Respectful listening (see GRSJ statement of respect and inclusion below)
This course examines difficult questions and contentious themes that require a deep awareness of our social location and worldviews. We will have differences of opinion and varying ways of learning and engaging with material. I ask that we listen to and learn with each other respectfully, and we can come to an agreement the first class on how. Part of creating a successful seminar is when students not just come to class but are “present” within it, listening intently and responding to what others are saying. We are all learning (I know I am!) to grasp new concepts and lean into new ways of seeing and being in relation to power, let’s gently help each other along the way.

Please (please, please) refrain from using social media during class. All phones should be turned off and put away.

I also recognize the uncertainties hanging over us, but we will work together to navigate this best we can.

Pronouns
Please e-mail me your name and pronoun and how you would like these to be used.

GRSJ: Statement of Respect and Inclusion
Recognizing we come from diverse academic and personal backgrounds, with different ways of learning, communicating and responding to assignments, we will follow the Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (GRSJ) statement of respect and inclusion:

“Diversity is an intellectual asset that can benefit from common principles of critical thinking and academic guidelines in evaluation procedures across all Institute courses. Instructors will adapt these general principles and guidelines where necessary in their own courses. Non-sexist, non-racist, non-homophobic, non-transphobic and nonheterosexist language is expected in GRSJ class discussions and course assignments.

The GRSJ Institute is committed to creating a respectful workplace and learning environment that supports inclusion based on the principles of equity, diversity and social justice. Our Institute’s commitments and approach to ensuring these principles at the institutional level include progressive approaches to inclusive campus culture; equitable demographic composition; orienting new students, faculty, and staff to relevant policies and procedures; and a social justice perspective on learning, teaching and research in order to create an educational and employment environment that supports our community members’ full participation. The Institute is committed to providing accessible, usable, and welcoming spaces for faculty, staff, students, and visitors with disabilities, members of racialized communities, trans and gender-diverse peoples, regardless of their age, income, social status, religion, ethno- linguistic, nationality and citizenship status.

GRSJ courses occur in learning environments that are inclusive of gender identity, gender expression, sex, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, ability, age, etc. Students, instructors, visitors and readings/media in GRSJ courses often raise controversial issues. Learners and educators expect to be treated respectfully at all times and in all interactions. Disagreements can occur among course participants without being disagreeable and offensive.”