Design can have a powerful influence on social, cultural, economic, and political systems. As a result, it's important for designers to think critically about how their work can influence our world. This course will introduce students to key concepts relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion, including the history of systemic discrimination and inequity in Canada, and will then move deeper into investigating how the work of designers can impact these issues. Students will practice critically analyzing design solutions for the influence they may have on larger systems and will also learn to work respectfully with diverse groups. Throughout the course, students will critically examine personal beliefs, attitudes, and biases and will finish by developing a personal equity, diversity, and inclusion statement that relates to their work as designers.
Prerequisites
Course type
This course is offered as part of a VCC program and cannot be taken individually.
International students: Eligibility is determined at the program level. Visit the program page for international student requirements and application information.
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Power and privilege
- Systemic discrimination and inequity
- Marginalization
- Implicit bias
- Microaggressions
- Representation
- Values in design
- Decolonization
- Participatory design and co-design
- Respectful design
- Indigenous history and reconciliation
- Design justice and social justice
- Issues of race, gender, age, and ability in design
- Accessibility
1. Interview with department to discuss previous experience
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
How to take this course
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.