Instructor interview for Place-Based WAC/WID writing instruction in American Studies, clip 2 of 11

Abstract

Brief excerpt from interview: Even though the class is focused on indigenous issues... I wanted students who weren't indigenous to connect to the material as well. It can be a little harder for non-indigenous students to think about how they would like to participate or what kinds of issues they would like to focus on... Allowing students to connect through place is a good way to have them connect first because we all share a place together. There's a dehumanizing process in the way Hawaiian lands are used. Here on this island we also have issues related to the intense militarization... All of these issues are relevant to indigenous people, but they are also extremely relevant to anyone who lives on this island. As a responsible citizen of this island, we need to strive to interrogate these issues.