Shades of Grey: An Interdisciplinary Approach to a Constructive Understanding of Diversity in the Communication Classroom

Abstract

Most communication teachers hear students use offensive terms and unfairly characterize diverse people. Voicing about diversity in the classroom can be difficult and fearful. The easy solution is to side step hot-button topics. But students do not want to ignore difference, and classrooms versed in diversity are the foundation of a successful university education. This project asks the research question, “How can communication teachers help students to constructively understand diversity?” This interdisciplinary approach first outlines the literature on teaching diversity and surveys established classroom methods. Second, the dual processing theory of human cognition and its relationship to prejudice and bias are discussed. Third, practical classroom solutions for shedding new light on diversity are implied. Last, a summary offers guidelines for managing classroom discussions about diversity, examines the limitations of this work, and offer suggestions for further inquiry.

Keywords::

• Bias
• Culture
• Diversity
• Prejudice
• Race/Ethnic

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristen Lynn Majocha

Kristen Lynn Majocha (PhD, Duquesne University, 2009) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904. E-mail: [email protected]

John W. Mullennix

John W. Mullennix (PhD, SUNY-Buffalo, 1986) is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904. E-mail: [email protected]