21st International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

This paper explores the experience of teaching an interdisciplinary and transnational course with a common theme, in this case, Afro-aesthetics and hair. At the University of West Georgia, this class can be used to meet Core Area C-1 for Fine Arts, Core Area C-2 for Humanities, or as one of the requirements for the recently created Bachelor in Interdisciplinary Studies. My course on Afro-Aesthetics and Hair is just an example of how diversity and interdisciplinary studies can be included in our curriculum. Through the semester, we discuss the History of the African American people while reviewing the hair industry, aesthetics, and practices. In our weekly work, besides reading and discussing History, we bring artistic artifacts from different countries that have hair and aesthetics as a common theme. This helps us to identify some of the cross-culture similarities in the Diaspora of the Afro-descendant communities. I divide my discussion into three parts. First, I explain how this course brings diversity to our curriculum in multiple ways. Secondly, I mention some of the challenges and difficulties that I encountered. And finally, I discuss the accomplishments that are possible to achieve.

Presenters

Ana Zapata Calle
Associate Professor of Spanish, Department of English, Film, Languages and Performing Arts, University of West Georgia, Georgia, United States