The Uncommon Course

The UNCommon Course is a unique exploration into bias, how it operates and where has come from. By using an innovative central mechanism, The Trait, Value, Behavior Model, this course provides a platform to have discussions commonly avoided in today's classrooms, surrounding issues of prejudice inherent to 21st Century public service.

The educational experience afforded by the TVB Model can utilize subject matter relatable to curriculum found in traditional DEI courses and/or educational experiences. However, given its specific focus on self-reflection it is important to note that this curriculum is not focused on cultural awareness, sensitivity, diversity, equity, inclusion, or even social justice as traditionally defined. This is a curriculum design to equip the learner with a new tool to enhance their ability to self-reflect. Focusing on the concept of Traits, and not any specific set of characteristics defined by historical experience allows for extending our reach beyond any of the above-mentioned areas of focus. By turning the conversation into one thing (e.g. the application of Social Value to Traits) as opposed to addressing the needs of a long and growing list of groups limits the stress felt by some that the problem is overwhelming or at the very least growing. The curriculum of The UNCommon Course  exercises a process that better enables students to see where they have issues with certain people and provides them with a process to ameliorate that problem. Once students have the ability to see where they are applying Social Value to Traits, they are ready to examine where that process came from within their own lives. This then gives them real answers as to how to better address an environment filled with people who are not like them.

This course leaves students with a tool they can use going forward throughout their educational experiences and future occupations - a tool that will help them lead happier and more productive careers in public service.