ITAA Proceedings 2002 Special Topics

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© 2011, International Textile and Apparel Association, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ITAA Proceedings, #59 – www.itaaonline.org
2002 Proceedings New York, New York
Teaching Social Responsibility: Topics and Techniques
Coordinator: Leslie Davis Burns Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Marsha Dickson Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
Molly Eckman<BR< size font> Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA
Sharron Lennon Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Mary Littrell Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Keywords: social responsibility, teaching methods, manufacturers
Educators for Socially Responsible Apparel Business (ESRAB) sponsored a special topic session at the 2001 ITAA annual meeting on social responsibility in general. One of the themes that emerged during small group discussions at this session was the need for opportunities for members to share teaching strategies around social responsibility. As educators, we bring diverse perspectives to the teaching of social responsibility although we have common goals—to facilitate students' critical thinking and decision-making skills. In some cases, an overarching theme of a course may be social responsibility; in other cases, social responsibility may be embedded in course activities, discussions, or papers. Speakers presented a variety of teaching strategies. In each of the strategies, students gained an understanding of the complex nature of social responsibility and the need to examine multiple views to any topic. Detailed information about the specific teaching strategy can be obtained by contacting the individual.
Leslie Burns presented an overview of a position paper assignment that is part of an upper division global production and trade course. The purpose of the position paper was for the students to address an issue, a single point in question, or matter in dispute related to global production and trade in the textiles and apparel industry. The position paper states a claim and presents reasons why this claim is justified. Components of the position paper include claim, definitions, argument, counterclaim, and conclusion. Examples of topics/questions for the position paper include