I have to say this is one of the best classes I've ever had. We had tough, open, dangerous conversations about gay rights, the LDS church, religion, and gender with a very mixed group of students. On the last day three students just stayed in the class even though we'd already gone over; I don't think they could quite pull themselves away from what they had created.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Getting to the skin
We end my SF course with presentations about how SF works to engage issues of diversity. One students did a most daring change of apparel, especially given he had never openly discussed his sexual orientation up to this point. See the video below (watch from 1:30; video taping not so hot). In the process the student makes a pointed criticism of diversity classes and seminars: they often create only skin-deep categories of human beings.
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2 comments:
I had this same student in an English class. I don't remember him being so thoughtful, though, so all glory to you, CI. When this sort of class happens--very rarely, in my experience--it always makes me wonder HOW it happened and whether it can be replicated. What alchemy of personalities, pedagogy, and, I don't know, quantum particles? kismet? set in motion the move from just another shite class to something approaching "higher learning"? Anyway, well done you.
Agreed--so difficult to tell what makes a class work. I'm going with "alchemy of personalities" and a sprinkle of pedagogy.
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