University of Cincinnati Honors students investigated the ways media messages created for children and youth socially construct meaning, particularly around areas of race, class, gender, region, identity, and sexuality.

As part of a UC honors course, students explored social justice topics (diversity, equity, and inclusion), child development, graphic design, museum studies, communication, and media studies. The University Honors Program (UHP) is committed to developing students into global citizen scholars who lead innovative efforts toward solving the world's complex problems. Students worked with Laura Dell and Sarah Schroeder from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH) and Nancy Jennings from the School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences (A&S).

Student work was inspired by contemporary artists such as Tai Shani who explore identity and justice in their work. With an application of design and learning theory, students developed this research-based exhibit aiming to influence the narrative of equity in society through the hearts and minds of youth with UC’s Next Lives Here core values of inclusion, innovation, and impact.

The student projects in the 6th Floor Community Gallery demonstrate a variety of interactive media exploration

Reception: Thursday, April 25th 3:00-5:00 PM.