Introduction

This module organizes resources for exploring cultural appropriation, encouraging both self-reflection and contextual application.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this learning module, you will be able to:

• Reflect on and describe cultural appropriation from multiple perspectives.
• Identify the contextual factors that inform responses to cultural appropriation.
• Discern between appropriation of culture and other ways to engage with culture (i.e., appreciation).
• Apply a critical eye toward your own actions and the actions of others with relation to cultural appropriation.

Course Goals

The goal of this module is not to give you a one-size-fits all definition of cultural appropriation that you can apply in any context. The reality is that cultural appropriation is nuanced and complex. In this course we will begin to break it down and hopefully leave you with reflection questions and tools to address cultural appropriation in your context.

This course is meant to be reflective - feel free to be open in the questions, frustrations, observations, feelings, etc. that come up for you along the way. The learning process can be messy at times and requires our authenticity with where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’re going. Because of this, I structured the course in such a way that you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and questions, and then reflect back on how they are confirmed or challenged throughout the course. 

Course Plan

The course plan is as follows:

• Unit 1: Diving into definitions, history, and complexities
• Unit 2: Where cultural appropriation surfaces
• Unit 3: Cultural appropriation and identity
• Unit 4: Responding to cultural appropriation
• Unit 5: Final capstone and reflection

Many thanks to Annette Benson, Senior Public Relations Consultant at CILMAR, and Aletha Stahl, Senior Intercultural Learning Specialist at CILMAR, for sharing many of the resources available in this module and providing feedback throughout the creation of this module.