List of USCP courses
Proposing a USCP Course

Policy

Beginning with the 1994-97 Catalog, students are required to complete one USCP course. This requirement is fulfilled by courses in Major, Support, General Education (GE), or Free Elective category.

• To bring greater multicultural perspective to all Cal Poly students;
• to foster greater understanding of cultural and ethnic differences in the United States and in relation to a wider world;
• to help students appreciate differing cultural values and assumptions and the "relativity of otherness;"
• to nourish tolerance for and enjoyment of cultural diversity; and
• to encourage American commonalities and continuities amidst diversity. (Academic Senate Resolution AS-361-91 (PDF))

Criteria

United States Cultural Pluralism (USCP) courses fulfill the following criteria:

1. Emphasis on one or more of these four U.S. cultures: Asian American, African American, Hispanic American, American Indian;
2. Attention to general issues of gender, diversity, equity, ethnocentricity, and ethnicity; and the relationships to problems facing contemporary society, especially those resulting from racism, discrimination and cultural conflict;
3. Application of rigorous pedagogical, scholarly methods and standards as evidenced in substantive exams, reports, papers, and projects; and
4. Attention to critical thinking skills which will allow students to address cultural, racial, and gender issues in a sensitive and responsible manner and to evaluate their own attitudes and those of others.

Academic Senate Resolution AS-395-92/CC (PDF)