Humanities 1:Layout 2 - University of Cape Town
Humanities 1:Layout 2 - University of Cape Town
Humanities 1:Layout 2 - University of Cape Town
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6<br />
Melissa Elizabeth Steyn<br />
Associate Pr<strong>of</strong>essor in the Department <strong>of</strong> Sociology and Institute for<br />
Inter-cultural and Diversity Studies in Southern Africa<br />
Melissa Steyn’s teaching is exemplary in two significant ways.<br />
First, it is exemplary <strong>of</strong> the idea that self- and social critique are central to both the values and<br />
practice <strong>of</strong> humanism and social justice. Her teaching practice is premised on an honest, attentive<br />
and rigorous encounter with the other, and a robust engagement with power. It is these values<br />
that Melissa Steyn embraces and models in her scholarly engagements with students. This is<br />
evident from her commitment to cultivating among her students what she calls “diversity literacy”:<br />
a necessary skill “in a world where mutuality across difference is indispensable”.<br />
Second, her work is exemplary <strong>of</strong> research-led teaching. Her students proudly confirm that they<br />
are centrally involved in every major research project she undertakes, giving them access to<br />
scholarships, rich and challenging learning experiences, and opportunities to publish their work<br />
locally and internationally.<br />
The students who nominated her for this award say: “Not only is her commitment to the growth and<br />
development <strong>of</strong> students legendary, but her manner <strong>of</strong> engagement transformed what academia<br />
means to us. [She is] not that l<strong>of</strong>ty ‘pr<strong>of</strong>essor’ who ‘pr<strong>of</strong>esses’ from on high, but someone who is in<br />
conversation with us”. They describe her as “a teacher…who touches your life” rather than<br />
someone who “simply imparts information” and as “one <strong>of</strong> the best this university has ever seen”.<br />
It is with great pleasure and appreciation that the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Town</strong> honours Melissa’s Steyn’s<br />
brilliance and commitment with a Distinguished Teachers Award.