Multiculturalism. Global citizenship. Assimilation. Diversity.
These words are commonly used in formal discussion or general conversation, but what do they really mean? The first-annual three-part conference Race and the Spectrum of Critical Consciousness ' taking place from 3 to 5 p.m. today in the Elizabeth Baker Room, Baker University Center ' hopes to deconstruct the meanings behind these words.
With the university talking so much about multiculturalism and diversity
I thought this would be a good time for people to talk about diversity in a critical way said Amanda Harris, presenter and coordinator for the event.
In her first year as a professor in the Department of Modern Languages, Harris got the idea for the event while observing race and its impact in Athens. Expanding what was previously an internal project within her department, Harris decided to take the conference campuswide.
This will allow people to talk about things not in a touchy-feely way but in a candid
open forum
she said.
Attempting to discover the meaning behind pretty-sounding words like diversity
the race colloquia occurs every Friday for the next two weeks. The sub-theme of today's installment is Structures
Pedagogy and Universals; April 14 will cover Institutional Discrimination and Language and April 21 will discuss Diversities
Ethics Appropriations and Opportunities. All events are free.
The conference, which features OU President Roderick McDavis as the opening speaker and combines presentations and panel discussions, will bring together administrators and faculty from an array of departments and organizations, Harris said.
This really is an interdisciplinary look at race
said Najee Muhammad, a cultural studies professor.
Presenting on anti-racist pedagogy, Muhammad wants the effects of the conference to last beyond the last presentation.
The hope is that it will bring a very strong sense of awareness to deal with an area that many people do not want to deal with
he said.
Also hoping to broaden a sense of awareness is Arthur Hughes of the modern languages department. His presentation, African American and African Identity in the United States
will explore the interplay between the two groups in American society, Hughes said.
Along with Harris, Muhammad and Hughes also will present today. Other presenters for upcoming discussions include Valerie Mendoza of the McNair Scholars Program and David Descutner, dean of University College and associate provost for undergraduate education.
