国产传媒

Alice Bardan, PhD, is into film and literature and TV shows. Originally from Romania, she鈥檚 especially interested in films about migration and refugees. Her research focuses on immigration, racial issues, women鈥檚 roles in society, and identity.

In her classes, she engages students in these conversations by exposing them to everything from classical literature to reality TV. Yes, reality TV. 鈥淲ith 鈥楲ysistrata,鈥� we talk about the power of women鈥檚 collectives, women鈥檚 anger and the ideological expectations that were placed on women in classical society,鈥� says Bardan. 鈥淭hen we look at those same ideas but within contemporary culture.鈥�

To do that, Bardan taps into reality TV. Her students are already watching these shows, but they probably aren鈥檛 examining what they say about 鈥� or how they influence 鈥� our culture.

鈥淚t鈥檚 totally fine to just enjoy shows like 鈥楾he Kardashians鈥� and 鈥�Wife Swap,鈥� but I want my students to also think about what these shows tell us that鈥檚 different from or the same as what鈥檚 been done before. They may find something valuable in something others call trash. Maybe they see someone succeeding and not letting themselves be bullied by others, someone with confidence in themselves. Each viewer will have a specific investment in watching the show.鈥�

While Bardan teaches composition and the basics of social sciences research 鈥� how to formulate questions, where to look for scholarly articles, how to master the art of crafting a thesis 鈥� what she鈥檚 also doing is teaching students how to sort through complex issues, form their own opinions and defend those opinions. 鈥淲riting is about being able to put subjects into context, reflect upon and analyze what鈥檚 happening.鈥�

In some courses, Bardan asks students to pick a controversial topic they feel conflicted about, like a universal wage. Then she has them to do research to form an educated opinion. 鈥淚鈥檓 training them how to not be afraid to take a position. I ask them to let themselves be challenged by other ideas and weigh both sides before deciding where they stand, so their choice will be informed, and they can defend their decisions.鈥� 

As students begin working on their theses, they will write and rewrite to craft arguments that are clear and compelling and that convey to readers why their ideas matter. With practice, they become less shy and more confident in their ability to express themselves.

For Bardan, teaching students how to articulate their ideas and stand their ground is a critical skill for life as well as research. 鈥淲e make decisions every day 鈥� in our personal lives and in our careers. It鈥檚 important to be able to make informed choices and be confident in our direction.鈥�