Fostering a Climate of Inclusion in the College Classroom: The Missing Voice of the Humanities

Lavonna L. Lovern is Associate Professor in Philosophy and Religious studies and Native American Studies at Valdosta State University, USA.

This book examines inclusion teaching at the college and university level. It establishes the importance of the Humanities disciplines and the use of qualitative analysis as a means of understanding and encouraging democratic materials and classroom organization.  The first section of the text provides two primers for those unfamiliar with pedagogical history and theory. These primers are designed to give basic information and sources for additional study. They trace pedagogical influences from foundationism, neoliberalism, conflict, and critical theories to critical race theory, Red pedagogy, and decolonization theories. The second half of the book focuses on strategies to assist those attempting classroom inclusion.  These chapters are designed to assist with practical ways in which inclusion can be advanced as well as strategies to assist junior faculty in the navigation of the politics of inclusive education.

Using different pedagogical approaches to promoting inclusiveness within the classroom and shows that a path to inclusiveness that can incorporate a variety of teaching styles Offers specifics on how to approach inclusion in general education/liberal arts courses for those who may not have had the opportunity to study minority issues in graduate programs Provides insight into some effective methods for exploring issues of race, gender, sexuality, culture, and religious beliefs in an egalitarian manner that maintains academic rigor