Teaching Traumatic Themes: Art as an Entryway to Difficult Discussions

Steven S. Volk Friday, November 8, 2019, 1:30 pm The discussion over whether to put “trigger warnings” on syllabi or reading assignments to warn students of potentially traumatic course materials has generated considerable controversy—and no small amount of media ridicule. At the same time, instructors who teach deeply disturbing themes, often involving violence or cruelty, are aware that they are responsible for creating a learning environment that is both challenging and accessible to everyone, and they must therefore prepare students for difficult discussions so that learning can take place. In this talk, Steven S. Volk, Professor of History Emeritus, Oberlin College, Ohio, Founding Director (2007–2018), Center for Teaching Innovation and Excellence, Oberlin College, and Co-Director, Great Lakes Colleges Association Consortium for Teaching and Learning, suggests how art and material culture may be used during museum visits to provide productive entryways into these troubling but essential discussions. Generously sponsored by the Martin A. Ryerson Lectureship Fund and the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning.