Race in the Classroom

Co-produced with the Harvard Office for Race Relations and Minority Affairs, "Race in the Classroom" features five vignettes that depict moments in college courses when the race or culture of participants, a race-related topic, or racial dynamics become a major factor in teaching and learning. Each vignette is based on an actual classroom incident, including a classroom argument over affirmative action, a student uncomfortable being chosen as a spokesperson for her race, and quiet Asian student whom the instructor hesitates to engage. These scenes do not offer specific answers, but are intended to spark discussion on these important and difficult issues. A facilitator's guide is included as a PDF. In "Women in the Classroom", five vignettes show moments based on real classroom experiences in which the role of women is an issue, either because of the gender of the teacher or students or because of the topic under discussion. The classrooms scenes present issues such as gaining authority, gendered modes of expression, male and female dominance, race and gender conflicts, and faculty responsibility.
Also included is a series of 'Shorts', provocative, unrehearsed student one-liners on gender issues that are grouped in eight sets by topic. All the vignettes are intentionally provocative, and can lead to fruitful discussions of complex topics. Because of the importance of the facilitator's role, a facilitator's guide is included as a PDF.