Last year, the University of Southern California began offering a unique college course called '#SelfieClass,' which explores issues of identity and diversity. While selfies are often dismissed as shallow and narcissistic, professor Mark Marino sees the rise of selfies as a much more complicated phenomenon. As a result, Marino is inviting students to explore the subject in a new light.
The #SelfieClass is a writing course that tackles the complicated issues of identify and diversity within the context of selfies. Marino begins the course by inviting students to take five selfies and then write about how they perform their identity. This can include tackling subjects such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and even socioeconomic status. The idea is that framing the course within the context of selfies makes it easier for young students to discuss sensitive issues.
As social media increasingly shapes the lives of students, the University of Southern California demonstrates how colleges can adapt their material to make it more relatable for a new generation.
Selfie-Themed College Classes
USC's #SelfieClass Tackles Issues of Identity and Diversity
Trend Themes
1. Selfie Education - More educational institutions will integrate selfie and social media technology concepts in their curriculum to cater to the younger generation.
2. Identity-based Education - Courses that explore the issues of identity and diversity will become a popular trend across universities.
3. Contextual Learning - College courses that can frame complex issues within the context of popular culture will emerge as a fresh innovation in education.
Industry Implications
1. Education - The education industry will see a rise in creative course development that intersects trending topics with moral, ethical, and social issues.
2. Social Media - Social media companies could see more collaborations with academic institutions in the development of creative courses that explore the impact of social media on identity and diversity.
3. Technology - New technology will emerge to provide students with innovative and interactive ways to express themselves and connect with others, blurring the lines between learning and fun.