* * APOLOGIES FOR CROSS POSTING * * * *
ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS
Learning, Teaching and Assessment of 'Race'
and Ethnicity in the Higher Education Curriculum
Friday 19 November 2004
Horton Grange, Edgbaston Park Road,
University of Birmingham, Birmingham. B15 2TT
A one-day conference jointly supported by the Race & Ethnicity Study Group of the British Sociological Association (BSA) and the
Centre for Learning and Teaching - Sociology, Anthropology and Politics (C-SAP) which is part of the new Higher Education Academy.
This event will examine the way 'race' and ethnicity is being taught and assessed in Further and Higher Education today. It aims
to discuss and evaluate existing methods, to share best practice, and to extend teaching activity on 'race' throughout the social
sciences. We are also interested in ideas for using existing structures to promote wider attention to 'race' issues in the social
science curriculum. The event will have a practical focus - how can we improve our class-room practices? - while recognising that
differences in theoretical stance on 'race' may well need to be aired. The event will place a high premium on open and friendly
discussion of what is recognised to be a difficult and sometimes controversial area. Much of the discussion will take place in
small groups.
Speakers: To be advised separately.
Papers are invited from a wide range of disciplines and addressing a variety of relevant themes and issues. Suggested topics are
listed below, but we invite you to contribute on any other relevant matters which are important to you.
Some LTA topics:
· Examples of 'race' module descriptors - how well do they work?
· What is the relevance the ethnicity of the lecturer/tutor in teaching 'race' issues? What is the relevance of the
ethnicity or ethnicities of the students in the class?
· Does it help to link the study of globalisation to the study of 'race'?
· How can 'race' be incorporated into social science modules which don't take 'race' as their prime focus?
· What potential is there for the study of 'race' in skills and applied modules (e.g. cross-cultural capability, equal
opportunities, career planning etc)?
· Class-room dilemmas - e.g.: how to deal with racists, how to make everyone feel safe enough to speak, 'political
correctness', confronting stereotypes (including our own)
· Are there any specific teaching methods that are particularly appropriate to the teaching of 'race'?
· Does 'race' have any implications for the assessment methods we use?
· Recommendations for the use of particular audio/visual/print materials - how have they been used?
· Terrible (or minor) mistakes that we've made and what we've learned from them.
Some structural/institutional issues:
· How do we mobilise support for extending the teaching of 'race'?
· Where and how should we intervene on 'race' issues in HE and FE LTA structures?
· How can the 'demonstrate good practice' clauses in the Race Relations Amendment Act (2001) be effectively utilised?
Some current issues which we are currently incorporating into our teaching - problems and possibilities in the class-room:
· Mixed 'race'
· Refugees/asylum seekers
· The British National Party and other far-right activity
· Islamophobia
· Fundamentalisms
· Terrorism· Iraq/Afghanistan
· Ethnic cleansing
· Halle Berry
· Gangsta Rap
· Dizzy Rascal
Who should attend? - Potential delegates will include:
· Teachers, researchers and lecturers working within HE and FE.
· Postgraduate students interested in teaching and PGCE students on FE courses.
· HE and FE managers with curriculum and LTA responsibilities.
· Equal opportunity staff.
· Anyone who is interested in the learning and teaching of race and ethnicity.
If you would like to contribute a paper you are invited to submit a short (200 word) abstract by Friday 2 July 2004 on the
attached form to:
Frances Thompson
C-SAP
12th Floor, Muirhead Tower
University of Birmingham
Birmingham
B15 2TT
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web: www.c-sap.bham.ac.uk
Note to presenters: Completed papers should be submitted to C-SAP no later than 1 month after the event (19 December 2004). Papers
received will be made available in edited conference proceedings available from C-SAP.
There is a maximum of 50 Delegate places available; places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
The event is free to attend and includes refreshments and lunch. Please note that in order to recover costs C-SAP charges a
cancellation fee of £50 for delegates who register but do not attend. This will be charged for delegates who cancel within one
week of the event. The fee will be invoiced to your institution.
Travel bursaries are available on a first come first served basis for up to five undergraduate/postgraduate students, contact
Frances Thompson for a claim form. Please note priority will be given to those making a presentation at the event.
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