Teaching Guidance

When dealing with material that raises issues involving matters of race or ethnicity, you should give careful thought to students’ potential sensitivities and to the way you are using the power dynamic which inevitably pertains to teaching situations. Where appropriate, familiarise yourself with the contemporary and political discourse around particular words or terms. Be alert to the presence in material you are discussing of derogatory language and/or attitudes likely to be found offensive: paraphrase, or the omission of particularly freighted words, may well be appropriate. Consider also posting an ‘advisory content’ warning, which should be verbally repeated at the start of the session and again at the moment when difficult material is being aired. You should be prepared to respond to legitimate concerns from students on the handling of such material.