Teaching Racial Literacy: Reflective Practices for Critical Writing

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Racial literacy, a collection of discursive and decoding skills that allow individuals to interrogate race and racism as well as representation and personal identity, is vital in a contemporary society that professes meritocracy and post-racialism yet where racism and racialism continue to give rise to fear, violence, and inequity. Because racial literacy requires individuals to develop a cache of discursive tools with which to critically read and respond to particular situations and broader societal practices as well as to investigate the rhetorical practices and power of racial ideology, there is no venue better fitted to the development of racial literacy than the college composition classroom. From the planning stages through the end of the semester, this book provides practical strategies for designing and implementing racial literacy curricula in the composition classroom and across the curriculum. Drawing upon an award-winning three-year ethnographic teacher research project, the author offers curricular suggestions and teacher resources instructors can use to increase student engagement, improve student writing, and help students harness the tools of racial literacy, including awareness of structural inequity and discursive modes with which to respond to social injustice.

Reviews

Mara Lee Graysons beautifully written book is sure to be powerfully influential. This book shows college composition instructors how to enliven and deepen the intellectual character of writing classes while transforming such classes into inspiring sites for advancing social justice. -- Sheridan Blau, Teachers College, Columbia University; UC Santa Barbara (emeritus)
Teaching Racial Literacy: Reflective Practices for Critical Writingoffers a courageous vision for the possibilities of the contemporary composition classroom. Grayson inspires teachers of college English to develop courses that draw upon students interests, popular texts, and authentic dialogue to develop academic, civic, and racial literacies. If we want the discipline to remain vibrant and relevant on todays multicultural campuses, and if we desire that English not only foster strong readers and writers, but informed and compassionate participants in the global community, well need to heed the advice offered in this book. -- Ernest Morrell, Coyle professor, Department of English, University of Notre Dame

Author Bio

Mara Lee Grayson, PhD, has been teaching and researching the racial literacy curriculum in undergraduate composition studies and graduate-level teacher education for the past five years. She currently teaches in the English department at Pace University. Learn more atmaragrayson.com.