My name is Michelle Ussher, I am an Associate Lecturer teaching in Fine Art (Painting / Drawing) at CSM on Foundation and the Subject Leader of Critical Studies & Art Theory at West Dean College, University of Sussex.
My research question is:
Can I effect the diversity of student references at West Dean College, changing the dominate white perspective even if only on a micro level?
Aim: The aim of my intervention is to enrich the written outputs of the West Dean students by expanding the diversity of their research.
Goals:
Broaden the diversity of references students initially gather to develop ideas
Initiate personal engagement motivated by the student (rather than being given references by tutor)
Raise an awareness of whiteness and white cultural behaviours such as progressive racisim (conscious or unconscious)
Instil a value for diversity that enriches their work (beyond “racial goodness” of progressive racism)
What: The Find 30 Research Padlet Activity. Students are prompted to find 5 references each under 6 categories:
1) Historical Western European (white)
2) Historical non-Western European (not white
3) Contemporary
4) Cultural/Everyday
5) Political
6) Materials/Methods