A COURSE IN THE PSYCHOLOGY OF OPPRESSION - A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO TEACHING ABOUT DIVERSITY

An undergraduate course called the Psychology of Oppression was develo ped to teach the importance of diversity in psychology. The course off ers a perspective that teaches students how to understand the factors that undermine the appreciation of multiculturalism and other forms of diversity in society. The perspective emphasizes how socially constru cted definitions of various groups are used to distinguish sameness an d difference among people. These definitions become the criteria by wh ich disqualification from social opportunities is achieved. Topics cov ered included micro- and macro-level theories of oppression, the impor tance of ideology in oppressive systems, and theories of social change and liberation. This article describes the course perspective, format , materials, assignments, student reactions, and special concerns when teaching about controversial topics.