Final conference Woke and Resistance Project
Why is my curriculum so white?
National closing conference project Woke and Resistance, with Prof. Gloria Wekker
Increasingly, 'wokeness' plays a controversial role in scientific and social debate. Public opinion has moved towards a dismissive attitude (cancel culture). Internationally, especially in the United States, there are trends in which wokeness is seen as a threat to academic freedom. In this context, we want to share the knowledge we have gained at UvH in the Woke and Resistance project at a national final conference for students and staff in higher education and related organisations and especially those interested in and working in the field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and decolonisation of higher education.
Critical questions about the knowledge-theoretic basis of education prompted the Woke and Resistance project. Over the past two years, students and staff have tried to discover how they can work together as agonists (critical cooperatives) rather than as distrustful antagonists. Through active working methods in study afternoons, dialogue sessions, film evenings and workshops, they engaged in conversation, to translate abrasive issues into curriculum revision, taking into account various views on 'wokeness' and decolonisation of education.
On 7 June 2024, the project will conclude with a national final conference to discuss the returns. Prof. Gloria Wekker is keynote speaker. There are also interactive presentations and choice workshops in which we look back at what we have done and learned. Happy to reflect together on 'how to proceed next?'
Programme
09:45 - 10:15 Walk-in, coffee and tea
10:15 - 10:30 Welcome Joke van Saane (rector) and Caroline Suransky (project leader)
10:30 - 11:15 Keynote lecture and dialogue with Prof. Gloria Wekker
11:15 - 11:30 Coffee and tea
11:30 - 12:30 Presentation experiences and yields Woke and Resistance - Noortje Bot
12:30 - 13:15 Lunch (to be provided)
13:15 - 14:30 Choice of workshops
14:30 - 14:45 Coffee and tea
14:45 - 15:15 Closing - Caroline Suransky
Drinks afterwards
Optional workshops
Four different workshops will be held during the afternoon programme of the conference. As a visitor, you can participate in one of these workshops. You can register for one of the workshops below. There are about 20 places available per workshop.
Workshop 1: Emotion networks
What happens when a diverse group shares feelings about a cultural use or object and then explores them together? Using this question as a basis, 'emotion networking sessions' are organised. Participants are invited to exchange their feelings around a theme and discuss possible changes. Changes can happen because of something a participant says, or in response to new information. Such an 'inserted voice' can shed a whole new light on the theme. This workshop focuses on processes of decolonisation of education. These processes often trigger diverse emotions and reveal that the past and the present are inextricably linked. Emotion networking can bring new insights on dealing with the past in the present.
Workshop 2: Socratic and agonistic conversation management
In this workshop, we practice using socratic and agonistic forms of conversation. These conversation forms can initiate dialogue and abrasive conversations. Among other things, we will share our experiences on how, in a common space, different layers of the organisation - students, teachers and staff - can have low-threshold conversations about abrasive themes around decoloniality and 'woke culture'.
Workshop 3: Kaleidoscopia - Playing with diversity
The card game Kaleidoscopia brings people together in an in-depth conversation, about themselves, their history and social opportunities and limitations. The aim is to recognise and acknowledge diversity. The cards help to playfully discuss different axes of intersectionality to develop a colourful, kaleidoscopic perspective on the case discussed.
Workshop 4: What does decolonial education mean to you? (EN)
An online dialogue with students and staff of Stellenbosch University (South Africa) (please note, this workshop will be conducted in English). For this workshop, we make online contact with Stellenbosch University. We start with a brief reflection on an earlier online dialogue between Stellenbosch University and the University for Humanistic Studies. How do our colonial histories appear in our current everyday lives and in education? Guided by key questions, workshop participants will be invited to exchange, compare and contrast their own Global South and Global North experiences, ideas and questions about decolonizing (higher) education.
Dietary requirements
Vegetarian and vegan lunch is served. If you have other dietary requirements, send us an email.
Please register before 24 mei!
Register now
| Contact person | Brechje Meijers |
| Location | Room 1.40, University of Humanistic Studies, Kromme Nieuwegracht 29, Utrecht |
| wokeweerstand@uvh.nl | |
| Date | 7/6/2024 |
| Opening hours | 9.30-17.00 |
| Accessibility for the disabled | Please contact reception in advance via 030 2390100. |