Job Discussion Forums

[valley_girl]

The following questions are directed specifically at those instructors who are teaching in North America at the present time.

Has the Muslim cartoon backlash affected the dynamics in your classroom? Do you allow students to talk about what is happening with regards to this issue? Do you ever allow political or religious discussions in the classroom?

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I usually try to stick to academic language functions like taking notes and giving presentations. However...

While we haven't discussed this current event, we have had the conversation about China's right to hang on to Taiwan. It was great, but sooo emotional. Everyone just starting speaking in Chinese because they lacked the English to express their opinions. One guy just kept saying over and over "China has too many people...Taiwan is part of our Motherland..." We have talked about the war in Iraq and September 11, though. They seem interested in these things.

As for religion, I encourage discussion but not debate. I like to hear about religious practices in other countries, and the students are merely giving us information--not trying to convert everyone, which is key. That is, unless they're Christian Fundamentalists, which I have come across in my graduate classes. At that point, it's impossible to have an intelligent conversation because they just keep repeating the concept of faith.

Overall, I'd say better safe than sorry. If something comes up, let them work it out themselves without interfering or offering your opinion.

[valley_girl]

We (the instructors) decided to try to keep this issue out of the classroom due to the fact that we have a mix of Muslim and non-Muslim students. The Muslim students are the ones who want to discuss it, of course.

It is also the Muslim students who are always trying to talk about terrorism, especially the Saudis.

Last year the big topic was the whole Japan vs. China deal. The Chinese students wanted to discuss it...a lot. The Japanese students...not so much.

I tell them that those topics are better saved for after class. (The "One China" topic included! )