The interdisciplinary research group "Research and teaching on controversial issues" was founded in 2022, and servs as a forum for researchers working on questions perceived as emotional, sensitive, or conflicting. Across disciplines, we are dedicated to exploring how one can conduct research on topics that spark debate and disagreement in society. Central to our research are didactic perspectives on controversial issues and how controversial questions are addressed and managed in teaching, spanning both schools and higher education.
Examples of typical controversial issues include identity politics, cultural appropriation, and cancel culture. However, the perception of what is controversial is contextual, and what may seem trivial in one context can create intense discussion and strong emotions in another. Therefore, our interest in "controversial questions" encompasses a broad range of topics, methodological approaches, and theoretical perspectives.
Program for the research group fall 2024
- September 16, 09:00-15:00 (Lektorsenteret)
Anthology Workshop – Presentations from Contributors. - October 1, 10:00-16:00 (NLA, Kalfaret Campus)
KONSPIL Seminar on Exploratory Teaching. - November 6, 10:15-12:00 (UiB Campus)
Presentation of PhD Project (Marianne Sætre Amundsen) and chapter "Participants’ understandings of racism and factors which influenced them" (Christine Norheim). - December 9
Conference with Teachers – Exploratory Teaching on Controversial Issues. - December 10
December 10: Workshop on Memory Culture.