Watch

Reviewing your course materials for diverse representations and modalities may seem straightforward, but at times, a deeper internal look at your assigned readings can be useful. In the presentation below, you will be asked to reflect on the problematic nature of the single story. Looking for counter-narratives in your assigned readings promote critical thinking and encourage students to look at an issue or problem from multiple sides.

Instructions

There is no submission required for this reflection, but it could be useful to think about the following questions as you watch "The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. (No submission required).

What are your initial thoughts?
Is this surprising to you?
What are the challenges to a single story?
How does a single story relate to your role as an instructor? Think about when single stories are created from an unintentionally narrow pool of resources or if there's a part of your course that unintentionally tell a single story?
How can you work to ensure your course materials are not creating a single story? Reflect a bit on possible power structures and unconscious biases.

(18m:32s | CC Available)

Adapted from: George Mason University Info Guide: Finding Diverse Voices in Academic Research.

Next

In the next section, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your materials in light of diversity and representation.