Humanities 1:Layout 2 - University of Cape Town

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