I was watching GMA this morning and they had a short segment which I have always thought was a problem in schools--that approximately 75% of teachers are women, that the majority of male teachers are also coaches, and--therefore--there is a
noticable lack of solid male role models for students who aren't viewed primarily as
jocks in the classroom.
And here's another interesting issue:
There is a new course being offered at UNC-Wilmington in the spring semester of 2009 called “
Effective Interactions with African-American Males.” This course is offered for credit in both the Social Work and Education departments and, unbelievably, it is offered, not just for senior credit, but for potential graduate credit, too.
A brief course description may help understand why I think that social work and education are in a tight race to determine which can become the most intellectually vacuous and least relevant discipline in academia today.
Using an African-centered philosophical worldview and a racial socialization framework, this class will use participatory education to equip undergraduate and/or graduate students, to “better” understand and effectively work alongside and with young adult African-American men. The core tenets underlying this class are racial oppression exists, matters, is ubiquitous and pernicious and that those most affected are often ignorant of this reality.
Students will critically examine the social and emotional effects of racism on academic, occupational, cultural and relational well-being of African-American males. Students will discuss relevant readings, media analysis, community-based research, and self-reflection. Students will also examine and develop strategies to restore a healthy definition of African-American manhood and its significance for self, family, and community relationships; culminating in a community restoration initiative proposal.
Any ideas on these two topics?
Richard's $.02
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