OED X113 - ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Xenophobia & International Campus Community Members
Description
Xenophobia- the fear, distrust, or devaluing of individuals perceived as “foreign”- can create profound barriers for global community members who come to the University to study, teach, research, and work. While not new, xenophobia has become more visible in recent years, intensified by global crises and polarizing rhetoric. For many international scholars and members of the immigrant community, arrival in the United States involves not only cultural transition but also the experience of having new identities and assumptions placed upon them, including racialized labels and multilingual stigma.
This course explores how xenophobia shows up in policies, everyday interactions, and institutional culture, and how it can limit belonging and participation. Through dialogue, storytelling, and reflection, participants examine the civic value of global and intercultural perspectives and how our global diversity strengthens campus and community life. We will practice skills that shift us from avoidance or fear of difference to connection, respect, and shared contribution. By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define xenophobia and recognize how it shows up in systems, interpersonal interactions, and campus climate.
- Analyze how U.S.-centric racialization and imposed labels shape the experiences of international students, faculty, and staff.
- Identify concrete strategies and everyday actions that reduce barriers and foster belonging so global and immigrant community members can participate fully in an inclusive campus climate.
Other ECHO Courses:
OED X101 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: My Role
OED X102 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Addressing Bias & Microaggressions
OED X103 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Navigating Challenging Conversations
OED X104 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Removing Barriers & Creating Access
OED X105 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Ableism & Disability Justice
OED X106 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Challenging Classism
OED X107 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Gender & Sexuality
OED X108 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Race & Racism
OED X109 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Religion & Spiritual Identities
OED X110 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Understanding & Addressing Gender-Based Oppression
OED X112 ECHO Dialogues Across Difference: Sizeism & the Fat Liberation Movement
Applies Toward the Following:
- Equity and Diversity Certificate Program : Elective Courses