Literature Review

During the literature review process, several studies and resources helped inform our project.  Assessment surveys show that the importance of incorporating diversity into Journalism and Mass Communications programs is increasing.  This is partly due to ACEJMC accreditation requirements, and partly due to necessity in a shrinking global society.  In addition, it is the general belief that it is more effective to address diversity throughout the curriculum, rather than in just one diversity course.  Other insights from the literature review include:

• Incorporating diversity into the curriculum requires a structured approach that puts diversity at the center of the curriculum rather than on the fringes.

• Diversity should be defined broadly in mass communication rather than simply as “black/white.”  Likewise, the “mass” in communication should not be defined as a large homogeneous audience, but rather as a collection of diverse audiences.

• Instructors should incorporate multiple voices and perspectives into each topic taught in a course.   Focusing on only one perspective devalues other voices.

• Materials/sources should not just be ABOUT multiple voices, they should also be BY multiple voices.

• Multiple pedagogies (such as audiovisual, discussions, speakers, texts) seem to be more effective in impacting students than singular approaches (i.e. just texts).  Films/videos are particularly effective in engaging students.

•  Understanding diverse audiences and perspectives should be taught as a means (rather than an end) to becoming an excellent and socially responsible communicator.

• Incorporating diversity into both historical and modern-day content is equally important.

• Discussing media theory can be an excellent catalyst for discussing issues of diversity.

• Some approaches, such as Fault Lines, are being used as best practices in a number of mass communication programs and should also be incorporated into ours.

The literature helps us understand the types of materials to incorporate into our resources, as well as many specific teaching modules or approaches on how to utilize them in a course.  In addition, mass communication programs that are doing a good job of incorporating diversity across the curriculum are outlined in the literature, providing us with contacts for discussing effective content and materials.