16th Dealing with Difference Institute
Tuesday, May 19 - Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
The 16th Dealing with Difference Institute is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 19 and 20, in Western Illinois University’s new Multicultural Center. The institute, organized for faculty and staff of two- and four-year colleges and universities as well as PreK-12 educators, will focus on issues of cultural diversity.
Principal themes this year will revolve around:
1) finding and defining an adequate language for discussing multicultural issues, and
2) using stories to advance and deepen cross-cultural understanding.
Among issues related to these themes that we hope to explore are:
- deconstructing "race," given the word’s multiple meanings and mis/uses;
- searching for language that reflects the lives and experiences of diverse populations
- within the U.S.A. and within the global "village";
- challenging common usage that misleads and alienates;
- valuing languages as gateways to diverse cultures;
- telling stories to explore cultural differences and similarities;
- exploring narrative patterns to understand cultural values; and
- choosing and telling stories and anecdotes effectively in the classroom.
The 2009 DWDI will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, and conclude at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. The program will include workshops and presentations/discussions; further information about specific topics and presenters, as well as registration forms will be posted as the program is finalized.
Western Illinois University's Expanding Cultural Diversity Project is co-sponsoring the institute with the Illinois Association for Cultural Diversity (IACD). If you have questions about the institute, please contact J.Q. Adams, Professor of Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies at Western Illinois University (jq-adams@wiu.edu) or Janice R. Welsch, WIU Professor Emerita (jr-welsch@wiu.edu / 309-298-2057), DWDI co-directors.
