CRiTical Race Information Theory as Innovative Pedagogy, Act One: Harder Than You Think, It's a Beautiful Thing

Abstract

This first act of a two-act counterstory introduces CRiTical Race information Theory (CRiT) as a rapidly developing iteration of Critical Race Theory (CRT) applied within information settings. Act one offers a detailed introduction of CRiT, which includes the articulation of the CRiT framework and tenets, most notably the CRT seminal tenets and tools along with information-specific tenets. CRiT also has a three-dimensional infrastructure consisting of CRiT as Pedagogy, CRiT as Praxis, and CRiT as Theory (including the process and nuances of theory building). Therefore, this first part includes an explanation of the pedagogical, praxis, and theoretical dimensions. Thus, the first act provides the teaching philosophy, learning theories, and delivery method of the pilot CRiT-designed course. What is equally important is that both acts of CRiT as Innovative Pedagogy meet the responsibility of sharing authentic reflections in a manner that respects the critical race counterstory legacy, thus also documenting the journey of lived experiences that go with actively engaging in CRT-based scholarship. Both acts assist those looking to design similar curricular content.