Module 2
Student Learning

Module 2

Module 2

Reflecting on cultural identity and our beginnings

In this module we will be reflecting on our historical roots, and our longstanding group memberships. Who we are today is influenced by those who came before us, whether in our family, friendship groups, community, or society at large. We cannot separate ourselves from the past. Consider: who are your ancestors? How have they influenced the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of your family (in obvious and also the less obvious ways)? Which traditions have been valued / discarded? Which voices have been heard and which silenced? How has migration played a part in your history? (it may be a few generations back, but for many of us, it’s there in some part of our family story) What groups have shaped you? (religious, spiritual, institutional like school, social class, other social groups etc.) 

Through the activities outlined below, we will be exploring all of the above. For some this may be a familiar activity, for others this may be new. Some may know much of their family history, others may not. We are all located differently in time and space. Start at a place that is meaningful to you and prepare to dig deeper. Sometimes this will require expanding our comfort zone and that’s fine; it’s natural to experience some discomfort. If you begin to feel unsafe, that’s a moment to pause, reflect and do what you need for self-care.

Required Activites

Read
Watch

Watch the introduction video to this module prepared by the course instructor.

Reflect
  • Reflect on which introspective practices you would like to use throughout this module (you can use as few or as many as you prefer) – see this example.

Optional Activites

Read
Watch
Asynchronous Engagement
  • Click on the Padlet link to the world map provided below and indicate the country you identify coming from. If there’s more than one, indicate more than one – https://padlet.com/margarethearnden/f1zvkdruf9qbh6y 
  • Using the discussion board, share aspects of your ‘origin’ story that you are comfortable sharing. Feel free to add pictures or audio files if you wish
  • Choose ONE person you feel you have something in common with and ONE person you think is very different from you. Ask each person one follow-up question about their story, about one thing you’d like to know more about
  • Reflection (not for sharing): in your preferred medium (written, recorded, visual representation etc.), think about your interactions with your two peers. What surprised you? What assumptions did you make about others before you read / heard their stories? Were any correct / incorrect?
Synchronous Engagement
  • Click on the Padlet link to the world map provided below and indicate the country you identify coming from. If there’s more than one, indicate more than one https://padlet.com/margarethearnden/f1zvkdruf9qbh6y 
  • Using the discussion board, share aspects of your ‘origin’ story that you are comfortable sharing. Feel free to add pictures or audio files if you wish
  • Live session:
    • your instructor will place you into breakout rooms based on similarities / differences in their stories, with guided prompts to get the ‘conversation started’ in each group
    • whole class discussion – what interesting things did you find out about your peers? What did you learn in the process of reflecting on your own story / other people’s stories?  
  • Reflection (not for sharing): in your preferred medium (written, recorded, visual representation etc.), think about your interactions with your peers. What surprised you? What assumptions did you make about them before you heard their story? Were any correct / incorrect?

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