JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Jan. 28, 2022) – Dr. Brittany Wilkins of the Social Work Department at East Tennessee State University will open a discussion about using popular culture to encourage student participation in the classroom in “Teaching Social Justice Concepts Using Popular Culture as a Metaphor: Harry Potter” at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 2, via Zoom. The live stream can be viewed here: etsu.zoom.us/j/93629427984.
This free virtual talk is part of the “WGS on Wednesdays” series sponsored by the
ETSU Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program.
Drawing from Dr. Brent Satterly’s work on “the pedagogy of fandom,” Wilkins will explain
how educators can use different cultural mediums to teach and engage with students
on a broad range of topics. Using this approach, familiar stories can create safe
spaces for difficult dialogues in the classroom. In her talk, Wilkins will use Harry
Potter as a model for exploring social justice issues. Attendees will also have the
opportunity to participate in an activity based on this approach. work on "the pedagogy
of fandom," Wilkins will explain how educators can use different cultural mediums
to teach and engage with students on a broad range of topics. Using this approach,
familiar stories can create safe spaces for difficult dialogues in the classroom.
In her talk, Wilkins will use Harry Potter as a model for exploring social justice issues. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an activity based on this approach.
Wilkins is the MSW Program Director and an associate professor in the Social Work
Department at ETSU. She earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. in social work from Florida
State University and is a licensed clinical social worker. Wilkins’ work centers on
crisis stabilization, alcohol and drug treatment and outpatient mental health. In
addition to her clinical work, Wilkins has previously facilitated Safe Zone training
and is currently serving as a co-developer for Safe Zone 2.
Carrying on the legacy of the Women on Wednesdays talks that began in 2012, the series
will highlight work at ETSU that centers on gender and sexuality. For more information,
contact Dr. Chelsea Wessels, ETSU interim director of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, at 423-439-4125.