Impacting Student Perceptions of and Attitudes Toward Race in the Interracial Communication Course

Abstract

My project explored whether or not my approach to teaching an interracial communication course was effective in reducing racial prejudice and promoting racial sensitivity and awareness among undergraduate students. Analysis of student narratives and focus groups reveals that my approach was effective in impacting student perceptions of, and attitudes towards, race. Cognition, affect, and behavior were found to influence a student's ability to understand and transfer classroom knowledge to real-world human interactions. Most students adopted ways of thinking and behaviors that combat racism on an interpersonal level. My own teaching was enhanced by hearing and watching these changes take place.