“Getting White Boys to Get Their Heads out of Their Asses”: Instructor Accounts of Teaching a Race and Crime Course

Abstract

Forty-eight instructors of Race and Crime courses were surveyed about: (1) course evaluation comments; (2) their greatest challenge teaching the course; and (3) what they enjoyed most about teaching the course. Comments on Race and Crime course evaluations involved student resistance in many cases, addressed components of the course that stood out (both good and bad), expressed seeing value in taking the course, and identified content as traumatic or depressing. Participants’ greatest challenges included displays of student resistance toward the content or instructor, building their toolbox by acquiring the skills necessary to prepare and deliver the course, experiencing internal struggles as class instructor, and dealing with external influences on the classroom. Finally, participants noted that the aspects of teaching a Race and Crime course which they enjoyed most consisted of providing students with personal opportunities for growth and change, as well as experiencing little victories and celebrations.