Description
This course is an investigation of race, child development and communication. The course explores the history of the creation of race, why it is effective and necessary to educate young children about race, and how language can be used with children starting in infancy, to help children understand that racism was an intentional invention that is dangerous and worthy of deep critical engagement. The class with include reading, listening to podcasts and watching short videos. The class will be tailored based on what age students each teacher works with, and is applicable to teachers of children of all ages. We will work on both gaining ease talking about race, as well as writing curriculum around teaching about racism and colonialism.
Goals
To increase reflection, analysis and understanding of racism to prepare teachers emotionally and intellectually to lead and participate in conversations around race in their classrooms that are effective, honest and supportive of their students.
Objectives
a. To begin to understand how and for what purpose race was invented in the US.
b. To critique white mainstream assumptions that children are too young to engage in conversations around race and racial violence.
c. To reflect on one’s own experience of race and racial conditioning.
d. To assess the racialized dynamics of teacher’s own classrooms.
e. To increase ease and honesty in talking about race and racial violence currently and historically.
Details
Course Title: Mommy, Why Did He Call Me White?: Talking With Young Children About Race and Racial Violence
Number of Credits: 3 credits from Castleton University, Vermont
Level: Graduate
Dates: October 3-December 16, 2022
Format: Hybrid: Online synchronous and independent self-guided
Times: Synchronous ZOOM meetings:
Tuesday October 11th 6-8
Tuesday October 25th 6-8
Tuesday November 15th 6-8
Tuesday December 6th 6-8
Remote Learning Technologies: ZOOM for virtual synchronous classes and Google Docs for submitting and revising work
Location: ZOOM
Course Cost to Student: $1,400 [This is priced based on the cost of 3 credits that most Vermont school districts will cover for teachers for their professional development credit. If you are not a public school teacher and this cost is prohibitive, please reach out to talk about cost.]
Download a full syllabus here.