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If you are looking for a class to meet both a general education and a diversity requirement class I’d recommend taking Sociology 268. The class, Race and Ethnicity, is an introduction course taught by Professor Kristin Cantina. I am going to evaluate this professor based off of five criteria: subject knowledge and passion; setting high standards and clear classroom objectives; ability to create a sense of community within the class; professor accessibility; and mutual respect.
The course focused on the eight common conversations about Race: “We’re ended race;” “Racial diversity is killing us;” “Everyone’s a little bit racist;” “It’s Just identity politics;” Variety is the spice of life;” “It’s a Black thing?you wouldn’t understand;” “I’m and I’m proud;” and “Race is in our DNA. ” Professor Cantina was very passionate that students would acknowledge that the struggle of racial diversity is still very real in today’s world. Class lectures were very engaging and a touchy subject of race and ethnicity was given the utmost respect.
Professor could have Just assigned chapters to read and study, but she took it several steps farther. Professor as interested in us sharing our perspectives, and encouraging us to experience being in situations where we were the racial minority. It was very eye opening experience to be involved in a number of diversity groups on campus. The “hands on” aspect of learning was very helpful with learning the course requirements. A professor should set high classroom standards and encourage each student to work hard and reach their full potential.
Professor Cantina started off this class setting the standard for achievement rather high. We were told on day one that we would have to put in considerable effort to pass her class. There would be eight essays to write, 2 PAP or ML papers, a mid-term and a final, along with required reading of the book Doing Race. I was somewhat apprehensive about taking her class after learning the course requirements, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I worked hard in this class; this professor was able to draw more writing ability out of me than I thought possible.
Class room objectives were crystal clear; everyone knew exactly what was expected of them. These expectations led to Professor Cantina creating a sense of community in her classroom. She taught us that we all share a part of the American life experience; each of us has our own unique diverse background and she encouraged us to share this with class. She had us create many small groups and sub-groups within our class based on race, ethnicity, religion, common interests, course studies, and languages spoken.
It was a unique learning and sharing experience that our professor used to demonstrate the different social strata, different social classes and white privilege. I found this class an oasis for learning. Each student’s experience was valued and important and a strong sense of community identity was developed. Professor Cantina’s ability to create community within the classroom also extended to outside of the class hours. Many times professors are hard to reach via phone, email, or limited office hours, but this was not the case with professor Cantina.
She returned emails promptly. Professor Cantina’s office was open extended hours and she was willing to meet outside of her scheduled office hours. I visited her office several times and she was always willing to share her knowledge and provide constructive criticism on my assignments. I felt this was very empowering. As a detent I worked harder and learned more than I thought possible because my professor was readily available and she kept the lines of communication open. Professor Cantina showed each of us the utmost respect.
She listened to our stories and experiences, and validated each one. I felt that I had a voice in her class. I felt secure to speak up and share. In turn, professor Cantina also commanded our respect. She shared her knowledge and expertise with us. For professor Cantina, trust was a two way street that she encouraged each of us to travel with her. I would highly recommend professor Cantina. If you are interested in sociology or n need of a racial diversity class this professor isn’t Just the average teacher working for a pay check.
She has extensive field knowledge and a passion for others. She sets high achievement standards and her class objectives are clear and easy to follow. Professor Cantina is able to create a sense of community within her class, she is highly accessible to her students, and she commands mutual respect. Each of these aspects makes learning a unique experience under her instruction. Some professors merely instruct; whereas others inspire learning and developing of racial and ethnic diversity sensitivity, Professor Cantina is an inspiration.