Examines ethnocentric views which fuel a great deal of decision-making in this in regards to where people live, work, and worship. Video Inserts: Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and a segment from the HBO documentary film, Hate.Com: Extremists on the Internet; David Duke, a White racialist with international connections; and Liebe Geft, a leader at the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance.
Grade levels: Adult
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Sexual Orientations Issues
Explore the world of Gays, Lesbians, Bi-sexuals, and the Transgendered. Studio Guest: Sylvia and Gysbert Menninga, parents of a gay child; Tamara McClatchey, a lesbian professional; and Dr. Alan Sanders, a researcher from the University of Chicago. Video Inserts: None
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Physical/Mental Ability Issues
People with disabilities are one of the largest special interest groups in our society and yet one with the lowest visibility. Studio Guest: Robin Sweeney, Disabilities Coordinator for Governors State University and one of her advisees, Marion Kaes, a student at GSU. Video Inserts: Hiram Zayas; and Lenda Hunt.
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Age Issues: From Young to Old
Examine age issues from young to old and their social consequences. Studio Guest: Sally Furhmann, Director of the Rich Township Senior Center, Pat Klein, Youth Director for Richton Park’s Youth and Family Center; and Kenneth Kramer, President of the Park Forest Chapter of AARP. Video Inserts: Age Old Stereotypes; Adult Day Care Center.
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The State of New South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is one of the world’s newest democracies; it provides a unique mirror image of the U.S. at various in times in its history. Studio Guest: Machiel van Niekerk, Consul from the South African Consulate-General in Chicago Video Inserts: Wilmont James of the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA) and Charles Villa-Vicencio who worked for the Truth in Reconciliation Committee (TRC); Coloreds in South Africa; and students at the Cecil B. Rhodes High School.
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Diversity Issues and Answers
A review of many of the essential topics we have explored. Studio Guest: Dr. Robert D. Martin, Curator of Anthropology at the Field Museum in Chicago. Video Inserts: Jehovah’s Witnesses headquarters in New York; and Maurice Ashley, the first African American International Grand Chess Master in the world.
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Guest Author Linda Hogan, Part 2
Part 2 of 2: Linda Hogan (Chickasaw) is a poet and novelist of immense talent. She teaches at the University of Colorado and is an environmental activist. She is a major force in the development of written Native American poetry, a well-respected fiction writer, an environmental essayist, and an award winning dramatist. Topics covered include the many uses of fiction and non-fiction writing.
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Guest Author Thomas King, Part 1
Part 1 of 2: Thomas King (Cherokee/Greek) has been described as a “Native American Kurt Vonnegut” and a “darkly funny Mark Twain”. He is a former photo-journalist and currently works as a university professor, scriptwriter, novelist, and author of children’s books. Topics covered in theses classes include King’s description of the differences between print and film media, comments on the making of this course’s video, the definition of “meta-discourse”, a discussion on stereotypes, a discussion on the uniquely feminist nature of Mr. King’s work, and the nature of “Tricksters”.
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Guest Author Thomas King, Part 2
Part 2 of 2: Thomas King (Cherokee/Greek) has been described as a “Native American Kurt Vonnegut” and a “darkly funny Mark Twain”. He is a former photo-journalist and currently works as a university professor, scriptwriter, novelist, and author of children’s books. Topics covered in theses classes include King’s description of the differences between print and film media, comments on the making of this course’s video, the definition of “meta-discourse”, a discussion on stereotypes, a discussion on the uniquely feminist nature of Mr. King’s work, and the nature of “Tricksters”.
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Guest Author A.A. Carr, Part 1
Part 1 of 2: Mr. Carr (Laguna/Navajo) is an author and successful filmmaker. Short segments of his documentary Laguna Women are used in these two class sessions. A few weeks after this telecourse was made, Navajo Code Talkers, a National Geographic documentary produced by Lena and Aaron Carr, won an Emmy for best documentary. Other topics include a discussion on the issue of “identity”, a discourse on the impact of using a white protagonist in an Indian novel, and Carr’s point of view with respect to the writer’s “responsibility to build upon what other authors have done.”