to new and different perspectives, it's part of human nature to stick to what feels familiar and safe and already in keeping with our previously established belief systems. 

At the same time, however, it's also part of human nature to be curious and to want to change and improve and grow.

This seems especially true of your generation. Pew Research and other sources have clearly documented that your generation (for most of you, anyway), Gen Z, is one of the most diverse, accepting, and smartest generations this country has seen in decades.

Check out the research: "On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z So Far." Some highlights:

This national research certainly resonates with what I see in my own students' essays over the past decade. More and more, I see topics and approaches that illustrate mindsets of a "love all, serve all" type attitude that embraces acceptance of a wide range of individual expressions. So bravo to all of you for your open mindedness! 

Thus, I'm going to have you complete a quiz that aims to help you better appreciate the value of questioning what we think we know. This is called the Diversity and Re-Perception Quiz because it invites you to reconsider your perceptions of what is or might be true.

2) POST YOUR REFLECTIONS TO THE DISCUSSION BOARD