Division of Continuing and Global Education

Cultural Diversity Literacy: South Asian Traditions in the Central Valley

CulturalLiteracy

K-12 Educators, Counselors, and Higher Education Advisors

September 10 - December 15, 2021

An exciting opportunity to enhance your knowledge of the cultural diversity of South Asian communities in the Central Valley and their religious practices including, beliefs, attire, festival, and food. Along with learning about core teachings, practices, and cultural traditions of Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism, we will develop tools to utilize the content for in-class teaching, counseling, and communicating with South Asian student populations.

Note: All required material such as books, luncheons, and visit to sites, will be provided.

About the Instructor

Veena R. Howard, Ph.D. is Professor of Asian Religious Traditions. She also holds the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma. Her expertise lies in the religions originated on the Indian subcontinent. She has authored and edited three books and many scholarly articles. She has served on the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. She is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences. You may reach her at vehoward@csufresno.edu.

Class Details

Please enroll using one of the options below:

Cultural Diversity Literacy: South Asian Traditions in the Central Valley Workshop

Announcing an exciting opportunity to enhance your cultural diversity of South Asian communities religious and cultural practices in the Central Valley (including their beliefs, attire, festival, and food). In this workshop, you will acquire theoretical and experiential understanding through lectures, guest speakers, discussions, films, visits to religious sites, and opportunities to experience Indian cuisine. As we navigate many challenges due to the Covid pandemic, social and economic inequality, racial violence, this workshop would be of interest to essential workers, counselors, medical professionals, teachers, social workers, and community members.

In addition to these sessions, participants will have opportunities to view films, visit religious sites in the Central Valley, meet with religious leader, and experience firsthand the diversity, complexity, and richness of these traditions.

The course is generously supported through a grant from the Uberoi Foundation for Religious Studies.

Times and days for live Zoom sessions:

Friday, September 10: 7:00 PM -8:30 PM
Saturday, September 25: 9:30-11:00 AM
Friday, October 8: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Saturday, October 23: 9:30-11:00 AM

Cost: $60

Sponsorship opportunities: First 20 participants will pay $30 for attending the workshop.

Enrollment Deadline: September 13, 2021

View Community Workshop Flyer

REGISTRATION CLOSED

PHIL 165T. Cultural Diversity Literacy: South Asian Traditions in the Central Valley

Extension Credit Course

K-12 educators, counselors, and higher education advisors seeking academic credit for professional development may enroll in this workshop as a 3-unit PHIL 165T course. In addition to zoom sessions, participants will be required to do additional work which will be guided by the instructor: creating lesson plans, visiting sites, and reading and viewing select material.

The course is generously supported through a grant from the Uberoi Foundation for Religious Studies.

Times and days for live Zoom sessions:

Friday, September 10: 7:00 PM -8:30 PM
Saturday, September 25: 9:30-11:00 AM
Friday, October 8: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Saturday, October 23: 9:30-11:00 AM

3 Units
Grading: Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit
Class Dates: September 10 - December 15, 2021
Format: regular Zoom sessions; in-person site visits and meals
Enrollment Deadline: September 13, 2021
Fee: $225 ($75 sponsorship for the first 10 participants)

NOTE: This is an extension credit class for non-Fresno State students. Full or part-time Fresno State students may contact the instructor at vehoward@csufresno.edu for more information.

View Flyer for Educators

Download Registration Packet