By Franny Corneliussen Cavalier Daily Associate Editor A panel of professors and administrators met last night to discuss how an ethnic studies program could fit into the University's curriculum.
In an opening statement, the moderator of the panel, Student Council Diversity Chair Ryan McElveen, said such programs would help internationalize the University.
"Ethnic studies programs can provide a launching pad for learning how the marked 'other' functions in our society," McElveen said.
One thing the panel discussed was how the institution of ethnic studies in academics forces students to challenge their preconceived notions of race.
"Teaching African religion in the Bible belt comes with a full set of assumptions," Afro-American and African Studies Prof. Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton said.
Hoehler-Fatton added that students come into her classes with various assumptions that are far from accurate, posing an obvious challenge to teaching material.
Richard Handler, associate dean of Academic Programs and anthropology professor, made the point that student diversity in classes often reflects students' interest in really exploring issues of ethnicity and race.
Handler cited the example of teaching his introductory anthropology class. Handler said he would talk to a mainly white class about critical race theory, but those students would be unreceptive to this interpretation. When he taught the same theory in another class titled "Nationalism, Racism and Multiculturism," he said the more diverse group of students would expect to be hearing about these issues and the topic "would draw the kind of reaction that he wanted to hear."
Although thoughts over the importance of offering courses in ethnic studies dominated the discussion, some attendees expressed doubt over whether or not universities will be successful in promoting large-scale study programs in ethnic studies.
Handler said the creation of large-scale programs would require a staff of "at least four dedicated professors," along with a place to house the departments and enough people interested in such programs.
Asian Pacific American Studies Prof. Sylvia Chong said the most important thing that can happen to encourage the implementation of more ethnic studies programs was for students to show that there is a desire to take such classes by "filling up" current courses related to ethnic studies.
"What is keeping us from establishing it is not one obvious factor," Chong said. "But from a student point of view, if students want to show support, they should do so by showing there is a desire to take [this] type of classes.
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