An undergraduate course called the Psychology of Oppression was developed to teach the importance of diversity in psychology. The course offers a perspective that teaches students how to understand the factors that undermine the appreciation of multi-culturalism and other forms of diversity in society. The perspective emphasizes how socially constructed definitions of various groups are used to distinguish sameness and difference among people. These definitions become the criteria by which disqualification from social opportunities is achieved. Topics covered included micro- and macro-level theories of oppression, the importance of ideology in oppressive systems, and theories of social change and liberation. This article describes the course perspective, format, materials, assignments, student reactions, and special concerns when teaching about controversial topics.
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