The Intercultural Campus: Transcending Culture & Power in American Higher Education (Counterpoints (New York, N.Y.), Vol. 97.) (Paperback)

by Gregory Kazuo Tanaka (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
« Tanaka's emphasis on 'model building' as an extension of social criticism injects fresh energy into progressive scholarship ... a pioneering effort.

Product Description
In a post-9/11 nation that is gripped by race fear, this book presents an approach to diversity that promotes peace and understanding across difference. Discussing studies conducted over an eight-year period, The Intercultural Campus reveals the underlying sources of racial fragmentation on college and university campuses and outlines a new framework for diversity. Citing the results from an innovative four-year project that completely transformed the culture of a university, Greg Tanaka describes specific programs that all campuses should implement when admitting diverse classes. Signaling a larger shift for progressives away from binary, essentialized notions of identity to individual agency, or "subjectivity," this book advances a social change philosophy based in interdependence and highlights the skills that future U.S. leaders will need to interact successfully with others in our diverse global society.

Product Details

• Paperback: 217 pages
• Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0820441503
• ISBN-13: 978-0820441504
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,092,151 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars intercultural campus, November 30, 2004

By	parker johnson "pjvancouver" (Vancouver, BC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Tanaka offers a new vision and challenge for U.S. higher education using three research studies conducted over an 8 year period. His analysis and findings encourage us to more closely examine the power relations that inform historic and contemporary context and issues affecting race relations on our campuses. The studies and accompanying stories can deepen our understanding of the complexity of race work. Tanaka feels that five core componets are necessary to forge ahead. These five components include: (1) small group storytelling about past and place, (2) examining how power operates, (3) envisioning or dreaming about a new social arrangement, (4) actual model building in anticipation of wider changes in society, and (5) greater personal connection to place, memory, and ritual.

There is no magic bullet or "how to" prescription, but he adds to the research and theory in a unique, visionary and surprisingly hopeful manner. A must read for researchers, administrators, policymakers, and students interested in creating respectul and inclusive campuses.