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Interdisciplinary curriculum design: a case study from a module on gender, culture and religious diversity
Author: Anthea Jacobs
Published: 26/09/2018

​CTL AUXIN SESSION, 25 SEPTEMBER 2018

held at Den Bosch, from 12h45 – 13h45

Dr Anita Jonker, who coordinates the four interdisciplinary modules in the EDP support subject, Introduction to the Humanities, in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, was the presenter at the AUXIN session on the 25th of September 2018. The topic of Dr Jonker's presentation was “Interdisciplinary curriculum design: a case study from a module on gender, culture and religious diversity as part of the EDP support subject Introduction to the Humanities".

She explained how the module is designed to instil a broader worldview in multilingual students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Guest lecturers from different faculties were invited to, amongst others, speak to students about gender concepts that are essential to understand in any critical discussion on the human dignity, and also to introduce students to the main religious traditions and the potential of intrareligious, interreligious and secular dialogue to resolve local and international conflict peacefully. Students were free to engage in these lectures through discussions in the language of their preference, so that their contributions could form part of the curriculum content, at the same time acknowledging their multilingual identities. Other forms of student engagement included tutorials, readings and out-of-class excursions, like for example a visit to a mosque.

During her presentation, Dr Jonker highlighted the following points of feedback from the students: they appreciated the way lecturers unpacked different concepts; students enjoyed the interaction during class discussions; they found the tutorials stimulating; the guest lecturers and their enthusiastic teaching style were commendable; and students mentioned that the module allowed them to see the importance of integration in all aspects of their lives.

Even though students provided wonderful feedback about the module, a few central questions remain. Do students really develop an appreciation for different world views? Are students more tolerant towards other cultures, religions and language groups? Are students able to work in multicultural groups with divergent identities? These questions deserve further exploration.

To listen to a podcast of the session, please visit:

http://www.sun.ac.za/english/learning-teaching/ctl/professional-learning-opportunities-for-t-l/auxin/auxin-resources

This AUXIN concludes the AUXIN programme for 2018. The next AUXIN will take place on 26 February 2019.

Picture 1: The Presenter, Dr Anita Jonker

Picture 2: (from L to R) Ms Busiswa Sobahle (tutor); Dr Anita Jonker (presenter); Mr Earl Basson (tutor); Dr Karin Cattell-Holden (CTL); Prof Xolilwe Simon (guest lecturer)