When you hear the word diversity, what do you think about? What does diversity mean to you? Regardless of your background, profession, or academic goals, one thing is certain: Diversity is a topic that you will have to navigate, either for yourself or for the people with whom you will work with or encounter in your daily life. Diversity is about recognizing the similarities and differences between ourselves and other people. These differences could be physical (race, gender, age, ability, etc.) or they could be social (cultural heritage, economic status, political or religious beliefs, etc.). The United States was founded on principles of equality and opportunity for all citizens, but in practice, some groups of citizens have encountered different treatment, which has resulted in less-than-equal opportunities (Hobbs, 2015). A study of diversity begins with a necessary exploration of our differences, honing in on the social systems that reinforce them. As you work through this module’s content, consider the following:

• What elements comprise your own diverse nature? How do you identify yourself?
• How do these elements shape who you are and how you see the world?

You will look through the four lenses of General Education (humanities, history, natural science, and social science) to inform your study of diversity. These lenses help you understand the perspectives contributed by these different academic disciplines. As you go further in this course, you will come to see how each field of study impacts diversity and how diversity impacts these fields. By the end of this course, you will have developed an understanding of diversity and its intersection with and impact on various social, economic, and political institutions, and how our recognition of diversity has a major influence on society.

When we approach discussions about diversity, we each come to conclusions with our own perspectives that have been shaped by our experiences. As we begin our first discussion, take a moment to consider what has influenced your ideas of diversity and compare those ideas with what you read in this module’s readings. Then, address the following:

• In your own words, define the term diversity and discuss how it is used or impacts your daily life. How does your definition compare and contrast with those that were presented in the readings?
• What is the influence of diversity on your chosen field of study or future profession? (Human Resources & Business Management) How can you use your understanding of diversity in your professional career?

Readings to reference in discussion post are attached.