Immigration in the Workforce
Classroom topics will include immigration, socio cultural behavior, and workforce development. Students will assist a non-profit workforce development or social services agency. Outside of class, students will tutor or teach ESL for immigrants as they transition to life in the U.S, or complete other projects related to immigration.
Students will learn the following: how to write a successful resume; an understanding of the political, social, and economic implications of immigration in the United States; the understanding and ability to participate in cross-cultural communication; and how to think critically about social responsibility as it pertains to living in a culturally diverse world.
The objectives of this course are to:
· Understand the political, social, and economic implications of immigration in the United States;
· Expand the understanding and ability to participate in cross-cultural communication; and to
· Think critically about social responsibility as it pertains to living in a culturally diverse world.
Please contact Andy Reed, areed@pdx.edu, for more information.
Students have opportunities both in class and in the community to challenge assumptions, stereotypes and biases, increase communication and conflict resolution skills and knowledge, and provide service to immigrants who are looking to increase their incomes.
Past Capstone projects established ESL programs, conducted surveys on hiring practices with limited-English proficiency (LEP) workers, created picture dictionaries for employees in health care and manufacturing industries, and built a website to help LEP populations better understand how to transition into life in the U.S.
For the PSU Fall, Winter, Spring terms in 2009-2010, students will be creating and teaching four-week content based ESL courses for the partner organization. Course topics will vary depending on community demand. In the Spring term, the class will do an assessment alongside the community partner to determine next steps for the partnership.
