I’ve been thinking a lot lately about #DecolonizeYourSyllabus, but was having a difficult time figuring out HOW. After stumbling I think I’ve found a good strategy. Seeking feedback while I’m creating a course on Gender, Sexuality, Crime, and Justice. 1/
Went to Google Scholar and searched for articles on the course topics, but how do I know if the authors are members of underrepresented groups? #RepresentationMatters

And then I had a light bulb moment. 2/
I shouldn’t be searching for articles, I should be searching for AUTHORS. I went to @twitter and scanned tweets from @LatCrim. BOOM! @JGarciaHallett’s paper on Maternal Identities and Pathways into/out of offending is perfect for my class. 3/
And then I saw a tweet by @Vera_LopezPhD and remembered her article with @drmeda on Latina girls & stereotypes—perfect! 4/
Next, headed over to @BlackWomenCrim1 and saw that @DrNBattle has a book coming out! Instead of articles, I’m now saving scholars. I'll include work by @socprofjones, @drandreasboyles, @j_cobbina, @talisajcarter, @kanikaSamuels, @hillarypotter, @itsDr_Henry… and many more! 5/
Next I searched Twitter for “indigenous criminology”. Ooh! @robyn_oxley’s book review of “Decolonising Criminology” is 🔥🔥🔥.

AND I I was happy to discover the journal Decolonization of Criminology and Justice! 6/
Searched for “native criminology”… found one of my OWN TWEETS about hearing @LisaMonchalin speak at the CritCrim meetings a couple of years ago (seriously, my memory is awful). 7/
I was reminded of all the great activism @PamPalmater has done, especially bringing attention to missing Native women in Canada and the impact of residential training schools for #FirstNation peoples. Followed @cbcindigenous to keep up with current events. 8/
Went back to my home screen and saw @JasonWilliams, @zoes_life, and @DrSeanKWilson just published a new article on formerly incarcerated black women. Follow @ascwomencrime and @crimwomenknow for more great scholarship on gender, crime, and justice. 9/
Hopped over to @QueerCrimASC—students will hear about @XGuadalupeDiaz’s work on violence in trans relationships. More ppl for the list! @JaceLValcore, @meredithworthen, @AllynWalkerPhD, @VanessaPanfil, @carriebuist, @emily_lenning, @dr_angelaDwyer, @dr_matt_ball and others! 10/
Now I’ve got a stack of “piles” of literature that will define the core areas and topics of the course. And I'm creating a biography page to encourage students to follow and/or reach out.

(Hmm, this seems like a good use of Twitter lists.) 11/
I'm tossing aside what criminologists see as the “standard” articles and including WHAT’S NEW. It’s ECR's and students doing the most interesting and groundbreaking work!

Decolonizing your syllabus elevates their work and gives it the attention it deserves. 12/
When we rely on the “classics", we cover the same issues and the same authors over, and over… by focusing on authors (especially ECRs!!) we get a more current picture of pressing issues. AND we can encourage our students to follow these scholars online and ENGAGE WITH THEM. 13/
If you are a scholar who I didn’t tag and has relevant work to share, please reply so I can add you (and your pubs) to the list! I’m sure I’ve forgotten some really great scholars. 14/
Ooh, I forgot to mention the @TheBCNetwrk! Another great account to follow.
I am so grateful for all the positive feedback--it's good to know I'm on the right track and ensuring that my students hear diverse voices.

This underscores the importance of accounts that highlight the work of BIPOC in criminology! @BlackWomenCrim1 @TheBCNetwrk @LatCrim
You can follow @christinadejong.
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