Teaching multiculturalism in an age of terrorism: a business perspective

While the debate about the value of teaching multiculturalism has continued, recent political events have made the task more difficult. University students affected by these events are likely to bring prejudices with them to the classroom. This article presents steps that an individual Instructor can take to apply multicultural education to an existing curriculum without systemic change to institution or curriculum. The topic is addressed in the context of a US Legal Environment of Business course. Multicultural education is defined and explained, and causes of prejudice are explored. Reactions to terrorism are addressed. Assignments, projects and strategies are presented. The article concludes with a business perspective on the value of multicultural education and its role in economic development, which will be a necessary component to eradicate the causes of terrorism.