Practical Cultural Awareness From a Global Perspective

Michigan State University via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

11 hours
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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This course is designed for students, educators, staff, professionals, and globally minded learners who want to strengthen their cultural awareness in meaningful and actionable ways. What makes this course unique is its global perspective and its combination of expert insight, lived experience, and real-world examples. Rather than focusing only on U.S.-centered approaches, the course invites learners to examine inclusion, language, representation, and race through international and intercultural lenses. Through reflection and practical application, learners will build the confidence and awareness needed to communicate more intentionally and contribute to more inclusive communities. By the end of this course, learners will be able to identify key concepts related to cultural awareness, apply globally inclusive language practices, recognize how race and identity operate across different cultural contexts, and use practical strategies to foster more inclusive communication and environments. Learners will benefit by gaining tools they can use in academic, professional, and everyday settings to engage more thoughtfully with people across cultures and backgrounds.

Syllabus

Overview & Relevance

The first module will provide an overview for the entire course. It will set the foundation for learning in other modules by introducing common terms and concepts. Further, it will place cultural awareness into context by describing the relevance of this topic to other disciplines which you may be interested in or are currently active.

Globally Inclusive Language – Part One

This module examines the power of language and imagery in shaping inclusive or exclusionary environments within academic and global contexts. Through insights from university leadership and a diverse panel of scholars, students will explore how words and visuals reflect deeper historical, cultural, and structural forces. Topics include the role of inclusive language, the global dimensions of diversity, the impact of visual representation, and the importance of multilingualism and cultural humility. Emphasis is placed on moving from symbolic gestures to substantive engagement, fostering critical reflection, and developing practical strategies for inclusive communication and representation.

Globally Inclusive Language – Part Two

This foundational module introduces participants to the principles and practices of inclusive language within international and intercultural contexts. Framed by the leadership of Dr. Ashley Green and Dr. Jabbar Bennett, this part emphasizes the importance of culturally aware communication, the impact of language on belonging, and the need to move beyond American-centric narratives. Participants will explore how inclusive language, practices, and guidance contribute to a welcoming campus environment. Through reflection, dialogue, and actionable insights, this module encourages learners to become intentional communicators and inclusive leaders in a globally connected community.

Globally Inclusive Language - Part Three

This module explores the critical role of inclusive language, visual representation, and event planning in fostering a globally welcoming and equitable environment. Through real-world examples, personal narratives, and reflective discussion, learners will examine how everyday communication practices can unintentionally exclude individuals—particularly those from international, racialized, or marginalized backgrounds. Participants will learn to identify and avoid common pitfalls in language and imagery, understand the impact of cultural assumptions and stereotypes, and apply strategies to ensure accessibility and representation in campus and organizational events. The module emphasizes the importance of intentionality, empathy, and cultural awareness in creating inclusive spaces where all individuals feel seen, respected, and valued.By the end of this module, learners will be equipped with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to operationalize inclusive concepts in global contexts.

Race in a Global Context - Part One

This module invites participants on a deeply personal and globally informed journey into the complexities of race, identity, and inclusion. Led by Global DEI Practitioner Daniela Felletti and Dr. Anjam Chaudhary, this module blends lived experience with research and best practices to challenge binary thinking around race and expand understanding beyond a U.S.-centric lens. Through storytelling, historical context, and cross-cultural insights—including Daniela’s own experience growing up in Brazil with mixed heritage—participants will explore how systemic structures, such as Brazil’s whitening project, continue to shape personal and societal perceptions of race. The module also highlights how institutions like Michigan State University are applying globally inclusive strategies internally. This module is ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of race and identity in a global context and to apply inclusive practices in both personal and professional settings.

Race in a Global Context - Part Two

This section explores the evolving and transnational nature of race through the critical insights of Dr. Kristen Edwards and Dr. Shahjahan. Drawing from Black studies, critical pedagogy, and global histories, the module challenges conventional, nation-bound understandings of race. Students will examine how racial hierarchies are constructed through theological, phenotypical, and socio-political frameworks, and how whiteness operates as a global norm tied to access, privilege, and mobility. Emphasis is placed on the malleability of racism, the intersections of race with gender, religion, and citizenship, and the enduring impact of coloniality on contemporary racial dynamics.