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 spring 2024
- 24 January, 09:00-13:00 (Bergen Media City)
«Exploratory teaching about controversial topics», workshop with Læringslaben (Cecilie Boge and Kari Bjørgo Johnsen). - 22 February at 10:15-12:00 (Campus, UiB)
«Israel-Palestine in schools», with Solveig Moldrheim & Kjersti Gravelsæter Berg. - 6.-7. March (Solstrand Hotel & Bad)
«Exploratory teaching about controversial topics in school and teacher training», 2-day workshop at Solstrand. - 7.-8. May (Campus, UiB)
«Controversial topics and mediatization», 2-day workshop with Mia Lövheim and Ida Vikøren Andersen. - 25 June (OsloMet)
«Teaching in controversial topics», international conference with the Erasmus project ConCitizen. - September (Håheim Gård)
«Teaching about controversial topics in school and higher education», 2-day seminar. - November (Campus, UiB)
«Controversial topics and innovative learning activities», conference.