17th Dealing with Difference Institute
May 18-19, 2010
Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
The 17th Annual Dealing with Difference Institute is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19, 2010 at Western Illinois University.
The overarching theme for this 2010 Dealing with Difference Institute is master narratives, more specifically, the master narratives of the United States of America. We want to address this theme via the following questions: What are the master narratives that define our country, our nation? The Constitution of the United States indicates that it was adopted "to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. . . ." How do our master narratives promote these goals? What is their impact on our society? What values are implicit within these narratives? What view of the world do they assume and support?
How do the stories we tell each other relate to these narratives? Do they support or undermine them? How do the narratives our schools relay support or undermine them? Are there other sources we should explore when identifying the master narratives that influence our perspectives and values? How does our embrace of the contradictory philosophies of capitalism and democracy complicate the narratives? Can we promote genuine cultural diversity given the master narratives through which the USA identifies itself? Is it possible, useful, or even necessary to promote counter narratives? To what ends?
Keynote Presenter: Tim Wise, Anti-Racist Activist, Cultural Diversity Advocate, and Author
Location: WIU Multicultural Center, on Murrary Street (C.T. Vivian Way), Macomb, Illinois. A map and parking instructions will be included with registration confirmations.
Professional Development: Western Illinois University is an ISBE Approved Provider for Professional Development (#10634). The 2010 DWDI will provide up to 10 hours development activity that could be applied towards teacher re-certification, subject to the teacher's Certificate Renewal Plan and approval by the teacher's Local Professional Development Committee. Participation verification forms will be available at the Institute.
Undergraduate and Graduate Credit Opportunities: Participants interested in earning course credit for the institute through the College of Education and Human Services should email Dr. J.Q. Adams, Department of Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies, at (jq-adams@wiu.edu). Students interested in earning course credit ("Race, Class and Gender") through the College of Arts and Sciences should contact Dr. Aimee Shouse, Women's studies, at 309-298-2214.
Special Needs: Western Illinois University complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, orders, and regulations. The University is an Affirmative Action and Equal Oppportunity institution and affirms its committment to nondiscrimination in all programs and activities. Please contact Janice R. Welsch (jq-adams@wiu.edu).
Dealing with Difference Institute Planning Committee:
J.Q. Adams, Western Illinois University
Richard Hazley, Trinity Higher Education Corporation
Mikki Meadows, Eastern Illinois University
Diane Nyhammer, Rock Valley College
Joyce H. Reed, Lincoln College
Janice R. Welsch, Western Illinois University
Sponsors: Western Illinois University's Expanding Cultural Diversity Project and Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research and the Illinois Association for Cultural Diversity.
Questions? Please contact Janice R. Welsch (jr-welsch@wiu.edu / 309-298-2057) or J. Q. Adams (jq-adams@wiu.edu / 309-298-3698)
