Can Big Bird Fight Terrorism? A Conversation with Dr. Naomi A. Moland

  • January 26, 2022
  • 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Virtual

Registration is closed


Please join us for a book talk by Dr. Naomi A. Moland who will discuss her new book, Can Big Bird Fight Terrorism? Children’s Television and Globalized Multicultural Education. Sesame Street has taught generations of Americans, but the show has a global reach as well, with more than thirty co-productions that are viewed in over 150 countries. Can Big Bird Fight Terrorism? takes an in-depth look at the Nigerian version, Sesame Square. In addition to teaching preschool-level academic skills, Sesame Square seeks to promote peaceful coexistence – a daunting task in Nigeria, where escalating ethno-religious tensions and terrorism threaten to fracture the nation. After a year of interviewing Sesame Square creators, observing their production processes, conducting episode analysis, and talking to local educators who use the program in classrooms, Dr. Moland found that this child-focused use of soft power raised complex questions about how multicultural ideals translate into different settings. 

Dr. Moland is on the faculty of the School of International Service at American University. Her research and teaching focus on cultural globalization, international education, global media, and peace and conflict. In addition to her projects on international children's media, Moland is conducting research on the cultural dynamics of the global LGBTQ rights movement. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Comparative Education Review and Urban Education. Before coming to American University, Moland taught at Teachers College - Columbia University, Lang College - The New School, and in public elementary schools.

Please register to join the event. Zoom meeting details will be provided upon registration.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software