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In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the fine line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation is not just an ethical imperative, it is a vital skill for navigating diverse professional, academic, and social landscapes. This dynamic, thought-provoking four-week course offers an in-depth exploration of cultural exchange, power dynamics, and respectful engagement with global traditions. Whether you're an educator, artist, business leader, activist, or simply someone passionate about equity and diversity, this course equips you with the critical tools to foster genuine cultural respect in both personal and professional contexts.

Relevance of the course

Cultural appropriation is more than a buzzword; it is a complex issue that intersects history, identity, economics, and systemic power structures. Missteps can lead to harm, misunderstanding, and the perpetuation of inequality. Conversely, authentic cultural appreciation can enrich relationships, inspire creativity, and build bridges across communities. This course isn’t about setting rigid rules, it is about cultivating awareness, empathy, and informed decision-making that honours the richness of global cultures while recognizing the historical contexts that shape them.

Who should attend

• Educators and academics seeking inclusive pedagogical practices.
• Artists, writers, and creatives navigating global influences.
• Corporate professionals and marketers aiming for ethical representation.
• Activists and community leaders advocating for social justice.
• Anyone committed to personal growth in diversity and inclusion.

Course dates and times

The time is the same for each of the dates, 6.00PM – 8.00PM

• Thursday 16/10/2025
• Thursday 23/10/2025
• Thursday 30/10/2025
• Thursday 06/11/2025

Location

The R.T.Jenkins (Lecture Room 3),

ÌìÌì³Ô¹Ï,
College Road,
Bangor
LL57 2DG

Course Features

• Engaging lectures blended with interactive discussions.
• Practical activities tailored to diverse professional and personal contexts.
• Case studies spanning art, education, business, media, and activism.
• Peer-to-peer learning in a supportive, reflective environment.

Significance Across Disciplines

This course is relevant to anyone navigating multicultural environments – whether designing marketing campaigns, curating art exhibitions, leading classrooms, developing policy, or engaging in global activism. Understanding cultural dynamics isn’t just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about cultivating deeper connections, fostering inclusive spaces, and contributing to a more equitable world.

What will you study on this course?

Week 1: Understanding Cultural Appropriation – Roots, Realities and Ramifications

• Defining cultural appropriation vs. Appreciation.
• Historical context: Colonialism, power dynamics, and cultural commodification.
• Case studies across fashion, music, media, and everyday life.
• Group discussion: Reflecting on personal experiences with culture.

Week 2: The Ethics of Cultural Exchange – Power, Privilege and Positionality

• Who has the right to represent who? Exploring issues of voice and agency.
• The role of privilege in cultural consumption and representation.
• When does cultural exchange become exploitation?
• Interactive activity: Analyzing real-world scenarios from various industries.

Week 3: Promoting Genuine Cultural Appreciation – Respectful Engagement in Practice

• Principles of cultural humility and active listening.
• Collaborating with cultural communities: Consent, credit, and context.
• Navigating complex situations: The grey areas of influence and adaptation.
• Workshop: Developing guidelines for ethical cultural engagement in your field.

Week 4: From Awareness to Action – Building Inclusive and Respectful Spaces

• Creating cultural competency frameworks in workplaces, classrooms, and creative projects.
• Strategies for allyship: Challenging appropriation when you see it.
• Reflective exercise: Personal action plans for ongoing learning and advocacy.
• Final task: Present a case study or initiative applying course principles.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Recognize the complexities surrounding cultural appropriation and appreciation.
• Develop critical thinking skills to analyse cultural dynamics in diverse contexts.
• Gain tools for ethical decision-making in creative, professional, and social spaces.
• Foster a mindset of cultural humility, continuous learning, and respectful dialogue.

There is no cost to this course.

To register your interest in this course, click the link below.