1. Introduction to Conversations on Decolonization

Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to complete Module 2: Conversations on Decolonization. This module was designed to help you enhance student learning by opening the dialogue about which knowledges are privileged and why.

Before beginning this module, it is important to acknowledge the magnitude and breadth of this topic as well as different conceptualizations of decolonization. It is a subject which crosses disciplines, contexts, and geographical scales.  Because this module was created in the specific context of the University of British Columbia, which is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam Links to an external site. people, much of this module's approach is informed by the teachings, practices, and responsibilities that we find in this place.

If we think about the topic of decolonization as being like a puzzle, then throughout this module you will be provided with a variety of pieces. Ultimately pieces will remain missing from the puzzle since learning and discussions on decolonization are ongoing. But through this process of continual reflection and learning, new pieces of the puzzle can be obtained and utilized.

During the module, you will hear from some students and faculty on their perspectives and understandings. The intent of the conversations raised here is to move beyond awareness towards action.

You won’t find prescriptive declarations or a checklist on the topic of decolonization. Instead, we encourage you to further explore decolonization on your own upon completion of the module.

Throughout the module, we use this icon to mark moments where we invite you to reflect on a concept, your course, or yourself. We hope these questions can help spark your thinking in new and creative directions.

 

Learning Outcomes

In this module you will:

1. Articulate ideas about decolonization and connect them to teaching and learning

2. Reflect critically on your praxis in an effort to infuse different world views into your own frame of reference and student learning

3. Explore and evaluate decolonization resources and strategies for your classroom and curriculum