I have been reading a lot about social justice and information literacy. At first I was not sure how one could incorporate it without seeming agenda-y, but I have changed my mind on this with the help of chatting with other library friends. It seems that in academic libraries there is always going to be the "opposing view," database, which are fine. I think in many instances they are really good tool, especially in the intro courses. But in the information literacy instruction sessions that I did this semester (let's not count the first one, it wasn't very good), I incorporated some of the following...
Bias in the media
-How stories are reported- find an event and see how different news outlets cover the story. What is the narrative? What kind of language does the writer use? Are there common words used to describe the incident, people involved, etc.
Rewriting/reclaiming an image
Memes are a great example of this.
Commentary on appropriation.
One class I taught examined the history of dreadlocks and the appropriation of them in popular culture. It was a good discussion and it was interesting to hear the difference in opinions. The group was diverse, both ethnically and geographically and the consensus was that if it was okay, but...
Find a project or legislation on a local(ish) level that you either consider humanizing or de-humanizing. This exercise turned out to be much more about the journey than the destination.
The students conducted a search and the things they found and shared and the reactions of others in the class was complex, thoughtful, and both upset and reassured.
With the current social and political climate, I think I will continue using these sorts of exercises to promote information literacy and critical thinking.
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