Academics | Barnard College
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Institutional Commitments

Academics

Promoting inclusive and anti-discriminatory learning through engaged pedagogy and diversity in educational content.

DEI FIT grants

  • The Barnard DEI Fund for Innovation in Teaching (DEI FIT) Grant, awarded by the Office of DEI, CEP, and the FDD, to enable the design of courses and projects that address antiracism and structures of power, with an expectation of interdisciplinarity. https://barnard.edu/fund-innovation-teaching

Institutional history

  • Studying institutional history provides valuable insights into the evolution of the college,  its values, successes, and challenges. By recognizing and learning from the accomplishments and contributions of those who came before, the college community can develop a deeper connection to its heritage and strengthen its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
     
  • In this spirit,The Zora Neale Hurston '28 Centennial Committee proposed an interdisciplinary, multi-year project marking the 100th anniversary of the enrollment and graduation of the pioneering alumna. This Centennial initiative celebrates and explores Black students' experiences at Barnard. Leveraging resources from academic departments, the DEI office, and archives, the project will create curriculum, seminars, research opportunities, scholarly events, community programs, partnerships, and exhibitions.
     

  • The Consortium for Critical Interdisciplinary Studies: Founded in 2009, the Consortium for Critical Interdisciplinary Studies (CCIS) brings together Africana Studies, American Studies and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS)to foster the in-depth critical study of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and nation. https://barnard.edu/ccis-brief-history

Foundations and Modes of Thinking

  • Foundations introduces a distinctive and forward-looking curriculum to Barnard students, offering a diverse and ambitious educational experience tailored to the ever-changing landscape. This innovative, rigorous, and adaptable program, equips Barnard students with essential skills for the future. Emphasizing technology, global perspectives, quantitative reasoning, and the exploration of social dynamics, Foundations enriches the existing course of study by delving into the local, historical, and societal aspects of learning. https://barnard.edu/provost/teaching-curriculum/foundations-curriculum
  1. Thinking Locally focuses on New York City, enabling students to grasp their role within the local context.
  2. Thinking through Global Inquiry broadens horizons by examining communities beyond their immediate setting.
  3. Thinking about Social Difference delves into the complexities of difference, power dynamics, and resource disparities.
  4. Thinking with Historical Perspective explores historical context's influence on the world.
  5. Thinking Quantitatively and Empirically introduces numerical and data analysis techniques for problem-solving.
  6. Thinking Technologically and Digitally embraces innovative learning in fields like computational science, coding, and digital arts.