“In the banking system of education, knowledge is a gift bestowed by those who consider themselves knowledgeable upon those whom they consider to know nothing. Projecting an absolute ignorance unto others, a characteristic of the ideology of oppression, negates education and knowledge as a process of inquiry.” – Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, 1970
The first text I read as an undergraduate student was Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Freire’s debunking of the “banking model” of education played an instrumental role in shaping my student learning experience and continues to guide my current teaching philosophy. It is within the frameworks of both progressive and feminist pedagogy that I structure my courses, with the primary goal of empowering students to be critical consumers and co-creators of knowledge.
Current Courses:
Psychology of Women & Gender
This class is an introduction to feminist psychological theory and research dedicated to understanding and critiquing biological, psychological, social, and cultural meanings and implications of gender and its intersections with race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc. Examples of research and theory will come from a wide variety of areas in psychology and related disciplines, and will address issues such as socialization and social development, stereotypes, bodies and body image, social relationships, identity, language, violence, sexuality and sexual behavior, well-being, and work. We will also learn about the historical, cultural, and epistemological underpinnings of psychological research on gender.
Past Courses:
Psychology of Black Women
This seminar is designed to provide a critical analysis of the distinctive experiences of Black women using a psychological lens. We will explore a broad range of topics relating to Black women’s experiences in home, school, and community contexts, such as identity development, stereotyping, racial and gender socialization, media representations, sexuality, spirituality, and activism. The class will also consider how Black women draw on individual strengths and cultural assets to support their personal, academic, and psychological well-being. We will employ Black Feminist Theory and other culturally-relevant frameworks to guide our inquiry.
Understanding Race and Racism
Based primarily in a U.S. context, the course will explore theoretical, empirical, and experiential psychological findings on topics, such as the construction of race, racial socialization, and racial identity development. We will also examine research on the development of stereotyping, implicit/explicit bias, prejudice, and discrimination and how these factors contribute to racial disparities and inequality. In addition, we will consider interventions for reducing racism, improving intergroup relations, and fostering greater equality and inclusion.
Research Methods in Psychology II
Students will work individually and in groups to (a) develop meaningful psychological questions; (b) design and carry out research studies; (c) analyze data; and (d) write an American Psychological Association (APA) style research paper.
Morgan C. Jerald 