Students taking this course will learn the definition of racism and discrimination, and will be able to identify the various sources of discrimination and racism resulting from cultural values and physical differences between individuals. By identifying racism and discrimination issues in North American society, students will learn how to analyze the sociological factors that cause bias and prejudice to surface in our society. The main objective of this course is to enhance sensitivity to and intolerance of mistreatment based on racial or ethnic background and appearance, and to consider how to handle these issues as professional individuals in a pluralistic Canadian society. As part of the course, students will communicate with one another through electronic discussion and learn to appreciate through various readings and assignments the many facets of racism and discrimination. This course will be of interest to workers in health services, education, human resources, and business as well as those people who want to enhance their knowledge and sensitivity to issues of racism and discrimination particularly when communicating with people from other cultures or with physical appearances that differ from their own. Textbook required. Software required: MS Word and Adobe PDF reader. *NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their certificate or diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.