Culture, Language, and Purposeful Discomfort in American Classrooms

Examine linguistic features that participants in schools throughout America use to negotiate classroom culture. Focus on verbal and nonverbal communication through lens of historical and current primary sources that give voice to a range of American experiences. Analyze discursive moves based in (but not limited to) racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic biases. Consider how teachers and students can collaborate to: (1) develop and build on discourses that respectfully address potentially uncomfortable topics; and (2) foster inclusive classroom communities founded on empathy, critical thinking, active listening, and objectivity. Open only to students in the Focus Program.