Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
Admittance to the OU Online Master of Human Relations program.
Course Materials
All the required reading materials will be posted in the weekly modules.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | Weekly synchronous Live Session meetings | 20% |
| Discussions | Asynchronous weekly discussion topics | 20% |
| Position Paper | Written assignment | 30% |
| Team Project | Group presentation project | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage of Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Participation
Each week, we will meet for Live Sessions online. Attendance/participation in the Live Session is highly encouraged and will be graded. There are two ways in which you can earn points for the Live Session:
- Participate Live: This option should be your preferred choice. When possible, you should attend and participate in the Live Sessions in real-time. To get credit for your attendance, type in the date and time of the session you attended by clicking on the red "Start Assignment" button at the top the Live Session page. Your self-reported attendance log will be cross-checked against the attendance tracker in Zoom.
- Make-Up (Watch Recording-Submit Written Summary): In the event that your time zone, work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, you will need to review the recording of the Live Session and write a paragraph summarizing the Live Session from your perspective. Click on the "Start Assignment" button to type (or copy/paste) your paragraph into the text field. Don't worry if the system indicates your submission is late. You will have until Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Central to submit your paragraph summary.
Note: Be sure to utilize option 1 or 2 for each of the Live Sessions to receive full points. Regardless of when the session occurred, you must post your response based on option 1 or 2.
Discussions
There is a discussion board activity to complete in most modules. The purpose of the weekly discussions is to bring multiple perspectives on each issue into an articulated piece. The discussions should be backed by research to receive full credit.
Elements included in the evaluation of discussion board participation will include:
- application
- quality
- engagement
All participants are required to welcome open expression of opinion, attitudes, and beliefs and to accept the legitimacy and value of dissent. In addition, respect for the ideas of your classmates, the instructor, and common courtesy is expected.
You are expected to post your original reply before replying to another student. The original post should be at least 300 words with research from reputable resources to support your ideas and claims.
You need to reply to a minimum of 2 classmates' postings. The reply should be more than "I agree" or "good job." You need to make a substantial contribution to the discussion and reference your classmate's points. You must use at least 100 words in each reply. You can use an open-ended question to engage others with your thoughts. The discussion board opens on Mondays at 12:00 a.m. Central each week and will close on Sundays at 11:59 p.m. Central.
Position Paper
For this paper, you will be expected to select a current issue in the world to research. You may select any of the topics we have covered in class or choose another one of personal interest that applies to the assignment.
Your paper should include:
- An overview of the topic and how society understands this topic.
- An explanation of the various dimensions of the problem (e.g., the ways that race, class, gender, sexuality, culture, etc. interact when considering this problem).
- Research to support your perspective. The paper should not be based only on personal experience but on research.
- Facilitate how to understand a multi-dimensional issue with the support of research.
Please note: Personal experience is significant, but does not equal knowledge.
To facilitate your paper's structure and argument, consider the points below:
- Why is this issue important?
- Describe the ignored elements of the issue and its critiques.
- What will happen if this issue is not addressed?
Note: All papers will be submitted in Canvas and reviewed for plagiarism.
Team Project
For this project, you will be paired with your classmate(s) to analyze a structural inequity of your choice and design a proposal outline and presentation that would advocate for the marginalized groups impacted by the systemic injustice.
Your proposal should address:
- underlying issues
- policy and programming inequities
- conflict resolution strategies
- advocacy to support change for diversity, equity, and social justice.
Your proposal should include:
- A brief overview of the topic and the marginalized group it impacts.
- An explanation of the various dimensions of the problem (e.g., the ways that race, class, gender, sexuality, culture, etc. interact when considering this problem).
- Research to support your perspective.
To facilitate your proposal's structure, consider the points below:
- What are the structural changes that are necessary to promote diversity, equity, and social justice?
- What unconscious biases are present in support of and against the marginalized group?
- What conflict transformative process would be used to initiate understanding and structural change?
- How do policy and programming need to change to advocate for the marginalized population?
- How do you evaluate to ensure change occurs?
Note: All projects will be submitted in Canvas as a group and checked for plagiarism.
Course Policies
Communication
Email is always the best way to reach me. My email is jeri-stroup@ouhsc.edu
You should receive a response within 24 hours (including weekends and holidays). If 48 hours or more have passed without a response, a follow-up email may be sent. Any urgent questions or concerns that require more immediate attention should be flagged as such in the subject line (simply write "urgent"). Emails will not be sent to personal email addresses. It is essential that you check the Announcements regularly and read your OU email.
Late Policy
Assignments are due on the dates indicated. Technology problems will not be accepted as a reason for late submissions. Having reliable, alternate sources of technology is highly recommended to ensure the timely submission of assignments.
However, if extenuating circumstances develop, I will consider them on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me by email.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|